Lamborghini is making its presence known in the world of endurance racing as it announces its entry into the premier classes of the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship, also known as GTP and Hypercar, respectively. The prestigious automaker unveiled its contender for both series, the SC63, at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. The SC in the name represents Lamborghini’s racing department, Squadra Corse, while the number 63 signifies the year of Lamborghini’s founding.
Built to LMDh regulations, the SC63 is eligible for both the GTP and Hypercar classes. This positions it alongside other cars built to LMH regulations, such as Ferrari’s 499P and Toyota’s GR010 Hybrid. The Balance of Performance rules ensure fair competition among these cars.
Lamborghini will field one car in each of the full seasons of the SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship. This means that racing enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the iconic Italian brand compete in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In order to bring its LMDh program to life, Lamborghini has partnered with Iron Lynx, an Italian racing team. The collaboration with Iron Lynx, known as Lamborghini Iron Lynx, will bring together the expertise and resources of both entities. Additionally, Lamborghini will work with Prema Engineering, an Italian company that provides operational, technical, and engineering support for motorsports.
Related Post
The driver lineup for Lamborghini’s LMDh program features notable names from the world of motorsports. Former Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat will be joined by Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. More drivers will be announced later in 2023.
All LMDh race cars are equipped with a hybrid powertrain that includes a standard transmission, battery, and motor-generator unit, which helps to control costs. Constructors have the freedom to choose the internal-combustion component of the powertrain. In the case of Lamborghini, they have developed a turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine specifically for the LMDh program. Constructors can also select the gear ratios for the transmission and adjust the slip of the mechanical differential.
In accordance with LMDh regulations, the powertrain can produce a maximum output of approximately 670 horsepower from both power sources. Furthermore, the cars must weigh a minimum of 2,270 pounds without fuel and driver.
Constructors participating in LMDh are required to utilize a control chassis similar to the current LMP2 chassis. Lamborghini has chosen a chassis from Ligier and had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the supplier on finalizing the specification. This allowed Lamborghini to work on details such as the design of the push rod front suspension, the overall weight distribution, and the ease of repair for key parts.
The inaugural race for Lamborghini’s SC63 will be the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona in January. This race serves as the opening round of the SportsCar Championship and will be the first opportunity for the SC63 to prove its capabilities on the track. Joining Lamborghini in 2024 will be France’s Alpine with its own LMDh car, adding more excitement to the competition.
With its entry into top-level endurance racing, Lamborghini is cementing its status as a formidable player in motorsports. The SC63 embodies the brand’s commitment to performance, innovation, and thrilling racing experiences. Motorsport enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate the upcoming seasons, as Lamborghini takes on the world’s most iconic endurance races with its bold and powerful SC63.
