Toyota Wins First Race With a Hybrid

Toyota said its Supra HV-R became the first hybrid car in history to win a race when it captured the Tokashi 24-Hour Race in Japan last weekend. Last year, Toyota entered a Lexus GS 450h in the Tokashi endurance race. It finished 17th overall.

Toyota said one of the reasons it is entering hybrid racing cars in competition is to discover ways to make production hybrid vehicles lighter and more efficient.

The Supra HV-R is based on the Supra GT that Toyota has entered in Super GT races in Japan. The HV-R employs three electric motors, including in-wheel motors in front as well as a rear-axle-mounted motor. The system provides four-wheel drive and energy regeneration during braking. It also uses a quick-charging capacitor system instead of the usual rechargeable batteries.

The racing car's 4.5-liter gas engine develops 480 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque. The two front electric motors deliver a modest 13 hp each, while the rear motor makes 200 hp. The Supra HV-R weighs a mere 2,380 pounds.