This year's Le Mans 24 Hours marked the final race for the LMP1 era of top-level prototypes in the World Endurance Championship. And thus, it was the last race for Toyota’s TS050 machine. Toyota ultimately scored a 1-3 in the race, but before the event started they debuted the car that would replace the TS050 at Le Mans from next year onwards. And that car is the Toyota GT Super Sport.

A New Era For Le Mans

Why a Hypercar at Le Mans? Well, the new regulations in the WEC will see Hypercars from the top level of class in the championship and Le Mans. Aston Martin was due to use the Valkyrie before they pulled out to focus on Formula 1. When it comes to major car manufacturers, only Toyota has competed with an LMP1 prototype since 2018. What Toyota actually debuted was a GR Super Sport development car, as the hypercar rules dictate that a manufacturer must produce a minimum of 20 road cars, based on the race car, for it to be able to compete.

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Sporting a crazy camouflage that was on the GR Supra a couple of years ago, the aim is to ensure that these new hypercars are not much slower than the outgoing LMP1 prototypes that have been seen for the past few years. The WEC version of the cars will supposedly have 750bhp and weight 1100kg, and able to complete a hot lap of the Le Mans circuit in around 3min 15 seconds, which is about 12-15 seconds slower than what the current cars can do in qualifying trim.

A Hybrid Like Its Predecessor

via Car And Driver

The Toyota GT Super Sport will be a hybrid, so it will share many qualities in that regard to the TS050. In terms of its aesthetics, it's clear it's going to be a fantastic looking car. Although perhaps not with quite the same stunning looks as the TS050. That should give the Japanese company a head start, but non-hybrids will also be allowed. The Valkyrie was set to be powered by a Cosworth V12 engine before Aston Martin pulled out of the running.

Sources: YouTube, Motor1, Car And Driver

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