Lamborghini Squadra Corse is set to make history this weekend at the Daytona 24 Hours, entering the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s top class for the first time as an official factory team. This marks a significant step for the Italian manufacturer, which will compete for overall honors with the Lamborghini SC63.
After debuting in both IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2024, Squadra Corse has strategically shifted its focus to the Michelin Endurance Cup rounds of the North American series for 2025. Their IMSA journey began at Sebring last season, making Daytona their first full Endurance Cup campaign.
Lamborghini has assembled a formidable driver lineup for the #63 SC63. Mirko Bortolotti and Daniil Kvyat, veterans of the WEC program, will contest all five Endurance Cup races. They are joined by Romain Grosjean, returning to Lamborghini after impressive performances in 2024, including a standout drive in wet conditions at Indianapolis. Adding further experience and expertise to the Daytona effort is Edoardo Mortara, who will then transition to a GT3 program with Lamborghini for the remainder of 2025.
Beyond the top class entry, Lamborghini is also making a strong push in the GTD Pro category. Pfaff Motorsports, a factory-supported team, will compete in both the Sprint and Endurance Cup championships. Full-season drivers Andrea Caldarelli and Marco Mapelli will be joined by fellow Lamborghini factory driver Jordan Pepper for Daytona, while former IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe will be the Endurance Cup co-driver.
In the GTD class, Wayne Taylor Racing continues its partnership with Lamborghini for another full season. Lamborghini Young Professional driver Danny Formal leads the team’s charge alongside 2017 Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals winner Trent Hindman. Youngster Graham Doyle joins for the Endurance Cup rounds, and Kyle Marcelli will race at Daytona. Forte Racing, building on two successful seasons, will field a full-season entry with Misha Goikhberg and veteran Mario Farnbacher, with Franck Perera contesting the Endurance rounds. NASCAR veteran Parker Kligerman joins the team for Daytona.
Lamborghini has a history of success at the Daytona 24 Hours, achieving three consecutive victories between 2018 and 2020. Their maiden win in 2018, just two years after their first appearance, came courtesy of Grasser Racing Team with drivers Mirko Bortolotti, Rolf Ineichen, Rik Breukers, and Franck Perera. They secured another win in a red-flagged race the following year, and completed the hat-trick in 2020.
With a strong driver lineup, competitive cars, and a proven track record at Daytona, Lamborghini Squadra Corse is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 IMSA season. Their entry into the top class marks a new chapter in their motorsport history, and fans eagerly await the roar of the Lamborghini engines as they compete for victory at the prestigious Daytona 24 Hours.
While primarily known for their road-going supercars, the Italian marque also dipped its toes into the high-octane world of Formula 1, albeit for a relatively short period. Their foray, while not ultimately crowned with championship glory, left an indelible mark and a lingering “what if” in the minds of motorsport enthusiasts.
Lamborghini’s F1 story isn’t one of a full-fledged factory team. Instead, they primarily acted as an engine supplier, partnering with various teams throughout their involvement. Their journey began in the late 1980s, a time when turbochargers were king and F1 cars were pushing the boundaries of technology.
The Lamborghini engine, a powerful V12, was initially developed for the abortive “Project 12” F1 car. This project, intended to be Lamborghini’s own entry into the sport, never materialized, but the engine itself found a home with the French Larrousse team in 1989. The Lamborghini V12, with its distinctive sound and impressive power output, quickly gained a reputation. It was a beast of an engine, capable of producing competitive horsepower, but it also proved to be somewhat temperamental.
The partnership with Larrousse yielded some promising results, including a podium finish at the 1990 Japanese Grand Prix with driver Aguri Suzuki. This result showcased the potential of the Lamborghini engine and hinted at a brighter future. However, consistency proved elusive, and the relationship between Lamborghini and Larrousse was often strained.
Over the next few years, Lamborghini supplied engines to other teams, including Lotus. The legendary British team, steeped in F1 history, hoped that the Italian V12 would reinvigorate their fortunes. Unfortunately, the partnership didn’t deliver the expected results. Despite flashes of brilliance, reliability issues and a generally uncompetitive car hampered their progress.
Ultimately, Lamborghini’s F1 adventure came to an end in 1993. Financial constraints and a lack of consistent success contributed to their withdrawal from the sport. While they never achieved the championship wins they craved, their presence in F1 added a certain flair and excitement.
The Lamborghini V12 engine, even with its reliability issues, was a force to be reckoned with. Its raw power and distinctive sound made it a fan favorite. It was a testament to Lamborghini’s engineering prowess, even if it didn’t translate into sustained success on the track.
Lamborghini’s F1 story is a reminder that even the most iconic brands can face challenges in the demanding world of motorsport. While their time in F1 was brief, it wasn’t without its highlights. The roar of the Lamborghini V12 echoed through the grand prix circuits of the world, a testament to the passion and innovation that the Italian manufacturer brought to the pinnacle of racing. It’s a chapter in F1 history that, while short, is still remembered fondly by many. And it leaves us wondering what might have been had Lamborghini continued their F1 journey.
