Toyota is certainly no rookie in the World Endurance Championship; in fact, it has won seven Constructors’ titles since its debut, taking home the world championship each year from 2018 to 2024.
Beaten by Ferrari last year, Toyota is not giving up and is unveiling the TR010 in 2026, aiming to return to the top of the standings for the upcoming season. Presented in 2021 as the WEC’s first Hypercar, the GR010 has now evolved into the TR010.
The goal is the same for all competitors: to win. And in order to arrive at the top of the standings, Toyota has decided to change its name, team, and aerodynamics, while keeping the same engine that has never disappointed.
“Toyota’s job is to make evolutions come true.” As declared by the technical director of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, in view of the modifications to the 2023 GR010. And Toyota’s mission doesn’t change, the Japanese manufacturer remains with the same car, it only evolves.
Its history
The story of Toyota’s GR010 Hybrid began in 2018, the year the FIA and ACO introduced the new LMH regulation to replace the LMP1. To continue competing in the World Endurance Championship, Toyota complied with the regulations and presented a road-going prototype, the GR Super Sport. This car was then developed to be raced on track under the LMH regulations.
In 2020, the prototype was completed and taken to the Paul Ricard circuit, driven by Sebastian Buemi, Mike Conway, Brendon Hartley, and José María López.
In 2026, Toyota bid farewell to the GR010 and welcomed the TR010 Hybrid, its latest vehicle, which represents a new starting point for the Japanese constructor. With this new name, Toyota separated from Gazoo Racing, which will focus on other championships, including the WRC, thus becoming Toyota Racing. Definitely separating from the team with which, in the WEC, they’ve won 13 titles over the years, between drivers and manufacturers.
The drivers
The drivers for 2026 remain the same, with Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Nyck De Vries confirmed in the number 7 car. Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa remain in the number 8 car.
The engine
The GR010 HYBRID was a completely new car compared to the LMP1 TS050 Hybrid, although it had a similar engine: a V-6. However, this had a displacement of 3,500cc compared to the old 2,400cc, producing 680 hp and a new 7-speed transmission. This engine remained unchanged for 2026.
The hybrid system, mounted on the front axle, as expected by the regulations, also remains the same. Developed by Aisin and Denso, the Higashi-Fuji technical center, it delivers 277 hp and features a battery charging system that occurs during braking, provided by a brake-by-wire system with a high-power TOYOTA lithium-ion battery. The rear brake system is a hydraulic system, different from that of the LMP1.
Shapes and chassis
The chassis, designed in Cologne, Germany, has undergone an evolution for 2026, with modifications to the front and rear bodywork. The car is assembled and completed in Cologne (Toyota Racing GmbH) before hitting the tracks of the World Endurance Championship.
The modifications for 2026 therefore focused on aerodynamics and weight management (1040 kg subject to BOP). The aerodynamic modifications were made to achieve better aerodynamic balance using the Joker Evo. These include modifications to the front, where we notice a thinner and less pointed nose. The side panels have been reshaped to manage airflow and stability. The rear features a new, centrally curved wing, with new side bulkheads and modifications to the air intakes to improve cooling.
The livery
Toyota is saying goodbye to black and going white and red for 2026 and, like Ferrari, paying homage to its history with the colors of the 1998 Toyota GT-One.
