Race for the Third Hydrogen-Powered Engine: Toyota Shifts the Automobile Discussion

In the world of motorsports, Toyota's hydrogen-powered Corolla is making waves. The car, based on the mass-produced GR Yaris, recently completed the fifth round of the Super Taikyu Series at Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Mie.

The team has made significant strides in improving the hydrogen-powered engine. Its power and torque characteristics now closely resemble those of the GR Yaris's gasoline engine, a testament to Toyota's engineering prowess. The engine's output has increased from 180kW to 200kW in just four months, all while maintaining fuel efficiency.

To ensure the stability of hydrogen drive systems in all vehicle applications, the team has been focusing on system reliability under varied operating conditions, enhanced fuel cell durability, optimized integration with vehicle control systems, and development of robust thermal and safety management to handle different driving and environmental stresses.

The team's hard work has not gone unnoticed. President Koji Sato of GAZOO Racing Company noted a shift in the team's conversation, focusing on potential improvements to make the car faster. Chief Engineer Naoyuki Sakamoto of the GR Project Operation Division has highlighted the need for advancements in the car body to match the improved hydrogen engine.

The team's progress extends beyond the engine. The onboard communication equipment was redesigned from scratch for this race, increasing the amount of data coming from the car and establishing a cloud-based environment for processing that information. This advancement allows for real-time information to be sent in mere seconds.

The team has also improved the Corolla's refueling system. Hydrogen refueling time has been reduced from five minutes in the first round at Fuji to two minutes in the latest race at Suzuka. The system now consists of two systems that can be filled twice as fast.

The team is engaged in discussions aimed at making the hydrogen-powered car faster, but also developing the technology with an eye on real-world challenges. They are considering various points, such as ensuring the hydrogen-powered engine's stability in all driving situations, regulating overall pressure when refueling multiple vehicles at a hydrogen station, and the training of new engineers for real-time communication and analysis in production cars.

The hydrogen-powered Corolla's performance at Suzuka is a significant step up from its debut at Fuji Speedway in May. The team has opted for a bigger tire size (280s) for the upcoming race, with driver Masahiro Sasaki commenting that the car now moves like a racing car.

Looking ahead, the next race for the hydrogen-powered Corolla will be the final round of the Super Taikyu Series at Okayama International Circuit on November 13-14. With the team's relentless pursuit of improvement and their agile approach, it's an event not to be missed.

Toyota's commitment to hydrogen technology is evident. The company has sold over ten million connected cars, mainly in Japan, North America, China, and Europe. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Toyota's hydrogen-powered Corolla is a shining example of what's possible.