Toyota is known for pioneering the hybrid market with its Toyota Prius family. So, what's next for the world's leading producer of hybrid vehicles? The answer is simple: racing! Toyota will be entering two game-changing hybrid models into this year's Le Mans race- a pair of TS030 HYBRIDs. The "TS" is the shortened form of "Toyota Sport," and the hybrids will be the first of their kind used in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 24-hour-long Le Mans race is one of the world's oldest endurance sports car races and is known for testing the limits of participating vehicles. As Michael Vauughan, of Autos.CTV.ca explains, "Over the 24 hours top competitors will cover more than 5,000 km; that's six times longer than the Indianapolis 500 and about 18 times longer than a Formula One Grand Prix."¹

So, does Toyota have a chance? Well, we can tell you that diesel vehicles have been winning the race for years, and it's well-known that it's nearly impossible to win the race with a new car. However, winning doesn't really seem to be the brand's goal. In a recent statement, Yoshiki Kinoshita, Toyota Racing Team President states, "Our target this year is to show the performance level of our car and in particular the THS-R powertrain. Hybrid is a core technology of Toyota, so it is important to demonstrate this in a motorsport arena."²

Passport Toyota will keep an eye on the new Toyota hybrid race car and let you know how it fares in the race. In the meantime, why not check out the newest hybrid from Toyota, the Toyota Prius c, and let us know what you think! When you're ready for a test drive, be sure to stop by and see us. Located at 5050 Auth Way, we're easy to find.

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