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Lamborghini SC63

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Lamborghini SC63
The No. 19 & No. 63 SC63 at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans
CategoryLe Mans Daytona h
ConstructorLamborghini (Ligier)
Designer(s)Mitja Borkert (Head of Design)[1]
Jin-ho Seo (Exterior Designer)[2]
Rouven Mohr (Chief Technical Officer, Lamborghini)[3]
PredecessorLamborghini Countach QVX
Technical specifications
ChassisLMP2-based[4] carbon-fibre monocoque
Suspension (front)Pushrods, KW dampers and torsion springs with power steering
Suspension (rear)Pushrods, KW shock absorbers and torsion springs
Length5,100 mm (200.8 in)
Height1,170 mm (46.1 in)
Wheelbase3,148 mm (123.9 in)
EngineLamborghini Squadra Corse 3.8 L (231.9 cu in)[1][2] 90° V8 twin-turbocharged, DOHC mid-engine, longitudinally-mounted
Electric motorRear-mounted 50 kW (68 PS; 67 hp) spec MGU supplied by Bosch
TransmissionXtrac P1359 7-speed sequential semi-automatic[1]
Power500 kW (680 PS; 671 hp)
Weight1,030 kg (2,271 lb)
FuelTotalEnergies (WEC)
VP Racing Fuels (IMSA)
LubricantsPertamina Fastron
BrakesBrembo carbon 380/355mm with Brembo Monobloc 6-piston calipers
TyresMichelin slicks with Ronal one-piece forged alloys, 29/71-18 front and 34/71-18 rear[5]
Competition history
CompetitionFIA World Endurance Championship
IMSA SportsCar Championship
Notable entrants
Notable drivers
Debut2024 Qatar 1812 km
Last event2025 Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
140001

The Lamborghini SC63 is an LMDh sports prototype racing car designed by Lamborghini and built by Ligier to compete in the Hypercar and GTP (Grand Touring Prototype) classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship, respectively.

The name SC63 is a reference of the following; "SC" stands for the initials of the Lamborghini's motorsport division, Squadra Corse while the number 63 refers to the year of the foundation of the automobile brand, 1963.

Background

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On 17 May 2022, Lamborghini formally announced an entry into both the World Endurance Championship and the IMSA SportsCar Championship starting from the 2024 season, using a car designed to the LMDh regulations.[10] One month later, during the 2022 Le Mans press conference, it was confirmed that Lamborghini would work with Ligier as their chassis supplier, making Lamborghini the first manufacturer in the LMDh ruleset to select Ligier as their partner.[11]

Further details about the prototype emerged in September 2022, with Lamborghini announcing that it will be utilizing a hybrid powertrain, consisting of an 90° V8 twin-turbo internal combustion engine and standardized hybrid drivetrain components provided by Williams Advanced Engineering, Bosch and Xtrac, for maximum possible combined output of 671 hp (500 KW).[12] In November 2022 it was announced that Iron Lynx would be responsible for running the factory effort in both the WEC and IMSA.[13]

The partnership would begin with factory-supported GT3 programs in the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship and the 2023 GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, which would expand into dual efforts in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship.[13] Lamborghini's Head of Motorsport, Giorgio Sanna, said that the manufacturer would be aiming to run a single car in the 2024 editions of the WEC and IMSA, with a double-entry planned for the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans,[13][14]

The car was revealed on 13 July 2023, the first day of the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.[15] In interviews post the launch of the car, Sanna stated that Iron Lynx would remain the sole operator of the SC63 during its 4-year life cycle which ends in 2027. He also commented that it was uncertain whether or not the car would debut at the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona.[16]

The SC63 completed its first shakedown at Vallelunga Circuit in early August 2023. It was followed by the car's first full test Imola on 10 and 11 August 2023. Driving duties for the test were split between Mirko Bortolotti, Andrea Caldarelli and Daniil Kvyat, covering over 1500 km. There were a number of notable modifications as compared to the demo-spec of the car at Goodwood, with a more squarish cockpit, flaps on the roof before the air intake and new elements on the rear wing.[17]

Racing history

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2024

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Ahead of the 2024 calendar year, Lamborghini announced the driver lineups for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Andrea Caldarelli, Matteo Cairoli, and Romain Grosjean were set to race in IMSA, and Mirko Bortolotti, Daniil Kvyat, and Edoardo Mortara were set to race in WEC.[18]

