Lamborghini wants to create synergies between competition and the development of electrified cars. Its involvement in LMDh is a necessary step to achieve this.
From next year, Lamborghini will make its big comeback in competition. The manufacturer will enter a prototype that meets the LMDh endurance regulations. He will take part in the American championship, with the 24 Hours of Daytona as the highlight, but especially in the WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The LMDh regulations consist of developing an aerodynamic kit for a standard chassis, as well as an engine. The latter is associated with a standard electrified part provided by the championship. Manufacturers must also develop the interface between the two parts of the power unit.
Stephan Winkelmann, the brand’s CEO, detailed the reasons for this commitment. He specifies that this program aligns with the future of the brand, which is working on hybrid and electric models.
“We think times have changed. For us, it’s the best opportunity to test things, and the fact that it’s hybrid fits perfectly with our strategy.”Winkelmann said.
A benefit for the engine and the chassis
Rouven Mohr, the project’s technical director, also spoke at the last 24 Hours of Daytona. He explained to Car and Driver that despite the arrival of hybridization, Lamborghini engines would keep a large displacement. The LMDh prototype should also have a V8 as the basis of its power unit.
“We are not following the trend of downsizing”, assures Mohr. He reveals that at the moment it is the road cars that are helping the LMDh program. “We learned a lot about energy management for road cars. We are not starting from scratch in LMDh. »
And the engineer to salute the importance of such a program for other aspects of the cars. Indeed, he explains that the chassis of future models will also benefit from this research. “If you want to improve the handling and behavior of the car motorsport is the perfect place”he concluded.
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