2024 Toyota Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition

• TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) introduces the "Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition" concept vehicle as a tribute to the Le Mans race.

• The concept vehicle is based on the latest-generation Toyota Prius and showcases exclusive wheels and performance aerodynamic parts inspired by TGR's GR010 HYBRID.

• The "Japan. Endless Discovery." joint exhibit celebrates the centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours race and highlights advancements in vehicle electrification, hydrogen energy, and carbon-neutral fuels.

• The exhibit features captivating manga illustrations by artist Masahito Soda, representing Japan's landscapes, culture, and the Le Mans history of Mazda and Toyota.

• Mazda, in 1991, became the first Japanese car manufacturer to win the overall title at Le Mans, while TGR maintains a winning streak in the competition.

• TGR has been refining hybrid systems through participation in Le Mans and other WEC races since 2012, with the knowledge gained benefiting production vehicles like the Prius.

• The "Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition" concept vehicle will be displayed at the WEC's Round 6, the 6 Hours of Fuji endurance race, and other notable events.

• TGR's efforts align with the pursuit of a sustainable mobility society, aiming to develop ever-better cars derived from motorsports expertise.

• The concept vehicle symbolizes gratitude toward Le Mans and France's Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the race organizer.

• The exhibit emphasizes the collaborative achievements of Japanese automakers in motorsports, showcasing their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) proudly presents the “Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition” concept vehicle at the exclusive “Japan. Endless Discovery.” joint exhibit. This remarkable event, hosted by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda), and TGR, takes place at the prestigious Manufacturers’ Village to commemorate the centenary of the Le Mans 24 Hours race in France. Embodying the spirit of Le Mans, this concept vehicle pays homage to the illustrious race.

“Japan. Endless Discovery.” represents a collaborative initiative between JNTO, Mazda, and TGR. Mazda, in 1991, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Japanese car manufacturer to claim the overall title at Le Mans. TGR, the sole Japanese automaker currently competing in Le Mans and enjoying an impressive five-year winning streak, showcases the advancements made by Japanese automakers in motorsports, including Le Mans. The exhibit also highlights the pursuit of carbon-neutral solutions such as vehicle electrification, hydrogen energy, and the utilization of carbon-neutral fuels, in support of achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly society.

To capture the essence of Japan’s landscapes, culture, and the Le Mans history of Mazda and Toyota, the exhibit features captivating Japanese manga illustrations by renowned artist Masahito Soda*. These manga art pieces, inspired by motorsports and the popular capeta series, serve as engaging visual representations.

At this momentous exhibition, TGR unveils the world’s first “Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition” concept vehicle. This extraordinary creation, based on the latest-generation Toyota Prius, expresses deep appreciation to Le Mans and France’s esteemed Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the race organizer. Boasting exceptional driving performance, the concept vehicle features exclusive wheels and performance aerodynamic parts inspired by TGR’s victorious GR010 HYBRID in the WEC competition. The vehicle will be showcased at the forthcoming WEC’s Round 6, the 6 Hours of Fuji endurance race, along with other notable events.

TGR has been continuously refining hybrid systems through participation in Le Mans and various WEC races since 2012. The invaluable knowledge acquired during these endeavors has been instrumental in enhancing production vehicles like the iconic Prius, symbolizing Toyota’s pioneering hybrid technology. TGR remains committed to advancing technologies that pave the way for a sustainable mobility society, striving to deliver ever-improved, race-bred automobiles.

Source