Revealed: Lamborghini SC63 LMDh Challenger

Teased almost a year ago, Lamborghini Squadra Corse has finally unveiled its first hybrid endurance racing prototype at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Lamborghini SC63. This new car is set to compete in the Hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. The SC63 represents Lamborghini’s commitment to electrification and high-performance mobility, aligning with their roadmap for hybridizing their entire model range by the end of 2024. The Lamborghini SC63 actually looks like a Lamborghini, and boy does it look fantastic!

One of the most exciting aspects of the new endurance racing regulations, particularly in the Hypercar class, is that manufacturers have the freedom to design their race cars with a strong brand identity that relates to their road-going cars. Unlike the previous spec LMP shapes, the Hypercar class allows for greater customization, enabling Lamborghini to showcase their unique design language and styling cues in the SC63. This approach not only enhances the performance of the race car but also reinforces the connection between Lamborghini’s racing endeavors and their road cars.

Designing the Lamborghini SC63 involved balancing the car’s thermal efficiency, especially considering worst-case scenarios like high ambient temperatures at different circuits. Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department, working in conjunction with the race design team, has incorporated brand styling cues throughout the car. Notably, the y-shaped signature lights at the front and rear, a distinctive Lamborghini feature, reinforce the car’s immediate recognizability.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, emphasizes the significance of competing in endurance races with a hybrid prototype, as it aligns with Lamborghini’s vision for the future of high-performance mobility. The launch of the SC63 LMDh represents a crucial step towards realizing their goals and further establishes Squadra Corse’s position in the highest echelons of motorsports.

The Lamborghini SC63 is equipped with an all-new 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine developed specifically for the racing program. The engine follows a “cold V” configuration, with the turbos mounted outside the V-angle, allowing for easier cooling and servicing. This solution not only improves the car’s overall balance and center of gravity but also optimizes tire grip, drivability, and speed consistency across long-distance races.

The power output from the engine and hybrid system, as regulated in the LMDh category, is limited to 500kW (670hp). The Power Unit is managed by a Bosch electronic control unit. The LMDh rule set also includes standard components such as the gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU), controlling development costs for the prototype.

While certain components are standardized, Lamborghini engineers have exerted their influence over various aspects of the car, including customization of the gearbox to suit the brand’s requirements. Additionally, Lamborghini collaborated with Ligier, renowned experts in the field, for the development and construction of the monocoque. This partnership allowed Lamborghini to specify crucial elements like the push rod front suspension design, weight distribution, and ease of service.

Motorsport serves as a valuable proving ground for technology, and Lamborghini intends to apply the knowledge gained from the SC63 to their future production cars. Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer, highlights the importance of technology transfer and the learning experiences that can be translated from motorsport to enhance future road cars.

In terms of livery, the SC63 will sport Lamborghini’s iconic Verde Mantis green, with a black Nero Noctis strip over the cabin, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. The Italian Tricolore colors of green, white, and red will also be present, along with branding from Lamborghini’s long-time partner, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis.

The Lamborghini SC63’s development has focused on optimizing performance, maintaining tire integrity on aggressive track surfaces, and achieving the widest “operating window” possible. Intense development work has been carried out in the virtual realm using a Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulator, while input from experienced drivers such as Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli, Daniil Kvyat, and Romain Grosjean has aided in fine-tuning the hybrid system and its controls.

Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport, expresses Lamborghini’s enthusiasm for this significant step into the future of motorsport. Having already achieved remarkable results in the GT category over the past decade, Lamborghini is now ready to compete against the best manufacturers in the world with the SC63.

Starting in 2024, Lamborghini will field one car in the full FIA World Endurance Championship and another in the North American Endurance Championship races of the IMSA series. Both cars will be run by the Iron Lynx team, with a driver lineup that includes Bortolotti, Caldarelli, Grosjean, and Kvyat. Additional drivers will be announced later in 2023, further solidifying Lamborghini’s commitment to success in endurance racing.