Lamborghini Confirms Twin-Turbo V8 Engine for LMDh Car

Image: Lamborghini

Lamborghini Squadra Corse has confirmed initial technical details of its LMDh car, revealing that the prototype will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine when it makes its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2024.

The Italian manufacturer also released an updated render of the Ligier-chassised prototype (pictured above), along with further specifications of the yet-to-be-named car.

The 90-degree V8 engine, which will be developed at the company’s motorsport department in Sant’Agata Bolognese, is understood to be completely different to the Porsche 963 powerplant despite featuring similar specifications.

It will be combined with the spec LMDh hybrid power unit to produce a maximum of 500 kW (670 horsepower).

Confirmation of a twin-turbo V8 comes amid rumors of the Huracan’s production car successor also adopting a similar powertrain configuration, complete with a hybrid unit.

“With Automobili Lamborghini embarking on a future of hybridization in its road car production, the LMDh represents a specific energy/performance project based on the experiences of the upcoming generations of its sports cars, fully aligning with the Cor Tauri company strategy,” a statement from Lamborghini read.

“Squadra Corse, therefore, by making the step into a motorsport landscape driven by hybrid propulsion and is the perfect fit with Lamborghini’s transition to hybrid technologies.”

As previously confirmed, the spine of the LMDh car will be engineered together with Ligier Automotive, with the tub set to be produced in Italy by HP Composites, Squadra Corse’s long-time partner in its GT3 and Super Trofeo platforms.

HP is also a sister company of Ligier Automotive, which is owned by longtime sports car racer Jacques Nicolet.

“The decision to team up with Ligier Automotive enables Lamborghini Squadra Corse to enter the top class of endurance racing with an established chassis provider,” the statement read.

“Additionally, the competent and flexible structure of Ligier Automotive (with specific touch points between Squadra Corse) made the partnership a logical choice for the LMDh project.”

Lamborghini Set for Michelin Endurance Cup Program in First IMSA Season

While planning to contest a full FIA World Endurance Championship season with its yet-to-be-announced partner team, Lamborghini has indicated that its WeatherTech Championship program will likely be based around the Michelin Endurance Cup races for its first season.

A statement read that the car will make its competitive debut in “both the IMSA Endurance Cup and FIA World Endurance Championship” indicating that it will focus its North American efforts around the long-distance races.

Lamborghini Squadra Corse boss Giorgio Sanna previously indicated to Sportscar365 that a debut in the 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona is unlikely, with Sebring believed to be a more realistic possibility, although it remains unclear if it will come in both the WEC and WeatherTech Championship races.

Additional IMSA outings would include the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen, the Battle of the Bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which will expand into an Endurance Cup round in 2024, and the traditional WeatherTech Championship season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John