The Lamborghini LMDh Concept Vehicle Will Deploy a V8 Twin-Turbo Hybrid Engine

Sant'Agata Bolognese, 19 September 2022 – Lamborghini Squadra Corse has published the first technical parameters of its LMDh project in preparation for its impending participation in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The internal combustion V8 twin-turbo is the first racing engine that Squadra Corse has entirely designed.

In accordance with the LMDh regulations issued by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the car will be equipped with a hybrid power unit comprised of an internal combustion engine and an Energy Recovery System with a maximum combined output of 500 kw (681 hp). In addition to the ERS kit from a single supplier, Lamborghini has chosen to utilise an 8-cylinder, 90-degree V-angle, twin-turbo internal combustion engine built by the company's racing division, Squadra Corse.

As Automobili Lamborghini embarks on a future of hybridisation in its road vehicle production, the LMDh represents a special energy/performance project based on the experiences of the forthcoming generations of its sports cars, which is perfectly in line with the Cor Tauri business strategy. Squadra Corse, therefore, fits well with Lamborghini's shift to hybrid technology by entering a racing environment powered by hybrid propulsion.

Major ERS components featured in the LMDh homologated standard Kit encompass a variety of sectors, with Bosch Motorsport developing the electric motor (MGU). Power Management and energy storage are provided by Williams Advanced Engineering, while Xtrac develops the seven-speed P1359 hybrid transmission.

The vehicle, which will make its competitive debut in 2024 in both the IMSA Endurance Cup and the FIA World Endurance Championship, has a peak speed of 340 kilometres per hour and, per the rules, weighs 1030 kilogrammes without fuel and driver. It will have a maximum width of 2,000 millimetres and a maximum length of 5,100 millimetres. The wheelbase will be 3,148mm and the minimal engine weight will be 180kg.

HP Composites, Squadra Corse's long-term partner in the GT3 and Super Trofeo platforms, manufactures carbon fibre components in Italy. The basic vehicle (spine) is co-designed with Ligier Automotive. The decision to join up with Ligier Automotive allows Lamborghini Squadra Corse to compete in the premier class of endurance racing with an experienced chassis manufacturer. In addition, the professional and adaptable organisation of Ligier Automotive (with particular contact points between Squadra Corse) made the relationship a natural fit for the LMDh project.