Is Toyota planning to face down Audi's Le Mans diesel juggernaut with a hybrid? Maybe, if a report from Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper is to be believed. Insiders, in the form of unnamed sources, say the company is plotting a return to Sarthe for the first time since 1999. Word is, Toyota's planned return is on target for 2010. The report indicates Toyota's not confirming that date, which may be adjusted based on its F1 plans (Toyota's reportedly committed to Formula One through 2012). Web site Planet Le Mans reports Toyota's formed a development team culled from its motorsports and hybrid-vehicle squads to develop a gas-electric sports-car entry for Le Mans. It could be the ultimate symbolism for the face-off between hybrids and new, cleaner diesels on the streets of the US, only played out a few thousand miles removed. [Planet Le Mans]

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