2023 Lamborghini SC63 Prototype

• Cutting-edge Hybrid Endurance Racing: The SC63 marks Lamborghini's foray into hybrid endurance racing, combining innovation and performance.
• Hypercar Class Competitor: Set to compete in the Hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, including iconic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship: The SC63 will also participate in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Endurance Cup, featuring prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
• Partnership with Iron Lynx: Lamborghini has teamed up with renowned Italian team Iron Lynx to manage and run the SC63 in international competitions.
• Embracing Electrification: The SC63 aligns with Lamborghini's electrification roadmap, which aims to hybridize the entire model range by the end of 2024, enhancing driving emotions and performance.
• Cold V Engine Configuration: The SC63 features a unique "cold V" configuration for its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, optimizing cooling and serviceability.
• Regulated Power Output: Power from the engine and hybrid system is limited by regulations to 500kW (680 CV), ensuring a fair playing field for all LMDh-category cars.
• Customizable Gearbox: While the gearbox is standardized, Lamborghini retains the freedom to customize it to meet their specific requirements, including gear ratios and differential slip.
• Striking Design: The SC63 boasts captivating bodywork with distinctive Lamborghini styling cues, including the iconic y-shaped lights at the front and rear.
• Extensive Cooling System: The SC63 incorporates a sophisticated cooling layout with eight radiators, including intercoolers, gearbox radiator, air conditioning condenser, ERS and ESS radiators, and water radiators, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.

Lamborghini Squadra Corse, in a groundbreaking move, has introduced the SC63, its inaugural hybrid endurance racing prototype, at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed. With imminent testing in the coming weeks, the SC63 is poised to make its mark in the Hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, including renowned races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Additionally, it will compete in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship Endurance Cup, featuring iconic events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. In collaboration with esteemed Italian team Iron Lynx, Lamborghini aims to conquer international motorsport competitions, enlisting top-tier drivers from both Formula 1 and endurance racing.

Embracing their visionary Direzione Cor Tauri strategy unveiled in 2021, Lamborghini introduces the LMDh project, revolutionizing the world of racing. This endeavor aligns with their electrification roadmap, which aims to hybridize their entire model range by the end of 2024, enhancing both driving exhilaration and performance. Taking this philosophy to the motorsport realm, the SC63 represents a new cornerstone of the Lamborghini Manifesto, propelling humanity beyond the ordinary.

Under the hood, Lamborghini engineers have meticulously crafted a cutting-edge 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine exclusively tailored for the SC63's racing ambitions. With a "cold V" configuration, the engine's turbochargers are strategically positioned outside the vee angle, optimizing cooling efficiency and serviceability. This innovative design also contributes to reduced weight and maximizes the car's center of gravity. Combining this with bespoke aerodynamic balancing and a distinct attitude, Lamborghini has identified the most effective approach for exceptional tire grip, impeccable balance, and consistent speed, both in single lap sprints and endurance races.

Regulations restrict the power output from the engine and hybrid system, standard across LMDh-category cars, to 500kW (680 CV). Managed by a Bosch electronic control unit, the Power Unit adheres to the LMDh rule set, which mandates a standardized gearbox, battery, and motor generator unit (MGU). This approach effectively contains development costs associated with prototype vehicles.

Beyond the mechanical realm, Lamborghini engineers have left no stone unturned in refining every aspect of the SC63. While the gearbox conforms to standard specifications, Lamborghini retains the freedom to tailor it according to their unique requirements, including gear ratios and the mechanical differential's slip characteristics.

In a strategic partnership, Lamborghini has selected renowned experts Ligier to develop and construct the monocoque. Being the first manufacturer to collaborate with Ligier on an LMDh project, Lamborghini enjoys the freedom to specify their demands, including the pioneering push rod front suspension design, optimal weight distribution, and streamlined serviceability for critical components. The bellhousing, connecting the rear of the engine with the front of the gearbox, enhances torsional stiffness and provides a dedicated housing for the electric engine.

A crucial aspect of development lies in the braking system, which must deliver peak performance and unwavering reliability under all conditions. Endurance racing subjects the brakes to immense stress, necessitating a careful balance between weight and durability, effective cooling, and compatibility with diverse driving styles.

The SC63 boasts captivating bodywork, a result of collaborative efforts between Lamborghini's Centro Stile design department and the dedicated race design team. Throughout the car, iconic Lamborghini styling cues are seamlessly integrated, with the front and rear showcasing the unmistakable y-shaped lights.

True to Lamborghini's brand identity, the SC63 dons a livery reminiscent of the legendary Huracán GT3 challenger. Sporting the iconic Verde Mantis green, accentuated by a black Nero Noctis strip adorning the cabin, front hood, carbon diffuser, rear fin, and wing. The Italian Tricolore colors of green, white, and red pay tribute to Lamborghini's heritage, complemented by the branding of their long-standing partner, Swiss watch manufacturer Roger Dubuis.

A crucial factor dictating engineering and design decisions revolves around the car's cooling layout. The intake design for the sidepods behind the cockpit underwent meticulous iterations before reaching the final configuration. The team has successfully incorporated eight distinct radiators, including intercoolers, a gearbox radiator, an air conditioning condenser, and dedicated radiators for the Energy Recovery System (ERS), Energy Storage System (ESS), and water cooling.

Regulations permit only one body kit configuration, with limited changes allowed on a race-by-race basis. Consequently, the design team must consider worst-case scenarios, accounting for high ambient temperatures and optimizing the car's thermal efficiency across IMSA and WEC circuits.

Prior to track testing, extensive development work has been conducted virtually using a Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulator, ensuring the SC63 offers an extensive "operating window" for superior performance while maintaining tire longevity, even on the most demanding track surfaces.

Invaluable assistance has been provided by Lamborghini factory drivers Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli, alongside the expertise of Daniil Kvyat and Romain Grosjean, both seasoned competitors in hybrid systems from their Formula 1 experience. Their insights have played a vital role in refining the LMDh system, particularly in designing steering wheel controls that enable drivers to seamlessly manage essential hybrid functionalities.

Commencing in 2024, one SC63 car will compete in the complete FIA World Endurance Championship, while another will race in the North American Endurance Championship events within the IMSA series. Both series will be managed by Iron Lynx, the partner team introduced at the 2022 Lamborghini Grand Finals. The driver lineup will feature Bortolotti, Caldarelli, Grosjean, and Kvyat, with additional drivers to be announced later in 2023.

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