Lamborghini Unveils SC63 LMDh and Signs Two Former F1 Drivers
Lamborghini has announced its entry into the top tier of endurance racing starting in 2024, competing in the prestigious IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. The Italian automaker revealed its contender for both series, the SC63, at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. The SC designation represents Lamborghini’s racing department, Squadra Corse, while the number 63 pays homage to the year of Lamborghini’s establishment.
Built in compliance with LMDh regulations, the SC63 is eligible for participation in both the GTP and Hypercar classes, similar to other LMH-compliant cars like Ferrari’s 499P and Toyota’s GR010 Hybrid. Balance of Performance rules will ensure fair competition across all participants.
Lamborghini plans to field one car in each of the full seasons of the SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship, meaning it will compete in premier races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For its LMDh program, Lamborghini will partner with the Italian racing team Iron Lynx, forming the collaborative effort known as Lamborghini Iron Lynx. Additionally, Lamborghini will collaborate with Prema Engineering, an Italian company providing operational, technical, and engineering support for motorsports.
The confirmed driver lineup includes former Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat, as well as Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. More drivers will be announced later in 2023.
All LMDh race cars feature a hybrid powertrain with standardized transmission, battery, and motor-generator unit, ensuring cost control. Manufacturers have the freedom to choose the internal-combustion component of the powertrain, and Lamborghini has developed an in-house turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine specifically for the LMDh program. Manufacturers can also select the gear ratios for the transmission and adjust the slip of the mechanical differential.
According to LMDh regulations, the powertrain can deliver a maximum output of approximately 670 horsepower from both power sources. The cars must have a minimum weight of 2,270 pounds (excluding fuel and driver).
Constructors are required to use a control chassis similar to the current LMP2 chassis, supplied by one of four authorized manufacturers: Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic, and Oreca. Lamborghini has opted for a chassis from Ligier. As the first manufacturer to select this chassis, Lamborghini collaborated with Ligier to finalize its specifications, including aspects such as the design of the push rod front suspension, overall weight distribution, and the ease of repairing key components.
The inaugural race for Lamborghini’s SC63 will be the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona in January, serving as the opening round of the SportsCar Championship. Joining the competition in 2024 will also be Alpine from France, introducing its own LMDh car.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about endurance racing
What is the SC63 LMDh?
The SC63 LMDh is Lamborghini’s contender for endurance racing in the premier classes of the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. It is built in compliance with LMDh regulations, allowing it to compete in the GTP and Hypercar classes.
Which races will Lamborghini participate in?
Lamborghini will enter one car in each of the full seasons of the SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship. This means they will compete in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Who are the confirmed drivers for Lamborghini’s LMDh program?
The confirmed drivers include former Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat, as well as existing Lamborghini Squadra Corse drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Mirko Bortolotti. Additional drivers will be announced later in 2023.
What are the specifications of the SC63 LMDh?
The SC63 LMDh features a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 3.8-liter V-8 engine developed in-house by Lamborghini. It can generate a maximum output of around 670 horsepower. The car must weigh a minimum of 2,270 pounds (excluding fuel and driver) and complies with LMDh regulations.
When will the SC63 LMDh make its debut?
The SC63 LMDh will make its debut at the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona, which serves as the opening round of the SportsCar Championship. This race will mark the first competitive appearance of the Lamborghini SC63 LMDh.
More about endurance racing
- Lamborghini Official Website
- IMSA SportsCar Championship Official Website
- FIA World Endurance Championship Official Website
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Official Website
- Iron Lynx Official Website
- 24 Hours of Daytona Official Website
- 24 Hours of Le Mans Official Website
4 comments
OMG, lamborghini joinin endurance racin! SC63 gonna b sick! Can’t wait 2 c it tear up the track with ex-F1 drivers. gonna be LEGENDARY!
lamborghini sc63 lmdh looks amazin, gonna be a beast on the track. ex F1 drivers r gonna rock it! cant wait for da 24 hrs of daytona debut!
So hyped for the SC63 LMDh, man! Lamborghini + Iron Lynx gonna be a powerhouse team. And with Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat behind the wheel, it’s gonna be FIRE! Bring on the races!
The SC63 LMDh by Lamborghini is gonna be a serious contender! Love that they’re using their own engine. Can’t wait to see it in action at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Let the adrenaline rush begin!