UNDER THE SKIN OF THE TS040 HYBRID
In order to drive innovation, enhance competition and provide more relevance to road-going technologies, the WEC has instigated an overhaul of the technical regulations for 2014.
TMG has taken the experience gained from two WEC racing seasons and applied the opportunities of the new regulations to create the TS040 HYBRID as a major evolution of the TS030 HYBRID that won five races in 14 events.
The new car is lighter, smaller, more efficient and safer, and showcases some of the most advanced automotive technology in the world.
Some of the most significant changes are to the powertrain. New rules emphasise efficiency and hybrid power, and see manufacturers presented with various options in terms of how they combine combustion engines with hybrid motors.
A fuel flow meter will monitor fuel usage and penalties will be applied in the race if the three-lap average consumption exceeds defined limits. The fuel allowed per lap is determined by the level of hybrid capacity each team commits to. TOYOTA Racing has opted to run the TS040 HYBRID with 6MJ of energy per lap delivered by the hybrid system; this allows for a maximum fuel flow of 89.5kg per hour to feed the normally aspirated 3.7 litre V8 petrol engine, which has grown from 3.4 litres in 2013.
The addition of an Aisin AW motor/ generator on the front axle, in combination with the DENSO unit at the rear, means the TS040 HYBRID is transformed into a four-wheel drive hybrid. As well as the additional power from this next-generation hybrid technology, the added traction on corner exit directly improves lap times.
The motor generators on both axles apply braking force in combination with traditional mechanical brakes to capture energy, which is transferred via a DENSO inverter to the Nisshinbo super-capacitor. Under acceleration, the motor generators reverse their function to deliver a 480PS power boost through the four-wheel drive system.
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