Toyota Racing is making history this weekend at Le Mans 24 Hours by racing with two hybrid-powered cars set to compete in the elite LMP1 class and using a new powertrain developed specifically for motorsport.
A Denso rear hybrid motor has been fitted within the gearbox casing, and the car uses regenerative braking with energy stored until needed, for example as an extra boost on the exit from corners.
The TS030 hybrid chassis was developed and made at Toyota Motorsport in Cologne, Germany and has completed 18 test days. Toyota said that despite the challenges of optimising such new technology, progress has been rapid.
A pair of highly desirable Ford GT40s, a car famed for its Le Mans victories, are up for sale. The notorious model, which found glory at the Le Mans 24 hours (which happens on June 16-17 this year), and later in Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans, will be available to buy – for the right price – at an auction in California this August.
Nissan has made its compact city car, the Pixo, more London-friendly as it cuts emissions to sub-100g/km making it congestion-charge exempt. The car, priced from £7250, has dropped its emissions by 5g to 99g/km CO2 through changes to the engine tune and aerodynamic improvements, and there’s also new paint colours and a revised interior.
Companies that fail to pass on the benefits of falling oil prices to motorists at the pump are being targeted by the government. Under plans being considered, oil firms that profiteer from decreasing prices would be named and shamed, reported The Sunday Times.
The hotly anticipated new Focus ST will be the first global performance Ford, set to go on sale in 40 countries.
