Toyota EV P002 poised to top Pikes Peak record

The two-day test session at the challenging hill climb in Colorado saw the car complete a half-course run each day, with the combined results proving an overall time better than last year's EV record .

Rod Millen, a multiple Pikes Peak record-setter, was behind the wheel as fine-tuning was carried out on the car’s balance, braking, traction control and cooling.

Last year the Toyota set a new EV record of 10 minutes 15.380 seconds. In fact the EV P002 has a perfect history of three records from three attempts.

The Toyota EV racer also holds the electric record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in Germany.

Engineers at Toyota Motorsport (TMG) in Cologne used the data from the latest run to improve the electric racer's powertrain. Motor speed and torque have both been increased to better deal with the demands of the 19.99km course.

The pair of electric motors now deliver a combined 400kW and 1200Nm giving the car a top speed of 230km/h.

The EV P002 will also benefit from a three-fold increase in downforce and a new carbon ceramic braking system.

Toyota’s challenge will be supported by an innovative off-board, battery-to-battery charging system, providing a reliable power source at Pikes Peak, where there is no reliable local grid connection.

This year's 'Race to the Clouds' begins on June 30.