In a remarkable display of innovation and perseverance, drivers Morizo and Masahiko Kondo brought the GR Corolla across the finish line after the grueling 24-hour endurance race. In its second year, the liquid hydrogen-powered Corolla completed 332 laps, covering nearly 1,515 kilometers. Despite encountering brake issues that prevented it from surpassing last year’s record of 358 laps (approximately 1,634 kilometers), the team celebrated significant advancements and valuable learnings.
Key achievements included meeting the goal of running 30 laps on a single hydrogen refill, surpassing last year’s average of 20 laps at the Super Taikyu Final at Fuji by a factor of 1.5. This milestone underscores the continuous improvement in hydrogen fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
The development team’s feedback reflected a mix of determination and frustration, with comments such as “Let’s go back to basics,” “We learned a lot,” and “We were very frustrated.” Yet, these challenges only fueled their resolve to innovate further.
Three standout innovations of the GR Corolla highlighted by Toyota Times News include improved hydrogen pump durability, the introduction of the world’s first elliptical hydrogen tank, and a CO2 capture device. These advancements represent significant strides in the development of hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The pace of development for this year’s race was intense, characterized by rapid trial and error up until the last moments before the event. Toyota’s groundbreaking participation in the race last year marked the world’s first attempt with a liquid hydrogen-powered vehicle, setting the stage for continued advancements under challenging conditions.
Chairman Akio Toyoda, known by his racing alias Morizo, inspired his team with a quote from Captain Kirk in Star Trek during this year’s New Year’s address: “Boldly go where no man has gone before.” This spirit of exploration and innovation was evident in the team’s relentless efforts despite the difficulties they faced.
Toyota Times News has closely followed the team’s journey, capturing their struggles and triumphs in detail. The endurance race of 2023 not only showcased the GR Corolla’s technological advancements but also highlighted the unyielding spirit of Toyota’s development team in pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.
