Lamborghini SC63 LMDh Takes to the Imola Racetrack for First Time Ahead of 2024 WEC

In preparation for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA Sportscar Championship seasons, Lamborghini Squadra Corse has begun testing the SC63 LMDh prototype. During the initial Shakedown, members of the reference team, Iron Lynx, and the Lamborghini technicians conducted a thorough inspection to ensure the proper functioning of various components as the hybrid car embarked on its initial kilometres of travel. At 9:03 am, the Lamborghini SC63 was started in the garage before Caldarelli took the car out for one installation lap. Following a brief pause, the Italian driver resumed driving the Ligier LMP2-based vehicle, thereby increasing the mileage covered on the track. The objective of the testing was to ensure that all aspects were duly inspected and to enhance comprehension of the car's performance on the track, particularly in relation to its hybrid powertrain. Representatives from Lamborghini's Squadra Corse motorsport division were in attendance at the inaugural appearance of the vehicle.

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Lamborghini and 2024 WEC 

Lamborghini likely plans to continue testing the car at Imola for several days as they speed up the vehicle's development. Following its debut at the March 2024 WEC season opener in Qatar, Lamborghini plans to run a complete campaign that will include a return to the Circuit de la Sarthe after an absence of more than a decade. The Italian manufacturer has also entered the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup, but their car will not be ready for the season start at the Daytona 24 Hours in January. The Lamborghini LMDh will make its IMSA debut during the March 12 Hours of Sebring, just two weeks after it makes its WEC premiere in Qatar.

Lamborghini SC63 LMDH meets the track for the first time pic.twitter.com/3c7f62o1vg

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Lamborghini plans to field two cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with one entering each category. Lamborghini has signed a number of high-profile racers for the LMDh programme, including Caldarelli, Mirko Bortolotti, and ex-Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean and Daniil Kvyat. Additionally, unlike the Porsche 963, the SC63's V-8 is entirely new. The new 3.8-litre twin-turbo unit utilises a 'cold vee' layout, with the turbos located externally for better accessibility and a lower centre of gravity. The manufacturer claims that the new engine will form the backbone of the next generation of vehicles produced by the company, which will succeed the Huracan. A conventional hybrid powertrain, including a seven-speed gearbox, battery, and motor-generator unit, will transfer power to the rear wheels, the same as in LMDh competitions.

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New Manufacturers to Enter WEC in 2024

In recent years, the LMDh formula has received a great deal of interest from numerous companies. With the introduction of the Porsche 963, the German automaker was one of the first to declare its intention to join. Rapidly joining the fray were Cadillacs, Acuras, and BMW. It is important to note that for the 2023 season, both BMW and Honda's Acura division will concentrate on races in North America. BMW intends to further up its racing efforts in the following year when it will enter the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

In addition to the aforementioned manufacturers, Lamborghini and Alpine will join the LMDh formula in the next year. Starting in 2024, Lamborghini plans to compete in both the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Both Lamborghini and Alpine have unveiled their respective cars for the WEC in 2024.

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