Toyota has refreshed the GR010 Hybrid for the 2023 Endurance Championship season, including the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 2023 World Endurance Championship season will officially kick off on March 11-12, with an official Test Prologue, followed on March 17 by the Sebring 1000 Miles. And just a few days before it officially kicks off, Toyota has unveiled the refreshed version of the GR010 Hybrid.
The Toyota GR010 Hybrid was the first hypercar to appear in January 2021 and this year it will have regular competitors such as Peugeot and Glickenhaus, and vehicles from Cadillac, Ferrari, Porsche and Vanwall for a total of 13 vehicles, although they are expected to be even more so for the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Toyota renews the GR010 Hybrid for the 2023 season of the Endurance Championship
Thus, as it did in 2022, the GR010 Hybrid has undergone a program of slight modifications in key areas to optimize reliability and efficiency. Improvements focus on the powertrain and bodywork, as well as a reduction in vehicle weight.
The mechanics is made up of a 3.5-liter combustion engine and 707 CV of power that is accompanied by a 200 kW (272 CV) electric motor. This propulsion system receives a series of specific adjustments to improve its performance on the race track.
However, the most visible changes are those located in the bodywork. New aerodynamic elements have been installed at the front ends and a smaller plate at the end of the rear wing to improve handling and aerodynamic consistency.
On the other hand, the brake cooling area has been optimized with new ventilation grilles in front and behind, in addition to modifying the arrangement of the front headlights to optimize visibility at night.
Another notable aspect is the weight reduction program to which the Toyota GR010 Hybrid 2023 has been subjected with the aim of not exceeding the global minimum of 1,040 kilos that the regulations allow.
This year, Toyota will again use renewable biofuel developed from agricultural material that reduces CO2 emissions by at least 65%. Also, this year preheating of the tires is no longer allowed, so Michelin has introduced a new range of tire compounds that allow you to reach maximum operating temperature quickly.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing team will consist of drivers Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and José María ‘Pechito’ López for the number 7 car; while Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa will share the number 8 car.
PS: Toyota GR010 Hybrid
EN: Toyota Gazoo Racing, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hypercar
