Sep. 16, 1993

TOYOTA TO ENTER NEW SOLAR RACER IN 1993 WORLD SOLAR CHALLENGE

 

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today that it will enter its newly developed solar racing car in the Third World Solar Challenge, scheduled to be held in Australia from November 7 to 16.

Named the Toyota 56 to commemorate the company's 56th anniversary, the new single-seat solar racer is based on the RaRa 10, winner of the grand prix circuit competition of the Solar Car Rally held in Noto, Japan in August 1992. The Toyota 56 boasts improved driving performance and durability.

Toyota 56 solar racing car

Toyota 56 solar racing car

Toyota has been involved in the research and development of solar-powered vehicle technology as part of its program to develop alternative-fuel vehicles to promote environmental and energy conservation. Toyota's RaRa II (developed in 1990) and RaRa 10 (1992) have participated in various rallies and been used as escort vehicles in marathon and long-distance relay races in Japan. The company uses the data obtained through such activities and from the World Solar Challenge to further solar vehicle development.

Because it is clean and quiet, interest has been growing in solar car technology. This interest has spurred the introduction of various solar car rallies around the globe.
The World Solar Challenge is held every three years and is the longest solar car race in the world. Starting in Darwin in the north of Australia, it covers some 3,000km before ending in Adelaide in the south.

Profile of the Toyota 56

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  • Toyota 56 solar racing car
    Toyota 56 solar racing car