GranTurismo

Make
Maserati
Segment
Coupe

This year's 24 Hours of Le Mans will be dominated by diesel engines and if Toyota has their way, a new hybrid race car. Toyota UK PR boss Scott Brownlee has tweeted the first photos of the hybrid-electric prototype that is all set to compete in the top-tier LMP1 class. There are no details to speak of in regards to the powertrain, but a generous hybrid drivetrain is expected to add power and also supplement power via regenerative braking so the car can travel further with fewer pit stops.

This is a strategy the diesels from Audi and Peugeot have recently implemented to perfection resulting in top podium spots in the endurance race. ORECA Racing will be running Toyota's racing operation and given it has achieved a first place finish in every category it has ever competed in during its 35 years racing at Le Mans, the Japanese automaker must be anticipating a successful season. The three-man team piloting the new hybrid racer will be 2009 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Alex Wurz, former F1 racer Kaxuki Nakakima, and last year's 12 Hour of Sebring winner Nicolas Lapierra.