As we move closer to the planned release date of 20th February, 2024, a new Le Mans Ultimate video features the Toyota GR010 being driven around the Algarve International Circuit, more commonly known as Portimao.
It’s a notable car, considering the Toyota GT010 Hybrid has been the Hypercar World Endurance champion for three straight years. Powered by a 3.5 litre twin-turbocharged V6 and electric motors putting out 671hp and 268hp respectively, and weighing 1,040kg, it’s been driven by notable names including Kamui Kobayashi, Sebastien Buemi, Mike Conway, Jose Maria Lopez and Brendon Hartley for Toyota Gazoo Racing for the last three years, with Kazuki Nakajima replacing Ryo Hirakawa in 2023.
It joins the Ferrari 499P as one of the cars showcased in gameplay footage, along with photos of the Vanwell Vandervall 680 being previously shared. But obviously there are a lot more vehicles which we’d expect to see mentioned soon as the offically-licensed WEC game from Studio 397 and Motorsport Games nears release.
Highlighting the Toyota GR010 Hybrid does make sense, as it’s only been previously officially licensed to appear in Gran Turismo 7, making it a relatively rare car to drive in sim racing.
The location is also potentially interesting, as Portimao is one of the tracks on the seven-round official WEC calendar which hasn’t previously been developed for rFactor 2, along with Fuji. So there’s a possibility we’ll see both locations come to the two Motorsport Games and Studio 397 racing sims in the future.
Le Mans Ultimate was originally announced for release in December 2023, utilising the rF2 physics engine to create an officially-licensed sim racing game with their new Race Control system for online multiplayer, and an asymchronous mode allowing racers to drive their stints when it’s more convenient.
It’s an important release for Motorsport Games given their turbulent history and share price. And it will be interesting to see how Studio 397 handle developing two PC sim racing titles based around the same core physics, without splitting their existing player base.
You can wishlist Le Mans Ultimate for the PC now via Steam, and see all the latest Le Mans Ultimate news, updates, DLC and more, here.
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