Lamborghini Squadra Corse, the motorsport division of the renowned Italian automaker, has made a groundbreaking announcement at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The company has unveiled its first hybrid endurance racing prototype, the SC63, which is set to compete in prestigious racing events including the Hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Endurance Cup. This move represents a significant milestone in Lamborghini’s commitment to electrification and showcases their dedication to pushing the boundaries of high-performance mobility.

Lamborghini’s foray into hybrid endurance racing is aligned with their “Direzione Cor Tauri” strategy, unveiled in 2021, which outlines the brand’s roadmap for electrifying their entire model range by the end of 2024. The SC63 prototype embodies this strategy, introducing hybrid technology to Lamborghini’s motorsport program and marking a new chapter in their pursuit of driving emotions and performance. Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO, emphasizes the significance of this endeavor, stating, “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.”

At the heart of the SC63 is an all-new 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, meticulously developed by Lamborghini engineers specifically for the racing program. This engine features a “cold V” configuration, with the turbos positioned outside the vee angle for improved cooling and serviceability. The “cold V” solution not only reduces mass but also optimizes the car’s center of gravity. Combined with a custom-designed aerodynamic balance and attitude, this configuration ensures exceptional tire grip, perfect balance, drivability, and consistent speed over single laps and long-distance races.

In compliance with regulations, the power output from the engine and the hybrid system is limited to 500kW (680 CV). The Power Unit is managed by a Bosch electronic control unit, and the LMDh rule set mandates a standard gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU) to control development costs for the prototype.

Lamborghini engineers have had significant influence over various aspects of the SC63. While the gearbox is standardized for all LMDh cars, customization is allowed to suit each brand’s requirements, including gear ratios and the slip of the mechanical differential. Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer, highlights the technology transfer opportunities between motorsport and production cars, saying, “We will take our learning experiences from motorsport and apply them where possible to our future production cars.”

To bring the SC63 to life, Lamborghini has partnered with Ligier, renowned experts in developing and building monocoques. This collaboration has allowed Lamborghini to specify its requirements, including the development of the pushrod front suspension design, overall weight distribution, and ease of service for critical components. The bell housing, which connects the rear of the engine to the front of the gearbox, contributes to torsional stiffness and has been designed to accommodate the electric engine.

A key area of focus in development is the braking system, which must deliver exceptional performance and reliability under all conditions. Endurance racing places considerable stress on brakes, and Lamborghini has prioritized finding a balance between weight and durability, effective cooling, and adaptability to different driving styles.

The SC63’s bodywork showcases Lamborghini’s unmistakable design language and was developed by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile design department in collaboration with the race design team. The car features prominent brand styling cues, including the iconic y-shaped lights at the front and rear. Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini’s Head of Design at Centro Stile, explains the design philosophy: “The main recognition of the front and rear of the SC63 is driven by the y-shaped signature light. The size of the cabin and the main character of the car is driven by the sporting rules, but we have also implemented our own brand styling cues throughout the car.”

In terms of livery, the SC63 will bear the iconic Verde Mantis green, with a black Nero Noctis strip over the cabin, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. The cars will also feature the green, white, and red Italian Tricolore colors and will proudly display the branding of long-time partner Roger Dubuis, the Swiss watch manufacturer.

The cooling layout of the SC63 has played a pivotal role in both engineering and design decisions. Extensive iterations were carried out for the air intakes into the side pods behind the cockpit to ensure optimal performance. The car incorporates eight different radiators, including those for intercoolers, gearbox, air conditioning, Energy Recovery System (ERS), Energy Storage System (ESS), and water.

Extensive virtual development work utilizing a Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulator has been conducted to fine-tune the SC63’s performance characteristics. Lamborghini factory drivers Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli, along with experienced hybrid racers Daniil Kvyat and Romain Grosjean, have contributed their expertise to help engineers optimize the LMDh system. Their insights have been invaluable in designing the steering wheel controls, allowing drivers to effectively manage the necessary functions of the hybrid system.

Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini’s Head of Motorsport, reflects on the brand’s accomplishments in the last decade and expresses his excitement for the future, stating, “Over the last decade, we have achieved great results. Now we are ready for what is our biggest step into the future of motorsport, measuring ourselves against the best manufacturers in the world.” Lamborghini’s involvement in endurance racing has already yielded significant successes, including class wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and consecutive victories at the Sebring 12 Hours.

In the 2024 season, Lamborghini will compete in the full FIA World Endurance Championship with one car, while the second car will participate in the North American Endurance Championship races of the IMSA series. Both cars will be managed by Iron Lynx, an esteemed Italian team, and the driver lineup will feature Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli, Romain Grosjean, and Daniil Kvyat. Additional drivers will be confirmed later in 2023.

Andrea Piccini, Iron Lynx Team Principal and CEO, expresses his enthusiasm for this momentous project, saying, “Being involved in such an ambitious project is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are honored and extremely excited to be part of it and to start a new chapter for Iron Lynx with Lamborghini.” The Iron Lynx team is eagerly anticipating the testing phase and the opportunity to witness the SC63 in action on the track.

Lamborghini’s venture into hybrid endurance racing with the SC63 represents a remarkable fusion of cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and the brand’s iconic performance DNA. As Lamborghini continues to drive forward with their electrification strategy, their entry into the world of motorsport sets a new standard for high-performance mobility and reinforces their commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible on the track and the road.