Toyota has released the first details of its updated GR010 Hypercar, which will compete in the 2022 WEC (World Endurance Championship).
Though development in the Hypercar class is deliberately limited, some year-to-year updates are permitted. In the case of the GR010, the most substantial change for 2022 is a reduction in front tire and wheel size. The car now runs 12.5 x 18in wheels at the front, fitted with 29/71-18 Michelin tires, while at the rear, 34/71-18 rubber is fitted to 14 x 18in wheels.
Toyota says that small modifications were required to the bodywork as a result of this change, to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and stay within the aerodynamic performance window required by regulations, the most visible being the enlarged rear wing endplates and engine cover fin.
While the GR010 Hybrid remains essentially unchanged under the bodywork, calibration of the 3.5-liter, turbocharged engine has been adjusted to accommodate new 100% renewable fuel, which is to be introduced to the WEC for 2022.
Pascal Vasselon, technical director at the team, said, “Hypercar manufacturers can choose between 31-31 or 29-34 tires and this year we have moved to the 29-34 option, triggering some bodywork changes. We expect this change to address challenges we faced last season with management of the rear tires.”