The SC63 completed its global debut at the 2024 Qatar 1812 km alongside fellow series newcomers BMW, Alpine, and Isotta Fraschini.[19] Despite Iron Lynx's hopes that the SC63 would be in the mix amongst the Hypercar field,[20] the car was among the slowest in its class, qualifying in 18th ahead of the last-placed Isotta Fraschini. The car, however, displayed strong reliability and was able to reach the checkered flag, finishing in 13th overall.[21] Two weeks later, it made its IMSA debut at the 2024 12 Hours of Sebring, where it again showed its strong reliability to finish 7th overall. Lamborghini's pace in Sebring was more competitive than in Lusail, able to stay close to the midfield and avoiding falling a lap behind for an extended period of time via a strong defensive driving stint from Grosjean against the race leading Porsche.[22]

Two SC63s were entered by Iron Lynx at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. The second car, entered under No. 19, was driven by Iron Lynx's IMSA lineup of Cairoli, Caldarelli, and Grosjean. Both cars were able to finish the race with no errors, and Lamborghini were able to make their first and only points finish of the season in WEC with the full-season No. 63 car finishing in 10th overall.[23]

Lamborghini fought towards the front at the 2024 IMSA Battle on the Bricks, taking advantage of wet weather conditions and holding the race lead early for nine laps. After receiving a drive-through penalty, the SC63 was again able to climb to the front making use of an alternate pit strategy, but the team's race later ended in retirement after a collision with Proton Competition's Ford Mustang GT3 damaged the rear suspension.[24][25]

At the conclusion of Lamborghini's respective seasons, they confirmed they would not be returning to the FIA World Endurance Championship the following year in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes, as the two-car Hypercar mandate set to be in effect for 2025 was not viable.[26] Riley Technologies were confirmed to assist with the factory operations for the SC63,[27] as Iron Lynx confirmed a brand switch to Mercedes-AMG following a communication breakdown between the team and Lamborghini.[28][29]

2025

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Ahead of the racing season, Lamborghini outlined that 2025 would be another development year for the SC63.[30] Like the previous year, Lamborghini would only compete in the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds of the 2025 IMSA SportsCar Championship.[31] They experienced a troubled start to their IMSA campaign, being forced to retire at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring due to technical issues.[32] The SC63 returned three months later for the next Michelin Endurance Cup race at the 2025 Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, where it equaled its best performance in the series, finishing in 7th overall. Initially starting in 11th, Romain Grosjean took advantage of mixed conditions early in the race to climb to the front, leading for 23 laps.[33]

On 4 August 2025, Lamborghini announced its decision to pause the LMDh programme for 2026 and withdraw from the IMSA Sportscar Championship due to a "strategic realignment of its motorsport activities", choosing to focus on GT racing instead.[34]

Racing results

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Complete IMSA SportsCar Championship results

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(key) Races in bold indicates pole position. Races in italics indicates fastest lap.

Year Entrants Class Drivers No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Pts. Pos.
2024 Lamborghini Iron Lynx GTP DAY SEB LBH LGA DET WGL ELK IMS ATL 986 11th
Italy Matteo Cairoli 63 7 11 8 8
Italy Andrea Caldarelli 7 11 8 8
France Romain Grosjean 7 8 8
2025 Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse GTP DAY SEB LBH LGA DET WGL ELK IMS ATL 672* 13th*
France Romain Grosjean 63 Ret Ret 7
Daniil Kvyat Ret Ret 7
Italy Mirko Bortolotti Ret Ret
Switzerland Edoardo Mortara Ret

Complete FIA World Endurance Championship results

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(key) Races in bold indicates pole position. Races in italics indicates fastest lap.

Year Entrants Class Drivers No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Points Pos
2024 Lamborghini Iron Lynx Hypercar QAT IMO SPA LMN SAP COA FUJ BHR 11 8th
Italy Mirko Bortolotti 63 13 12 Ret 10 17 14 Ret Ret
Daniil Kvyat 13 12 Ret 10 17 14 Ret Ret
Italy Edoardo Mortara 13 12 10 17 14 Ret Ret
Italy Andrea Caldarelli Ret
Italy Matteo Cairoli 19 13 ** **
Italy Andrea Caldarelli 13
France Romain Grosjean 13

* Championship ongoing. ** Not eligible for championship points.

