Twin-turbo V8 Hybrid To Power Lamborghini At Le Mans
Sep 20, 2022
The Hypercar class contender aligns with the Cor Tauri company strategy as Automobili Lamborghini embarks on a future of hybridisation in its road car production.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse as released the first details of the drivetrain that will power its challenge Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Set for debut in 2024, the LMDh car will feature an 8-cylinder, 90-degree V-angle twin-turbo internal combustion engine developed by the company’s motorsport department, Squadra Corse, This will be the first racing engine fully developed in-house by Squadra Corsa. The hybrid power unit includes an Energy Recovery System with a combined output of max 500 kw (681 hp).
Major ERS components included in the LMDh homologated standard Kit cover several areas, with the electric motor (MGU) developed by Bosch Motorsport. Power Management and energy storage are supplied by Williams Advanced Engineering while the seven-speed P1359 hybrid gearbox is developed by Xtrac.
The car, which will make its competitive debut in 2024 in both the IMSA Endurance Cup and the FIA World Endurance Championship, can produce a top speed of 340 km/h and weighs 1030kg without fuel and driver as per the regulations. As for the car’s dimensions, it will have a maximum width of 2,000mm, and a length of 5,100mm. The wheelbase will be 3,148mm with an engine weight of 180kg minimum.
The base car (spine) is engineered together with Ligier Automotive and carbon fiber elements are produced in Italy by HP Composites, Squadra Corse long-term partner in GT3 and Super Trofeo platforms. The decision to team up with Ligier Automotive enables Lamborghini Squadra Corse to enter the top class of endurance racing with an established chassis provider. Additionally, the competent and flexible structure of Ligier Automotive (with specific touch points between Squadra Corse) made the partnership a logical choice for the LMDh project.