Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division has unveiled the GR H2 Racing Concept, a hydrogen-powered race car designed to compete in the new hydrogen car category of the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race. While specific specifications have not been disclosed by the automaker, the concept holds the promise of being an emissions-free vehicle, allowing for more racing time and less time spent recharging.
Although Toyota has not confirmed when a race-ready version of the GR H2 will hit the track, it is built with future competition in mind, suggesting that the concept may undergo further refinements before its debut at Le Mans.
Toyota has already demonstrated its commitment to low- and zero-emissions motorsports. The brand has been participating in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series with a hydrogen engine Corolla since 2021, and its GR010 hybrid hypercar secured the top two overall podium positions at last year’s Le Mans. The GR H2, a purpose-built hydrogen car, aligns with the company’s strategic approach in this area.
The timing of the announcement is notable as Toyota is undergoing a shift in focus towards electric vehicles (EVs) after previously favoring hybrids and hydrogen-powered cars. With new CEO Koji Sato aiming to maintain hydrogen as a “viable option,” the GR H2 may serve as an indication of how Toyota plans to navigate this challenge. The company can continue using hydrogen in sectors that prioritize quick refueling, such as racing and trucking, while simultaneously pursuing the passenger car market’s demand for EVs like the bZ4X and Lexus RZ.