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Goodwin, Graham (13 July 2023). "Lamborghini Reveal SC63 Hypercar and GTP Contender At Goodwood". dailysportscar.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b Smith, Christopher (13 July 2023). "Lamborghini SC63 LMDh debuts with 3.8-litre turbo V8, will race at Le Mans". Motor1. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  3. ^ "Lamborghini unveils SC63: hybrid racing prototype to compete at apex of endurance". Lamborghini. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  4. ^ Newbold, James (18 December 2022). "Inside the spec hybrid spine of LMDh cars". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 8 August 2023.
  5. ^ "SC63". Lamborghini.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Lamborghini announces drivers Bortolotti and Caldarelli for the LMDh program". Lamborghini.com. 21 July 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  7. ^ "Lamborghini Squadra Corse announces Romain Grosjean as official Factory Driver with Iron Lynx Team". Lamborghini.com. 6 December 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  8. ^ "Daniil Kvyat unveiled as latest addition to Lamborghini Factory Driver roster". Lamborghini.com. 13 April 2023. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  9. ^ a b Klein, Jamie (14 December 2023). "Lamborghini Completes LMDh Roster with Mortara, Cairoli – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  10. ^ "WEC: Lamborghini announces LMDh programme". Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. 17 May 2022. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  11. ^ "Ligier To Provide Chassis For 2024 Lamborghini LMDh | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. 7 June 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  12. ^ "Lamborghini LMDh prototype car will fit a V8 twin-turbo hybrid engine". Lamborghini.com. 19 August 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  13. ^ a b c "Lamborghini and Iron Lynx join forces for LMDh programme in FIA WEC and IMSA from 2024". Lamborghini.com. 7 November 2022. Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  14. ^ Lloyd, Daniel (1 February 2023). "Lamborghini to Start With Single Car Entries in Hypercar, GTP – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  15. ^ "Lamborghini Reveal SC63 Hypercar and GTP Contender At Goodwood | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 13 July 2023.
  16. ^ Watkins, Gary (14 July 2023). "Lamborghini won't expand LMDh plan beyond Iron Lynx in WEC and IMSA". www.motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  17. ^ Watkins, Gary (14 August 2023). "Lamborghini reveals details of WEC, IMSA LMDh challenger's first full test". www.motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 22 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  18. ^ Pettit, Vince (15 December 2023). "Lamborghini Iron Lynx Reveals Powerhouse Lineup for 2024 Hypercar Assault". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  19. ^ Thukral, Rachit (7 March 2024). "Lamborghini must be "realistic" about WEC hopes after Qatar debut - Kvyat". Motorsport. Retrieved 22 June 2025.
  20. ^ Dagys, John (29 February 2024). "Iron Lynx Aiming to Be 'In the Mix' in Lamborghini SC63's Debut – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  21. ^ "Lamborghini SC63 reaches finish of historic maiden FIA WEC outing in Qatar". The NewsMarket. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  22. ^ "SC63's performance at the 12 Hours of Sebring". Lamborghini.com. 11 June 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  23. ^ "Lamborghini SC63 claims historic top 10 finish on Le Mans 24 Hours debut". Lamborghini.com. 11 June 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  24. ^ Grace, Jonathan (23 September 2024). "Cairoli "Happy" Despite Early End for Lamborghini SC63 in Indy – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  25. ^ Rehman, Mohammed (25 September 2024). "Romain Grosjean on leading for Lamborghini at Indy: 'We were flying'". Motorsport Week. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  26. ^ Euwema, Davey (22 November 2024). "Lamborghini Pauses Hypercar, LMGT3 Efforts After One Season – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  27. ^ "Riley to run Lamborghini GTP program for IMSA endurance rounds | RACER". racer.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  28. ^ Dagys, John (20 November 2024). "Mercedes-AMG to Join LMGT3 Grid With Iron Lynx – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  29. ^ "Lamborghini looking to end FIA WEC program ahead of the 2025 season | RACER". racer.com. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  30. ^ "Lamborghini clarifies future direction for SC63 program | RACER". racer.com. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
  31. ^ "Lamborghini to make limited IMSA GTP assault in 2025". Motor Authority. 30 December 2024. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  32. ^ "Lamborghini Retires Its Only GTP Car at Daytona". Road & Track. 25 January 2025. Archived from the original on 27 January 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  33. ^ Grace, Jonathan (23 June 2025). "Grosjean: Lamborghini SC63 Close to "100% Maximization" – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
  34. ^ "Lamborghini pauses LMDh programme with SC63 in IMSA". www.autosport.com. 4 August 2025. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
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