ADAC GT Masters·22.1.2015

Lamborghini unveil new Huracán GT3: First Lamborghini GT3 sports car to be developed in house

Automobili Lamborghini presented the new GT3 Huracán to the waiting press at the company headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese (Italy) on Wednesday night. The new Lamborghini GT3 model has been developed by Squadra Corse, Lamborghini's own factory-based motorsport department. "With the Huracán GT3, Lamborghini Squadra Corse have taken a further step in the development and manufacture of a racing car for a category that is one of the most demanding and prestigious in international motorsport," said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "This is the first time that Lamborghini have involved themselves directly in the design and construction of a new car specifically intended for GT racing."

The distinguishing feature of the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 is its hybrid aluminium-carbon fibre chassis and FIA-approved roll cage which extends to the rear axle. The layout at the front of the chassis has been modified to accommodate a central radiator for cooling the high-performance engine. Changes made at the rear have served to optimise the position of the gearbox for racing while significantly improving the aerodynamics. The kerb weight of the vehicle is 1,230 kilos, of which 42% is distributed to the front. The final weight is to be defined after FIA classification tests. The body, which is made of composite materials, and the aerodynamics were developed in collaboration with Dallara Engineering, with company founder Gian Paolo Dallara taking a personal interest.

The aerodynamics of the vehicle have been optimised for air through flow and for maximum grip and traction in all conditions and on all types of racetrack. The aerodynamic properties are now more efficient thanks in no small measure to the adjustable rear spoiler, to the front and rear diffusers, and to the front air intakes, facilitating optimum setup under all track conditions. The new aerodynamics also provide precise cooling for the brake system.

Special attention in the design of the new vehicle was paid to the issue of driver safety. The new Lamborghini Huracán GT3 has an FIA-approved 8862 carbon shell seat and an OMP fire extinguisher; it also comes equipped with a brand new feature - the so-called 'Roof Hatch'. This system allows emergency crews to quickly rescue the driver through an opening in the roof. The LED front and rear lights are the same as those found on the standard model.

The rear-wheel-drive Huracán GT3 has a V10 engine with direct fuel injection, which is based on the series production model, and is equipped with an electronic control unit supplied by Bosch Motorsport. The engine is mounted on the chassis by means of rigid elements and connected to a sequential six-speed transmission and a three-disc clutch. The front wheels are fitted with size 315/680 tyres, and the rear wheels with size 325/705.

The ex-works price of the Huracán GT3 in Europe has been set at €369,000 (plus local taxes). Lamborghini have not yet confirmed when the Huracán will be ready for delivery to customer teams.