PRIUS HEV IN 10-HOUR SUPER ENDURANCE RACE IN THAILAND
Toyota Motor Corp. concludes their participation in the Idemitsu Super Endurance Southeast Asia Trophy 2023 a success after it took place last December 22 and 23 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit. Toyota entered a three-vehicle lineup from Rookie Racing, featuring cutting-edge concepts focused on sustainability and carbon neutrality.
The first vehicle, the ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept, ran on carbon-neutral fuel. This GR86 showcases Toyota’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly alternatives in motorsports. The second vehicle, the ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept, is a hydrogen-powered Corolla, further emphasizing Toyota’s dedication to advancing hydrogen technology. Finally, the CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept, a newly introduced addition, is a Prius hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) running on carbon-neutral fuel. This marked the first time Toyota has competed with a production Prius HEV, highlighting its commitment to showcasing sustainable technology.
Additionally, three vehicles from the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing team Thailand—the Corolla, 86, and Yaris – raced under carbon-neutral fuel. This move further emphasized Toyota’s aims to explore and expand the range of carbon-neutral options available in the motorsports industry, collaborating with its partners across Asia.
Team Setups
Team Vehicle name
ORC ROOKIE Racing ORC ROOKIE GR86 CNF concept
ORC ROOKIE GR Corolla H2 concept
CP ROOKIE Racing CP ROOKIE PRIUS CNF-HEV GR concept
Competing Drivers
Morizo, Yasuhiro Ogura, Kachorn Chiaravanont, Masahiro Sasaki, Tatsuya Kataoka, Hiroaki Ishiura, Kazuya Oshima, Naoya Gamo, Kenta Yamashita, Hibiki Taira, Keizo Kato, Daisuke Toyoda
Toyota’s efforts in achieving a carbon-neutral society extend beyond motorsports. The company is actively pursuing a multi-pathway approach, demonstrated by its entry of the hydrogen-powered Corolla and the GR86 running on carbon-neutral fuel in the Super Taikyu series. Both vehicles previously competed in the 2022 Thailand 25H Endurance Race, where Toyota successfully refined their performance in a unique racing environment. This year, Toyota added an HEV to its lineup, recognizing its effectiveness in achieving carbon neutrality, particularly in Asia and Thailand.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing has been at the forefront of developing Racing Hybrid technology through its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Now, Toyota is applying racing-derived technology to the Prius, aiming to enhance the hybrid vehicle’s driving experience and fuel efficiency.
In collaboration with its partner, Mr. Kachorn Chiaravanont, a member of the Executive Committee of Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and President of True Leasing Co., Ltd., Toyota is eager to explore new possibilities for the future. Mr. Chiaravanont will participate as a Prius driver, further strengthening the partnership’s commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral society in Thailand.
Expanding the Circle of Partnerships
for Carbon Neutrality
Toyota is actively expanding its network of partners committed to carbon neutrality. Currently, 51 partners from Japan and abroad have joined forces through motorsports initiatives. In the Thailand 10-hour Endurance Race, the hydrogen-powered Corolla will utilize biogas generated from CP’s poultry farm chicken manure, as well as food waste from Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing Co. (TDEM), a Toyota site. This innovative approach demonstrates how Toyota leverages various sustainable resources for fuel.
Moreover, Toyota will unveil an FC (Fuel Cell) drone during the event, a result of collaborative efforts with CP. This drone serves as a demonstration of hydrogen production, transportation, and utilization—an ongoing initiative by Toyota and its partners in Thailand. The aim is to promote the adoption of hydrogen technologies and develop a hydrogen utilization model that can be replicated throughout Asia.