Toyota GR Corolla pushes hydrogen engine tech to new heights

MANILA: Toyota Motor Corporation has fielded its hydrogen-powered GR Corolla in the recently held final race of the 2025 Super Taikyu Series. 

The number 32 car has been fitted with improved components, such as enhanced safety and weight reduction through the introduction of a new filling valve, as well as the successful demonstration of a hydrogen engine combustion switching technology. 

In addition, the hatchback has completed a prior race without undergoing pump replacement (the part that pressurizes liquid hydrogen for delivery to the engine), confirming improved durability.

However, Toyota Motor Corporation noted that increased engine output continued to place a greater load on the pump, presenting durability challenges for continuous operation at maximum level. 

The Japanese manufacturer explained that to reach the next level, it will continue conducting test runs to verify the pump’s boost performance and durability even after the 24-hour race. 

Its aim, Toyota Motor Corporation stated, is to achieve continuous operation at maximum output.

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Superconductivity technology 

Toyota Motor Corporation also commented that it is continuously developing to expand the potential of liquid hydrogen technology. 

Per the Aichi Prefecture-based auto firm, liquid hydrogen technology “has reached the stage where vehicles can run with a superconducting pump installed inside the fuel tank.” 

By installing a highly efficient, compact superconducting motor inside the tank, Toyota Motor Corporation can create space that can help achieve more than a 1.3-fold increase in tank capacity, leading to improved cruising range. 

Additionally, improvements in driving performance through reduced weight and a lower center of gravity can be expected. 

The environment unique to liquid hydrogen provides an ideal temperature range for superconductivity, where certain materials lose all electrical resistance when cooled to extremely low temperatures. 

“By maximizing the compatibility between liquid hydrogen vehicles and superconductivity technology, Toyota will greatly expand the potential of hydrogen engine vehicles,” it said. 

Concept no more? 

Whether or not a hydrogen-powered Toyota Corolla will be available in the future is yet to be disclosed as the Super Taikyu-competing model is a concept car after all.

But, since Filipino car buyers are now more open to adopting new-energy models with the influx of hybrid and fully electric vehicles from competing Chinese brands, a hydrogen-powered Corolla looks promising. 

Of note, Toyota Motor Philippines has confirmed the arrival of the GR Corolla through a social media post from its motorsport division’s official Facebook page. A link can be seen on the said post taking interested enthusiasts to register for the latest updates about the model. 

Also read:

Toyota bZ4X BEV gets approval from LTO

All-electric Toyota bZ4X to arrive in Australia in Feb. 2024

Toyota accelerates commitment to carbon-neutrality with launch of all-electric bZ4X

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