Testing has commenced for the 2024 Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car, a new vehicle developed by Lamborghini to compete in high-level endurance racing starting from 2024. The initial testing phase took place at the Imola racetrack in Italy, following the car’s debut in July at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K. Referred to as the SC63, the vehicle’s name draws from Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse racing division (SC) and the year of the company’s founding, 1963.
The preliminary shakedown occurred at Italy’s Vallelunga racetrack at the beginning of August, followed by the first official test at Imola. Additional tests are scheduled for Paul Ricard and Spa-Francorchamps throughout the remainder of August.
Former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat, along with Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti, participated in the two-day initial test. Romain Grosjean, another ex-F1 driver, has also been enlisted by Lamborghini for its LMDh driver roster, with more drivers set to be announced later in 2023.
Lamborghini’s strategy involves deploying the SC63 in the premier categories of both the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship. These classes, referred to as GTP and Hypercar, are also open to competing LMH cars like Ferrari’s 499P, subject to balance of performance regulations to ensure fair competition.
Lamborghini’s partner for the LMDh program is the Italian racing team Iron Lynx, and they will compete under the name Lamborghini Iron Lynx.
The LMDh race cars feature hybrid powertrains that incorporate a control Xtrac transmission, battery, and motor-generator unit to manage costs. While constructors can choose the internal-combustion component of the powertrain, Lamborghini has developed a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine specifically for the LMDh program.
Adhering to LMDh regulations, these cars can produce a maximum of 670 horsepower and must weigh at least 2,270 pounds without fuel and the driver. The cars also adopt a control chassis reminiscent of current LMP2 chassis, supplied by Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic, or Oreca. Lamborghini opted for a Ligier chassis and worked closely with the manufacturer to finalize specifications, influencing aspects like the push-rod front suspension design and weight distribution.
The inaugural race for the SC63 is slated to be the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona in January, marking the opening round of the SportsCar Championship. Alpine, a French automaker, is also entering the competition in 2024 with its A424 LMDh race car.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about endurance racing
What is the 2024 Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car?
The 2024 Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car is a high-performance vehicle developed by Lamborghini’s racing division, Squadra Corse, for top-level endurance racing competitions.
Where did the testing of the Lamborghini SC63 take place?
The initial testing of the Lamborghini SC63 took place at Italy’s Imola racetrack, with further tests planned at venues like Vallelunga, Paul Ricard, and Spa-Francorchamps.
Who were the drivers during the first test?
Former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat, along with Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti, participated in the first test of the Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car.
What is the significance of the name “SC63”?
The name “SC63” signifies Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse racing division (SC) and also pays homage to the year of Lamborghini’s founding, 1963.
Which racing categories will the Lamborghini SC63 compete in?
Lamborghini plans to compete with the SC63 in the GTP class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship and the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
What powertrain features does the Lamborghini SC63 use?
The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car features a hybrid powertrain that includes a control Xtrac transmission, battery, and motor-generator unit. The internal-combustion component is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine developed in-house.
What is the maximum horsepower output of the SC63?
In accordance with LMDh regulations, the Lamborghini SC63 race car can generate a maximum output of 670 horsepower.
When is the first race for the Lamborghini SC63 scheduled?
The first race for the Lamborghini SC63 is scheduled to be the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona in January, marking the opening round of the SportsCar Championship.
Which racing team is Lamborghini partnering with for the LMDh program?
Lamborghini has partnered with the Italian racing team Iron Lynx for its LMDh program, and the team will compete under the name Lamborghini Iron Lynx.
What are the weight and chassis specifications for the SC63?
The Lamborghini SC63 LMDh race car must have a minimum weight of 2,270 pounds (excluding fuel and driver) and employs a control chassis similar to current LMP2 chassis, with Lamborghini choosing a chassis from Ligier for its SC63 model.
More about endurance racing
- Lamborghini Squadra Corse Official Website
- IMSA SportsCar Championship Official Website
- FIA World Endurance Championship Official Website
- Iron Lynx Racing Team Official Website
- 2024 24 Hours of Daytona Event Information
5 comments
heard bout sc63 at goodwood, but now it’s hittin the tracks! 670hp, hybrid stuff, n those italian tracks, perfetto!
former f1 stars drivin this lambo monster, kvyat, grosjean, it’s like a dream team! n ligier chassis? good choice, vroom vroom!
im lovin this whole lmdh thing, sc63 gonna give alpine a run 4 their money. endurance racin just got a lot hotter, thumbs up lambo!
man, this lambo SC63 seems like a real beast on the track! cant wait 4 that 24hr Daytona race next yr, gonna b epic!
so, sc63 is lambo’s new weapon, huh? hybrid powertrain & v8 roar, sounds like a killer combo. imola testin? sik!