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Lamborghini Reveals SC63 Ahead of 2024 Race Debut

Italian manufacturer reveals design, technical outline of LMDh car for 2024 program…

Image: Lamborghini

Lamborghini has revealed its LMDh car, the Lamborghini SC63, ahead of 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 and single-make manufacturer into the top-level of sports prototype racing.

It will be powered by a new 3.8-liter V8 engine, connected to the standard electric hybrid system that is compulsory for all LMDh cars.

The Lamborghini SC63 is the first LMDh to be built around a Ligier carbon fiber monocoque, with the others being developed alongside either of the other three designated suppliers.

Lamborghini has committed to the LMDh regulations as part of a company target to implement hybrid and electric powertrain technology in its road car range.

The vehicle name, SC63, combines the factory Squadra Corse racing department with the company’s formation year.

“The SC63 is the most advanced racing car ever produced by Lamborghini and it follows our roadmap ‘Direzione Cor Tauri’ laid out by the brand for the electrification of our product range,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO.

“The opportunity to compete in some of the biggest endurance races in the world with a hybrid prototype fits with our vision for the future of high-performance mobility, as demonstrated for road-legal cars with the launch of the Revuelto.

“The SC63 LMDh is the step into the highest echelons and into the future of motorsports for our Squadra Corse.”

Lamborghini revealed back in September 2022 that its LMDh car would feature a twin-turbo V8 engine, although the full specification has only now been confirmed.

The engine is a ‘cold V8’ configuration where the turbochargers are mounted outside of the engine’s V-angle for optimal cooling, servicing and weight distribution qualities.

Lamborghini says that being Ligier’s only LMDh client gave it the “freedom” to specify its requirements during the development project, including on the design of the push rod front suspension and bell housing.

“Motorsport is, to us, also a valuable and demanding proving ground for our technology,” commented Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr.

“Our LMDh car, the Lamborghini SC63, is an exciting challenge from both a technical and a human standpoint.

“The development of our internal combustion engine, aerodynamically efficient bodywork and the overall technical package is a process that has pushed us to constantly raise our own standards.

“Now, it is time to put the wheels in motion, literally, on track in order to be ready and competitive for the 2024 season.

“As we develop our LMDh car, we are also mindful of the technology transfer opportunities. We will take our learning experiences from motorsport and apply them where possible to our future production cars.”

Lamborghini’s Centro Stile department worked with the racing division to create the SC63’s design, which includes the company’s trademark Y-shaped lights and a NACA inlet inspired by the Countach supercar.

Verde Mantis green has been chosen as the livery base color, echoing Lamborghini’s factory GT3 colors, while design cues have been taken from the Lamborghini Revuelto.

The SC63, which is yet to begin track testing, will be run by a team built alongside program partner Iron Lynx which currently operates Lamborghinis in the GT3 arena.

The full driver lineup is yet to be confirmed although factory drivers Daniil Kvyat, Romain 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 Iron Lynx team principal Andrea Piccini.

“We are honored and extremely excited to be part of it and to start a new chapter for Iron Lynx with Lamborghini.

“It’s been amazing to see everything finally come together for the reveal of the SC63. Everyone at Iron Lynx is eager for testing to get underway.

“This is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced as a team, and we are now looking forward to seeing the SC63 on track.”

Lamborghini is the sixth manufacturer to reveal an LMDh car after Porsche, Acura, BMW, Cadillac and Alpine.

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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