The LMDh Lamborghini racer will use a hybrid-assisted twin-turbo V8 engine to compete in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It will be the first fully developed racing machine from the competition division of the Squadra Corse brand.
The maximum system output the rules allow for this class is 671 horsepower (500 kilowatts), so you can expect Lamborghini to have this much power. There is a mandated Bosch Motor Generator Unit and a Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack. Xtrac supplies its seven-speed P1359 gearbox.
Previous Lamborghini LMDh teaser image.
The LMDH racer has a required weight of 2,271 pounds (1,030 kilograms) without fuel or driver. They have a maximum length of 16.7 feet (5.1 meters) and a width of 6.56 feet (2.0 meters). This vehicle is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 211.3 miles per hour (340 kilometers per hour).
As part of the LMDh rules, manufacturers must select a chassis supplier. Lamborghini will be with Ligier. The teaser image shows the vehicle with Y-shaped running lights and sharp styling for a look that evokes the brand’s street cars.
The Lamborghini LMDh will start racing in 2024, meaning it will miss the first year of competition in this class. Racing for this machine begins at the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January 2023.
Lamborghini competitors will include the Acura AR24e with a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that will spin up to 10,000 rpm. Alpine will have an entry though the company won’t be releasing many details yet. The BMW M Hybrid V8 will have a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. The Cadillac GTP Hypercar will get power from a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8. Porsche 963 will pack a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.
Ferrari is working on an entry in the separate Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) class. The powertrain is still a mystery, but it has a wild body. There are very tall wings, and a rear fin that tilts upwards on the back.
