2014 Toyota TS040 Hybrid revealed

Competing in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship will be a pair of Toyota TS040 Hybrid prototypes that each boasts 986 bhp (736 kW / 1,000 PS).

52% of that output comes from a 3.7 litre V8 petrol engine, while the remainder is provided by the hybrid system. It comprises a motor-generator for each axle that harvests energy under braking which is then released when accelerating, thus temporarily making the TS040 Hybrid all-wheel drive.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid LMP1 2014 Front Side

The cars have been built according to the latest LMP1 regulations and so there are some significant differences compared to the old TS030 Hybrid. For example, they’re slightly narrower, their aerodynamics have been tweaked, more safety devices are fitted and fuel economy is better.

Toyota’s driver squad remains the same as last year. Kazuki Nakajima, Stéphane Sarrazin and Alex Wurz are assigned to the #7 TS040 Hybrid, while Sébastien Buemi, Anthony Davidson and Nicolas Lapiere will be sharing the #8 entry. Additionally, Mike Conway has been recruited for test and reserve driver duties.

Toyota TS040 Hybrid LMP1 2014 Side

The eight-round 2014 WEC begins with the Six Hours of Silverstone on the 20th of April.

Related posts:
2014 Porsche 919 Hybrid LMP1
2014 Audi R18 e-tron quattro first view

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