Japanese automobile manufacturer, Toyota Motor Corp. recently announced that it will be returning to the global Le Mans racing circuit in 2012. Le Mans Series (LMS) is a European sports car racing that is carried out by Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). Toyota will mark its return to the international racing event with Le Mans by making green technology a part of its cars.
Toyota has reportedly taken the decision as the company experienced heavy loss to the tune of $4.4 billion that is the company's first annual net loss since 1950. Considering the increasing awareness of green technology engineering and its relevance, Toyota has decided to use it during the French auto race.
Discussing about the upcoming prestigious race, Toyota Motorsport Chairman, Tadashi Yamashina stated, “We have competed in Le Mans before, but by using our hybrid technology, our participation in 2012 will be completely new.” Furthermore, boosting about their hybrid technology, Yamashina added, “We want to make history in the Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as in the FIA World Endurance Championship, through use of our hybrid technology. In addition, we aim to learn from the experience of competing in such a challenging motorsport environment to enhance our production-car technology.”
The 80th Le Mans Series is expected to be held during June 2012 and the major automobile giants participating in the race are Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Mazda, Porsche and Jaguar. Toyota will be participating with a car based on a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. The prototype LMP1 chassis is being designed by Toyota engineers in Japan. According to reports, the car will be showcased around the year end and during 2012, it will undergo stringent testing. The company has not revealed details about its team and said that announcements regarding the driver and official name of the team will be made soon.
