Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s performance division, has just unveiled its latest race car: the GR LH2 Racing Concept, a track beast powered by liquid hydrogen.
The prototype was revealed during the world-famous 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
A Matter of Image
Toyota is a global leader in electrification, having built a solid reputation with models like the Prius and the RAV4 Prime. The Japanese automaker is also one of the few in the world to offer a hydrogen-powered production vehicle—the Mirai, in case you’re not familiar. Now, Toyota has decided it’s time to extend its influence in the hydrogen segment by introducing a hydrogen-powered race car.
A Different Strategy
Unlike the Mirai, which uses a fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction, the Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept is powered by a combustion engine that burns liquid hydrogen as fuel.
For now, this is still just a concept, but Toyota has every intention of transforming the GR LH2 into a working prototype capable of track testing in the near future. The company is particularly committed to making motorsports more environmentally friendly. In fact, Toyota has already conducted early tests using a Corolla that runs on a similar type of technology.
The Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept is based on the same platform as the GR010 Hybrid hypercar. The timing of the reveal was no accident—Toyota is celebrating its 40th year of participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
An Alternative Solution
Toyota has long been more cautious than other automakers when it comes to full electrification. As such, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the company pursue this kind of technology for a future production model. However, significant challenges remain—especially in terms of safety and the storage of liquid hydrogen.
It’s not uncommon for breakthrough technologies to debut in the world of motorsport before eventually making their way into mass-produced vehicles. Regardless of what the future holds, the Toyota GR LH2 Racing Concept is an undeniably impressive machine.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
