A major step forward in the collaboration between the MissionH24 programme and Toyota Racing was revealed at a Saturday afternoon press conference at the Fuji Speedway, hosted by ACO President Pierre Fillon, with senior representatives from both MissionH24 and Toyota Racing.
After recent collaborations on cooling and aerodynamics, a new agreement to supply a hydrogen combustion engine for MissionH24’s future prototype has now been added to the mix, with the forthcoming H24EVO set to feature enhanced performance and zero CO2 emissions.
Launched in 2018 as a collaborative programme between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and H24Project to promote hydrogen in racing, the initiative, through several peaks and troughs, has reached a significant stage in its development.
After the original LMPH2G technology demonstrator and the short-lived H24 car, both of which used gaseous hydrogen and fuel cells, the H24EVO will pick up the baton with a more traditional combustion engine fuelled by tanks storing liquid hydrogen, with the powertrain including a Fortescue Zero-developed hybrid drive system.
The Toyota Racing engine bound for the H24EVO, is based on a 3.5-litre V6 developed specifically for motorsport. When paired with the prototype’s hybrid system, it is expected to deliver a maximum power output of 650 kW, significantly boosting the H24EVO’s performance and bringing it closer to LMP2 performance levels, a significant step up from the LMGT3 performance level targeted by its predecessors.
Pierre Fillon made clear that the ambition to develop the next round of top-class prototype regulations around a ruleset that would see conventionally-powered Hypercars compete head-to-head with H2-fuelled cars remains firm.
The intention is still to offer a pathway for Hydrogen-fuelled efforts to join a top class at Le Mans from the planned start of the next ruleset in 2030.
“This new collaboration between MissionH24 and Toyota Racing reflects our respective commitments, shared by all MissionH24’s partners, to successfully achieve the energy transition. Hydrogen is one of the solutions for decarbonising mobility,” Fillon said.
“This pioneering programme involves various phases. We stated this from the very beginning, hence the name ‘MissionH24’, because while we know our goal, we do not necessarily know every step we will need to take to get there. Gaseous and liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and engines all offer opportunities for hydrogen storage and utilisation. Toyota’s support demonstrates MissionH24’s determination and ambition.”
Kazuki Nakajima, the vice chairman of Toyota Racing GmbH, added: “This is an important milestone for Toyota Racing since our mission is the continuous pursuit of the possibilities for combustion engine development, including hydrogen technology, and to deliver its potential to a wider range of stakeholders.
“This is a great step for the future after the demonstration of the TR LH2 Racing Prototype back in Le Mans in June, and I’m grateful to see the expansion of hydrogen technology possibilities.”
Jean-Michel Bouresche, CEO of H24Project and co-president of MissionH24, believes that Toyota’s expanded partnership adds further credibility to the project.
“I am delighted that, via Toyota Racing, the world’s leading car manufacturer and a long-standing pioneer in hydrogen technology, is stepping up its commitment to MissionH24 by supplying its hydrogen combustion engine for the H24EVO. This sends a powerful signal to all stakeholders in the hydrogen sector and to all MissionH24 partners,” he said.
“Using Toyota Racing’s engine will allow us to reach a major milestone. It is a source of great satisfaction and immense motivation for all our partners and the entire MissionH24 team.”
Bassel Aslan, the technical director of MissionH24, confirmed that work is already underway to integrate the engine into the H24EVO chassis.
“This work includes, in particular, designing the mechanical interfaces between the engine, chassis, and gearbox; and defining the communication architecture, electrical interfaces, controls, and associated software requirements,” he said.
This engine also offers high efficiency, a key asset for optimising the use of onboard liquid hydrogen and, consequently, the vehicle’s range, which is a major advantage in endurance racing.”
Significantly more detail will be added in the coming days.
