World-first Gathering Of Toyota’s Mighty Le Mans Cars At The 2014 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

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OneShift Editorial Team

27 Mar 2014

Toyota returned to Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012 with the TS030 Hybrid, a car which showcased how advanced hybrid power technology can successfully be applied to the highest levels of international motorsport. In two seasons of racing it garnered five pole positions and 10 podium finishes, including five race victories.

Toyota is still working to secure its elusive first Le Mans victory, and Toyota Racing has entered two of the new TS040 Hybrid cars for this year’s contest, as part of a full FIA World Endurance Championship campaign. The new car’s Festival of Speed debut will follow hard on its Le Mans debut over the weekend of 14 – 15 June.

There will also be a first festival appearance for Toyota Motorsport’s TMG EV P002, the mighty 470hp electric car. Race-prepared with help from Pikes Peak veteran Rod Millen, the open-cockpit car bettered the existing course best by more than two minutes, with Japanese driver Fumio Nutahara stopping the clock at 10:15.380.

Away from the hill climb, the festival’s rally stage will welcome the Imperial Toyota Hilux that netted a class victory and fourth place overall in this year’s Dakar Rally in South America, piloted by Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz.

These cars will be joined by more classics from Toyota’s long and successful race and rally heritage, entertaining the festival crowds on both the hill climb and rally course. Just as famous as the cars, some of the great names associated with Toyota international competition success will be taking the wheel, together with members of the current WEC squad.

More thoroughbred machinery will be on display in Toyota’s extensive festival pavilion, together with road-going and concept models that represent the latest in Toyota and Lexus design and technology. Further details will be announced in the lead up to the festival, which takes place in the grounds of Goodwood House, Sussex, from 26 to 29 June.

Credits: Oneshift News Team