The first details of the Lamborghini LMDh

The technical details of the LMDh from the Sant'Agata Bolognese firm are being revealed little by little. In accordance with ACO regulations and IMSA, the Italian will be equipped with an internal combustion power unit – an in-house twin-turbo V8 – married to an energy recovery system generic to all LMDhs. The combined power will be 500 kW (approx. 680 hp). This is the first time that a thermal powertrain will be entirely developed by the motorsport department of the Taurus brand, Squadra Corse. “ This is a pure racing engine, but we are developing it with a clear architecture so that we can reuse it in the near future. We still see motorsport as a laboratory of ideas for the future », explained Giorgio Sanna, director of Lamborghini Squadra Corse, during an exclusive interview.

As the manufacturer engages in the hybridization of its road car production, this prototype aligns with this transition strategy. As with all LMDhs, the seven-speed P1359 gearbox will be supplied by Xtrac, power management and energy storage by Williams Advanced Engineering and the MGU (motor electric generator) by Bosch Motorsport. This last component has also caused problems for Porsche during the German's tests. “ It is normal that Porsche encounters certain problems, since it is the first manufacturer to have entered into development, judge Giorgio Sanna. Logically, they have debugged the system that everyone will use. Bosch people are working hard to improve it and will continue to do so. So we expect these kinds of issues to be resolved when it's time for us to hit the track. We plan to arrive in competition in 2024, so we have a little more time to use the experience gained by other manufacturers. » The Italian should nevertheless experience her first burn-in next spring.

“Our LMDh will be recognizable as a Lamborghini”

This will be the opportunity to discover its final design. In the meantime, the trans firmalpine unveiled a first teaser of its face, with recognizable headlights and inspired by elements of previous models. “ The front of the car is fundamental in terms of design: it is the area where you have the most freedom to interpret the brand's DNA. This is what we are looking for. For now, it's just a rendering, but you can believe me, our LMDh will be recognizable as a Lamborghini. Even if you see it from two kilometers away! », assures Sanna.

Designed in close collaboration with the brand's styling center, the chassis is designed in partnership with Ligier Automotive and the carbon fiber elements are produced in Italy by HP Composites, partner of Squadra Corse for the GT3 and Super Trofeo platforms. This Italian company belongs to the Everspeed group, of which Jacques Nicolet (founder of Ligier Automotive) is president. This partly explains the links between the two entities.

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