Toyota TS030 HYBRID – New LMP1 Race Car For 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours

Such is the circle of fortune. Just days after Peugeot‘s announcement of its exit from the Le Mans racing circuit, citing the racing program’ financial constraints as the cause, Toyota made a public statement today about the company’s entry to this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. To take part in the Le Mans Prototype 1 class will be two Toyota TS030 HYBRID. Developed by Toyota Racing, the TS030 will be the Japanese car maker’s third entry into the grueling endurance race, after its appearances with TS010 and TS020 back in the 1990s. But what will make the TS030 unique is its hybrid powerplant, the first in Le Mans. Featuring a new V8 3.4-litre engine pairing off with a “recovery system” capable of reclaiming energy when the vehicle brakes. Both TS030 HYBRID will debut on May 5th as Toyota participate in the 6-Hour of Spa-Francorchamps