Competition: a powerful lever for Toyota in the field of alternative energies

As part of its road show on the Dreux circuit, the Japanese manufacturer is making full use of the leverage provided by motor racing. It’s a test bed for progress and for preparing the technologies of tomorrow. 

The tone is set from the outset for guests present at the Dreux circuit, where Toyota has organised a road show that is unique in the world. In the conference room, it was emphasised that competition makes it possible to go beyond the limits (“break it”, “fix it”). And while there were no plans to break anything, the manufacturer did not hesitate to show the extent of its approach on the track and over the bumps: from synthetic fuels to hydrogen. The vehicles ran and demonstrated their qualities.

And that is what this road show is all about. 

While our jaunt in the Dakar Hilux was a highlight, we were more surprised by the manoeuvrability and roadholding of the Lexus ROV buggy. The engine burns hydrogen directly. The range is only a few kilometres, as storage is not really adequate for this type of vehicle. However, it has been studied on the Yaris GR H2 concept, and is planned from the design stage for the Le Mans 24-hour race car. The GR H2 Racing Concept does not run on track, but it is very pleasing to the eye. And it adds a touch of modernity. 

The H24 EVO is not outdone

The same can be said of the H24 EVO from the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and H24 Racing, exhibited in a lodge dedicated to hydrogen. This third-generation prototype is much more appealing than the H24. 

With a whole range of vehicles, from buggies to pick-ups to Le Mans 24-hour race cars (a hybrid car is on the road in Dreux), Toyota is showing that it is on all fronts. And it is exploring several technologies through the WEC, the WRC and the Dakar. In competition, Toyota tends to choose the combustion engine rather than the fuel cell.

“Competition helps us to make progress in terms of quality and safety,” says Cédric Borremans, Toyota Motor Europe’s Head of the Olympic and Paralympic Division. “It’s also a test bed for the subsequent development of our production models.”

Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Logan King 

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