Toyota has taken the wraps off its updated TS050 Hybrid LMP1 racer ahead of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The car will run with a new 2.4 litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine in the eight megajoule category of the LMP1 hybrid sub-class.
The 2017 season marks Toyota's sixth year at the top level of endurance racing, with the team stating a clear aim of winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans after falling agonisingly short last season.
A new cylinder block, cylinder head, and enhanced development of the combustion chamber to optimise thermal efficiency highlight the other improvements made to last year's model.
“Although the TS050 Hybrid shares the same name as the 2016 car, its performance has been greatly improved by reviewing the powertrain and enhancing efficiency in all areas," said LMP1 project team leader Histake Murata.
"The team in Higashi-Fuji has worked ceaselessly since Le Mans last year to develop a powertrain which will deliver performance over one lap and over a full race distance, enabling us to compete at the front."
"This has resulted in a new engine, plus modifications to the motor generator units and battery. The first results are very encouraging but we will continue to fine-tune so we are ready.”
Toyota will field three cars at Le Mans, with Technical Director Pascal Vasselon stating two main factors influencing the decision.
"In 2014 and 2016 we had the performance to win Le Mans," said Vasselon, "but we either had incidents or mechanical issues that prevented us from winning each time."
"That gave us no doubt about the interest for a third car."
"Furthermore, the freezing of the LMP1 regulations until 2019 also contributed to our decision, with the frozen monocoque development opening up the resources to produce the third car."
It is understood that Toyota's third car will run in the low-downforce Le Mans aero kit at the 6 Hours of Spa, whilst the two full-season entries will run in high-downforce configuration at every race bar the 24 hours.
View photos of the new TS050 Hybrid below.​
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