News: Toyota reminds us what real racing cars look and sound like

IS THE sound of hair dryers orbiting the world’s Formula One circuits turning you off motor racing? Then clap your eyes on these hairy chested racing cars.

In the wake of the launch of its 986bhp TS040 Hybrid Le Mans contender, which will be battling the Audi R18 Ultra and Porsche 919 Hybrid for LMP1 (Le Mans prototype) honours this year, the car maker has flung open the doors of its motorsport museum. We’re sure there must be many more cars in it than the three it’s showing off, but they’ll do for now.

Food for thought as you helm your Auris Hybrid (134bhp in extremis) around Morrisons car park.

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Toyota TS010

The TS010, numbered 36, was a V10-powered Group C racing car taken to a fourth-place finish by Eddie Irvine at the 1993 Le Mans 24 Hours.

Toyota TS020

The TS020, also known as the GT-One, is a Le Mans legend having competed in 1998 and 1999. With Thierry Boutsen at the wheel, it came close to winning the 1998 Le Mans but suffered a gearbox failure. The following year Martin Brundle was chasing down the leaders near midnight when he was forced to retire from the race following a puncture.

Toyota TS030

The 2012-spec TS030 Hybrid was driven to three World Endurance Championship (WEC) wins by drivers including Alex Wurz.