Photo: Lamborghini
Lamborghini has unveiled its LMDh car, the Lamborghini SC63, ahead of its programs in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup next year.
Launched at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday, the SC63 will bring the Italian GT3 car and monocoque manufacturer to the next level of sporty prototype racing.
It will be powered by a new 3.8-liter V8, connected to a standard hybrid-electric system that is mandatory for all LMDh cars.
The Lamborghini SC63 is the first LMDh to be built around the Ligier chassis, with the others being developed alongside any of the three other designated suppliers.
Lamborghini has complied with the LMDh regulations as part of the company’s goal to implement both hybrid and electric powertrain technology in its range of road cars.
The name SC63 combines the factory racing division Squadra Corse with the company’s founding year.
“The SC63 is the most advanced racing car ever produced by Lamborghini and follows the brand’s ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ roadmap for electrifying our product range,” said Stefan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Lamborghini.
“The opportunity to compete in some of the world’s biggest endurance races with a hybrid prototype fits with our vision of the future of high-performance mobility, as evidenced by road-legal cars with the launch of the Revuelto.
“The SC63 LMDh is a step into the highest levels and into the future of motorsports for our Squadra Corse.”
Lamborghini revealed back in September 2022 that its LMDh will feature a twin-turbo V8, though displacement has only been confirmed now.
The engine is a “cold V8” configuration where the turbocharger is mounted outside the V-angle for optimum cooling, serviceability and weight distribution.
Lamborghini says that being Ligier’s sole LMDh customer gave him “freedom” to set his requirements during the development project, including the design of the push-rod front suspension and bell sleeve.
“Motorsport for us is also a valuable and demanding proving ground for our technology,” commented Reuven Mohr, Technical Director of Lamborghini.
“Our LMDh car, the Lamborghini SC63, presents an exciting challenge both technically and humanly.
“The development of the internal combustion engine, aerodynamic chassis and comprehensive technical package is a process that has led us to continually raise our standards.
“Now, it’s time to put the wheels in motion, literally, on the right track in order to be ready and competitive for the 2024 season.
“As we develop our LMDH car, we are also aware of technology transfer opportunities. We will take our learning experiences from motorsports and apply them where possible to future production cars.”
Lamborghini’s Centro Stile division worked with the racing division to create the SC63’s design, which includes the company’s Y-shaped lights and a NACA intake inspired by the Countach supercar.
Verde Mantis green was chosen as the primary color for the oils, echoing the factory colors of the Lamborghini GT3.
The SC63, which has yet to begin track testing, will be run by a team set up alongside program partner Iron Lynx who currently run Lamborghinis in the GT3 arena.
The full driver line-up has yet to be confirmed although factory drivers Daniil Kvyat, Roman Grosjean, Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli will form part of the squad.
“Being involved in such an ambitious project is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx Team Principal.
“We are very honored and excited to be a part of it and start a new chapter for Iron Links with Lamborghini.
“It was amazing to see everything finally come together to reveal SC63. Everyone at IronLinux is eager to get testing started.
“This is without a doubt one of the biggest challenges we have faced as a team, and we are now looking forward to seeing the SC63 on the right track.”
Lamborghini is the sixth manufacturer to unveil the LMDh, after Porsche, Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Alpine.
“Writer. Friendly troublemaker. Lifelong food junkie. Professional beer evangelist.”