Lamborghini Iron Lynx celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, securing a top 10 finish in their maiden appearance. The #63 SC63, driven by Mirko Bortolotti, Daniil Kvyat, and Edoardo Mortara, delivered a stellar performance, earning the team their first drivers’ points in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The sister #19 car, piloted by Matteo Cairoli, Andrea Caldarelli, and Romain Grosjean, also finished the grueling endurance race, crossing the line in 13th place in its FIA WEC debut. This impressive double finish underscores the remarkable reliability of the Lamborghini SC63s, as neither car required any garage time throughout the entire 24 hours. This result carries significant weight for Lamborghini Squadra Corse, marking the first time the brand has finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans in seven attempts.
In the LMGT3 class, the #85 Iron Dames team, comprised of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey, and Michelle Gatting, showcased podium-contending speed despite a pre-race 25kg weight penalty. They ultimately secured their second consecutive top-five finish. The #60 Iron Lynx car, driven by Matteo Cressoni, Franck Perera, and Claudio Schiavoni, finished the race in 16th position after facing several challenges.
Lamborghini has a knack for creating the extraordinary, and the Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 is a prime example. This isn’t just another special edition; it’s an exclusive offering, a reward for the few who have already tamed the beast that is the Essenza SCV12 track car. Think of it as a very fast, very stylish, and very limited-production companion to Lamborghini’s track-focused monster.
The Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 is, at its core, a Lamborghini Urus Performante. 1 It inherits all the performance enhancements that make the Performante such a thrilling SUV. Under the hood, you’ll find the same roaring twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, churning out a formidable 657 horsepower. This potent engine, combined with the Performante’s weight reduction measures, makes for blistering acceleration and a truly visceral driving experience. It’s a symphony of power and aggression, a reminder that even in SUV form, Lamborghini’s DNA is unmistakable.
But the Essenza SCV12 edition goes beyond mere performance upgrades. It’s a celebration of exclusivity, a nod to the select few who own the track-only Essenza SCV12. This special Urus is essentially a rolling piece of automotive art, a tribute to its track-bound sibling. The most obvious difference lies in the bespoke livery, a unique design scheme that sets it apart from any other Urus on the road. This isn’t just a paint job; it’s a statement, a visual representation of the owner’s commitment to high-performance driving.
Beyond the distinctive aesthetics, the Essenza SCV12 edition boasts a number of carbon fiber enhancements. The lightweight material is used extensively, not just for show, but to further enhance the Performante’s already impressive performance. The hood, roof, mirrors, and rocker covers are all crafted from carbon fiber, contributing to weight reduction and a more aggressive look. It’s a subtle but significant touch, a reminder that every detail has been considered.
Inside, the Essenza SCV12 treatment continues. While the specifics are kept close to the vest, expect a luxurious yet driver-focused cabin, likely featuring unique trim, stitching, and badging. Think Alcantara, carbon fiber, and perhaps even some personalized touches. After all, this is a car designed for a very specific clientele, and personalization is key.
Perhaps the most significant detail, and the one that truly underscores the exclusivity of this model, is the badging. The Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 features a plaque commemorating Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, a testament to the brand’s rich history and enduring legacy. Even more special is the plaque bearing the owner’s name, a personalized touch that cements the car’s status as a truly unique and collectible piece.
The Lamborghini Urus Performante Essenza SCV12 isn’t just a fast SUV; it’s a symbol. It represents membership in an exclusive club, a connection to the raw thrill of the Essenza SCV12 track car. It’s a celebration of performance, exclusivity, and the shared passion for high-octane driving. And, as Lamborghini themselves admit, it’s priceless to those who already own the track-focused Essenza. For everyone else, it remains a tantalizing glimpse into the realm of the ultra-exclusive, a reminder of the lengths Lamborghini will go to in creating truly special machines. It’s a rare breed, a testament to the enduring appeal of the raging bull.
K-PAX Racing’s Jordan Pepper and Andrea Caldarelli secured Lamborghini’s 100th GT3 victory at Virginia International Raceway, dominating Race 1 of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America. Their fourth win in five races this season extends their points lead.
Caldarelli and Pepper, starting from pole, navigated a challenging race with a timely full-course yellow, ultimately reclaiming the lead after a competitor’s penalty. Pepper brought the #3 Huracán GT3 Evo to a decisive seven-second victory.
Giorgio Sanna, Lamborghini Head of Motorsport, highlighted the achievement as a testament to the Huracán’s performance and Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s growth since their first GT3 win in 2015.
While the #3 faced challenges in Race 2, the sister #6 K-PAX car, driven by Giovanni Venturini and Corey Lewis, earned a strong second-place finish. Additionally, LP Racing’s Jonathan Cecotto and Pietro Perolini secured a podium in the Italian GT Sprint Cup at Misano.
