Toyota TS040 Hybrid teased

Toyota has offered a first glimpse of its TS040 Hybrid, the race car that’ll be competing in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

A major change compared to the TS030 Hybrid it replaces is the adoption of all-wheel drive. As well as a V8 petrol engine and Denso motor / generator that drive the rear wheels, the front axle now boasts its own Aisin AW hybrid system. Both units harvest braking energy and provide additional stopping capability, plus of course they also give extra power under acceleration.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid LMP1 2014 Front

To comply with the revised series regulations, Toyota Motorsport has fitted a suite of safety features including wheel tethers and a strengthened rear crash box. The aerodynamics have also been modified and the TS040 is ten centimetres narrower than its predecessor.

For 2014 Toyota is once again entering two cars in the WEC. The driver line-up of Alex Wurz, Nicolas Lapiere, Kazuki Nakajima, Anthony Davidson, Sébastien Buemi and Stéphane Sarrazin remains the same, while Mike Conway assumes test and reserve driver duties.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid LMP1 2014 Front Side X-Ray

Further details about the TS040 will be released ahead of the first official WEC test session, which is scheduled for the end of March.

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2013 Toyota TS030 Hybrid

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