Lamborghini’s Debut Hybrid Endurance Racing Prototype
The Italian marque imbues the standard LMDh proportions with futuristic flair.
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Lamborghini has lifted the covers off its latest prototype: the SC63. Set to begin testing in the coming weeks, the futuristic hybrid was unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will compete in the hypercar class of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship—including the 24 Hours of Le Mans—as well as in IMSA’s GTP class. The move marks the Italian marque’s debut in the top category of global endurance racing.
The newcomer is driven by a new in-house 3.8-litre twin turbo V8; utilising a ‘cold V’ configuration, the turbos are mounted outside the angle of the engine, making them easier to cool and service while lowering the vehicle’s mass and optimising its centre of gravity. This is enhanced by a class-mandated hybrid system that comprises a motor generator and a battery with an electronic control unit. While Lamborghini is yet to specify performance figures, regulations limit maximum output to 500 kW.
In compliance with LMDh regulations, the Lamborghini SC63 shares the same proportions, cockpit glasshouse, and several aerodynamic elements as other vehicles in its class. The monocoque has been built in partnership with French company Ligier, one of the series’ four approved suppliers.
However, the marque still manages to add its own signature style. Developed by the Lamborghini Squadra Corse motorsport department (the ‘SC’ in the prototype’s moniker) and designed by the Centro Style design department, the SC63 incorporates distinctive visual cues through the y-shaped lights at the front and rear of the car, as well as the use of Verde Mantis green livery accented with a Nero Noctis black strip detailing, in keeping with the branding seen on the Huracán GT3 challenger.
From the beginning, my personal briefing to the design-team was that the car needs to be highly functional, but we wanted to create a car that is immediately recognisable as Lamborghini,” says Mitja Borkert, Head of Design at Lamborghini Centro Stile. “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.
“Integrated into the side panel of the body you can see a NACA duct that was inspired by the air intake of the Countach. When you look at the rear wheel arch, we gave the impression of acceleration towards the front, and this relates to the wheel arch design language of Lamborghini that can also been seen on the Revuelto.”
Among the drivers taking the wheel for the Raging Bull’s to-level endurance debut are F1 alumni Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat, as well as Italian endurance duo Mirko Bortolotti and Andrea Caldarelli, with teams run by Iron Lynx.
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