Toyota Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans for the Fifth Year in a Row

The iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race is nearly a century old. First starting in 1923, this is the oldest active endurance event in the world.

This brutal race is won by which cars and teams can drive the furthest in the 24 hours. In order to win this race, one must have a dependable car that can withstand the drive with as few pit stops as possible and not break down.

Even though Toyota has only been in the race since 2012, the Japanese car manufacturer has secured five straight Le Mans victories. Not only that, but in 2022, second place also went to Toyota.

There is much that can be learned from these top performing Toyota vehicles. The technology that enables these cars to win high-profile races is also integrated into the everyday car.

Let’s examine what makes these cars exceptional and how these racing innovations are applied to what is displayed on the market.

Fuel-Efficiency

One of the keys to winning Le Mans is having a car that efficiently uses its fuel. Both of these top performing Toyota vehicles were hybrids and have mastered this feat.

By using a combination of electricity and fuel to power the winning #8 Toyota GR010-Hybrid, there was no need for the team to make frequent pit stops. This allowed for them to spend more time racing and get ahead of the competition.

This quality is also found in Toyota’s commercial vehicles. They have an extensive line-up of hybrid vehicles that utilize this same technology.

Take for example the Toyota Prius Prime. This hybrid vehicle is able to reach an average of 133 miles per gallon when utilizing both gasoline and electricity.

Another innovation that Le Mans brings out to aid in fuel efficiency is the improved aerodynamics of a car.

If the car faces less air resistance, then it needs less power in order to move forward, which ultimately conserves more fuel. The engineers at Toyota incorporate these aerodynamic features into each car model with design traits such as smooth underbellies and flush windshields.

Toyota continues to implement new ideas and methods that improve the fuel economy of their cars, no matter their use. A car this dedicated to fuel efficiency would save you trips to the gas station and help you get the most out of each gallon.

Reliability

24 Hours of Le Mans is known for having crashes and car breakdowns throughout the race. However, the worst that the Toyota Gazoo Racing teams had to deal with was the second place team needing to restart the hybrid system at 16 hours. Other than this minor setback, these cars ran perfectly fine.

This ability to not break down in high stress environments under continuous use is a testament to the engineering behind the vehicle. And this engineering is carried over into your car as well.

Toyota has a reputation for reliability. These cars are known to run well for years on end and have fewer mechanical issues compared to other brands, which can be seen in these races.

Another interesting consideration when it comes to the race of Le Mans is its course. This endurance event takes place on roads that are open to the public year-round. Because of this, the course is not as well maintained as a race-specific track would be.

Therefore, another qualification of a winning car is being able to handle the stress of the road while racing at high speeds. These top performing Toyota vehicles do just that.

Quality suspension, brakes, and tires are all necessary components for success on this course. These are also traits needed to conquer the everyday commute.

It should also be of note that Toyota is known for tailoring its cars to the regions it will be operating in. American versions differ from those on the Japanese market because the conditions in which the vehicles will be used are different.

This tailoring of the of vehicle helps it to be the best it can where it is. This car manufacturer takes pride in what it designs both for racing and everyday use.

Top Performing Toyota Vehicles are Affordable

With all the great assets of a racing vehicle being put into a car for commercial sale, you probably think these cars are far outside your budget. The wonderful news is that Toyota vehicles are quite affordable.

Sedans like the Camry or Prius are fairly priced and perfect for the typical commuter. If you wish to take the route of leasing, there are great financing options.

There is also a great selection of Toyota used cars.

This is a company that is always innovating yet retains those main ideas that have continually provided consistency. These cars always strive for great fuel-economy and this quality can be found no matter the year of make. The aerodynamics of these vehicles is only improving with time.

The longevity of a Toyota can both be anecdotally attested to and shown in how many of these vehicles continue to run for years. This is a brand known for its years of dependability.

Le Mans is just proof of how long these cars can run and still find themselves with very few, if any, issues. And what problems do arise are quickly and easily resolved.

These are amazing vehicles that have incredible technological features and are found in an affordable price range, whether it is new or used.

Find Your Next Car

The 24 Hours of Le Mans showcases the skillful engineering that goes into making a top performing Toyota vehicle. These are cars that employ great technology yet still remain quite affordable, especially if you’re saving on gas.

Find your new car and see for yourself what makes Toyota a five-time Le Mans winner. You won’t be disappointed.