Later this year, Toyota will be entering their updated TS040 Hybrid to defend its two titles at the World Endurance Championship. The car made waves last year when it made Toyota the first ever Japanese company to win the championship. The Toyota Hybrid System – Racing powertrain found on the TS040 Hybrid utilises 2 electric motors to assist its naturally aspirated 3.7 litre V8 petrol engine to generate over 1000 hp.
Toyota is adding a few enhancements to the 2015 model. The most obvious would be the two aerodynamic packages their team has prepared, both of which will be tested at Paul Ricard this week.
The Le Mans option was designed to cope with the high-speed La Sarthe track while the sprint package generates higher levels of downforce due to revisions on the rear wing, engine cover and front bodywork.
The TS040 Hybrid now also comes with an improved crash structure and new suspension kinematics, the latter of which is aimed at improving the lifespan of the tires. Competing in the 6MJ category, Toyota expects the car to retain its top spot despite four LMP1 manufacturers presenting different technical approaches to their cars.
