Now that the Goodwood Festival of Speed has begun, Lamborghini Squadra Corse has utilised the occasion to debut the SC63, a new LMDh racing vehicle.
The SC63 will participate in legendary events, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, respectively.
The vehicle is equipped with a brand-new twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 engine that was created exclusively for racing to compete on a global scale. The turbochargers are "mounted outside the vee angle of the engine, which makes them easier to cool and to service," according to its "cold V" arrangement. The configuration, according to Lamborghini, minimises weight and helps improve the vehicle's centre of gravity.
Regulations cap the engine's power of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS), paired with a hybrid system. The manufacturer also emphasised that there are further restrictions, such that the "LMDh rule set specifies a standard gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit, which helps to contain the development costs for the prototype."
Even though some car characteristics were predetermined, the manufacturer said that because of their early partnership with Ligier, they could select features like the push rod front suspension, overall weight distribution, and simplicity of maintenance for vital components.
Since Lamborghini's Centro Stile created the design and unquestionably looks on-brand, the company's influence may be observed elsewhere. This is primarily because of the bright livery and Y-shaped lighting units, which signal its identification.
Head of Design Mitja Borkert says they aren't the only unique details. "Integrated into the side panel of the body, you can see a NACA duct inspired by the air intake of the Countach," she said. We conveyed an idea of acceleration toward the front when you look at the rear wheel arch, which is related to Revuelto's use of the Lamborghini wheel arch design language.
The SC63 will shortly undergo testing, and according to the carmaker, it was "designed and developed to offer the widest 'operating window' possible to optimize performance, while also being able to look after its tires even on the most aggressive track surfaces." This is significant since rigorous laws exist, and the business can only make a few adjustments to prepare for different tracks and races.
In connection with it, Lamborghini and Iron Lynx have teamed together to operate the SC63. One car will participate in the IMSA series, while another will compete in the World Endurance Championship. The complete driver lineup will be revealed later this year. Still, factory Lamborghini drivers Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli, and former Formula 1 drivers Daniil Kvyat and Romain Grosjean are already confirmed.
"The SC63 is the most advanced racing car ever produced by Lamborghini," said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann during the vehicle's debut. "It follows our roadmap 'Direzione Cor Tauri' laid out by the brand for the electrification of our product range." The CEO said, "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."
