JNTO, Mazda Motor Corporation, and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Jointly Holding 'Japan. Endless Discovery.' Exhibit on Centenary of Le Mans 24 Hours Race

"Japan. Endless Discovery." is a JNTO initiative carried out with Mazda, which, in 1991, fielded the first Japanese car to take the overall title at Le Mans, and TGR, which represents the only Japanese automaker currently competing in Le Mans and which is now on a five-year winning streak. The exhibit, while looking back at the technologies that Japanese automakers have cultivated in motorsports, including Le Mans, introduces the challenge of expanding options toward achieving a carbon-neutral society, such as vehicle electrification, hydrogen energy, and the use of carbon-neutral fuels.

To convey the scenery and culture of Japan, as well as the history of Mazda and Toyota at Le Mans, through Japanese manga, which are highly popular symbols of modern Japanese culture, the exhibit's walls have been decorated by manga artist Masahito Soda^*1, who is known for his motorsports-themed capetamanga series.

It was at this exhibition that TGR unveiled for the first time in the world the "Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition" concept vehicle, which is based on the latest-generation Toyota Prius and expresses gratitude to Le Mans and France's Automobile Club de l'Ouest, which is the organizer of the race. The concept vehicle achieves excellent driving performance due in part to its exclusive wheels and performance aerodynamic parts inspired by TGR's WEC-competing GR010 HYBRID, and it is due to be displayed at the WEC's Round 6, which is the 6 Hours of Fuji endurance race, and other events.

TGR^*2 has been honing hybrid systems at Le Mans and in other WEC races since 2012. The knowledge gained through doing so has been applied to production vehicles such as the Prius, which is synonymous with Toyota's hybrid vehicles. TGR will continue to develop technologies toward realizing a sustainable mobility society through its efforts to make ever-better motorsports-bred cars.