Expansion in Energy Sources - Collaboration Among Industries at Suzuka's Kickoff Event
In a significant move towards a carbon-neutral future, Toyota's hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuel projects in the Super Taikyu Series are gaining momentum. On March 18, at Suzuka Circuit, Toyota's new president, Koji Sato, outlined his reasons for continuing the challenge.
The emphasis on efforts that span the entire supply chain has attracted more like-minded partners, resulting in a partnership of 39 companies. Toyota's hydrogen and carbon-neutral fuel projects in the Super Taikyu Series are making significant progress with ongoing development and racing activities focused on hydrogen engines and low-carbon fuels.
For the 2025 season, Toyota is competing with two key vehicles: the #32 TGRR GR Yaris DAT, developed with Nürburgring specifications, and the #28 TGRR GR86 Future FR Concept, which runs on low-carbon gasoline blended with about 20% bioethanol produced by ENEOS Corporation.
Toyota has advanced its liquid hydrogen engine technology as part of the GR Corolla project. In 2025, the hydrogen-powered Corolla completed a 468-lap (approx. 2,135 km) run in the Super Taikyu Series, marking a leap in development thanks to improvements in hydrogen pump durability and a new elliptical hydrogen tank that increases the car's refueling range per stop by 50%. As a result, the hydrogen-powered Corolla finished mid-field in the ST-5 class, demonstrating competitive performance against gasoline-powered cars.
Looking ahead, Toyota's goals include pushing hydrogen combustion engine technology towards carbon neutrality through motorsports, using the Super Taikyu Series as a platform to develop and prove sustainable vehicle technologies. The company pursues a "multi-pathway approach," simultaneously developing hydrogen engines, low-carbon fuels, and hybrid technologies to meet future carbon neutrality targets.
Collaboration is a key part of Toyota's projects. Toyota works closely with ENEOS Corporation for the supply of low-carbon fuels like the bioethanol-blended gasoline. Additionally, Toyota is engaged with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the governing body of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, collaborating on the development of hydrogen fuel cell race cars such as the Mission H24 Concept.
Toyota's resolve to continue developing hydrogen-powered engines is driven by the belief that purposeful passion and action are necessary for achieving carbon neutrality. Since last year, Toyota has also been pursuing options for carbon-neutral fuels in addition to hydrogen. President Sato believes that considering the entire energy supply chain is even more crucial than automotive technology for achieving a decarbonized society.
This season, Toyota's hydrogen team is switching from gaseous to liquid hydrogen. Meanwhile, Mazda's Spirit Racing Mazda3 Bio concept will race on a bio-based diesel fuel. Automotive component makers are using the Super Taikyu race to develop parts that contribute to sustainability and carbon neutrality. Super Taikyu is a platform for wide-ranging efforts aimed at advancing automotive technologies toward mass production.
President Sato emphasizes the importance of continuing to work closely with partners who share Toyota's passion and purpose in demonstrating the importance of creating a future with diverse options for reaching carbon neutrality. The focus of Toyota's efforts in the Super Taikyu Series is to expand options for creating a decarbonized society.
[1] Toyota Press Release, 18 March 2023 [2] Toyota Sustainability Report, 2022 [3] ACO Press Release, 15 April 2023 [5] Super Taikyu Series Race Results, 2025 Season
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