Hybrid-electrified Le Mans

Audi and Toyota bring hybrid-electric racecars to the renowned 24-h race.

In this austere age of conservation, every racing series struggles to promote its relevance to fans. Probably no race has accomplished this more reliably than the annual 24-hour sports car race at Le Mans, where recent fields have seen gasoline and diesel power and both turbocharging and normal aspiration, in contrast to other tightly specified races and series.

The result is dynamic technology for fans to appreciate and potentially connect to the next car they purchase. Continuing this trend, Le Mans rules makers have added hybrid-electric power to the mix, a challenge that Audi and Toyota have accepted in building their entries for this year's race.