Lamborghini Huracan GT3 busts out

Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has whipped the covers off its latest V10-powered creation, the Huracan GT3 race car.

The unveiling took place at a gala event in Sant-Agata, Lamborghini's Italian headquarters, complete with smoke and at least two mirrors. Prepared specifically for competition motorsport, the Huracan GT3 has been designed by the company's race group, Lamborghini Squadra Corse, to compete in the GT3 category.

The new Lamborghini Huracan GT3 is instantly distinguishable from its road-going sibling by a huge (adjustable) rear wing that's large enough to dry the sweat from your race suit after completing a 24 hour race.

Not simply a Huracan with a big wing and lurid paintjob, the GT3 has been created with help from Dallara, the renowned race car builder. The Huracan GT3 race car is a far more serious vehicle than the Huracan LP 620-2 Super Trofeo, having been designed to weather 24 hour endurance races.

A body shell made from aluminium and carbon-fibre, plus an integrated roll cage that's received FIA blessing ensures the GT3 is very safe. Other changes include reworked subframes, front and rear, which were developed to allow for more aerodynamic body work – not to mention the fitment of a race-spec radiator and the repositioning of the rear-mounted gearbox, which is a stronger six-speed cog-swapper paired with a triple-plate racing clutch. 

The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 is propelled by the same 5.2-litre V10 engine as the road car, albeit with a few changes, such as a Bosch-supplied ECU that handles advanced traction controls. Peak power hasn't been revealed, but for reference the Super Trofeo race car pumps out around 455kW.

Deceleration is handled by 380mm front brake rotors gnawed by six-piston Brembo calipers and 355mm rear rotors worked by four-piston brake calipers. The stoppers are matched with a 12-mode ABS system (part of the abovementioned Bosch ECU) tailored to deliver consistent braking for dry and drenched surfaces, plus everything in between.

Tipping the scales at 1239kg, probably half the weight of Lambo's upcoming Urus SUV, the rear-drive racer has a 42:58 front to rear weight distribution and features several aero upgrades. This includes an adjustable front splitter, canards (vortex generating winglets), and more vents and inlets than an air-conditioning factory.

Other additions include an engine oil cooler, roof hatch, carbon race seats, a digitised LCD instrument panel connected to a multi-function steering wheel and a fire extinguisher.

Lamborghini's latest and greatest Huracan GT3 will compete in the 2015 Blancpain Endurance Series, a five-race championship that includes races such as the Spa 24 Hour in Belgium, along with others in Monza (Italy), Silverstone (UK), Paul Ricard (France) and Nurburgring (Germany).

Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, noted that the Huracan GT3 takes the Italian brand into uncharted territory: "Lamborghini is for the first time directly involved in GT motorsport activities with the in-house development of this new model."

The Lambo chief also talked about the formation of a long-term partnership with Indonesian oil/petroleum energy company, which will become Lamborghini Squadra Corse's technical partner.

Motorsport is becoming an increasingly important part of the modern day supercar business plan. It offers well-heeled customers the opportunity to (relatively) safely go where few gentleman racers have been before, while increasing the revenue potential for niche car makers.

In Europe the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 is priced at 369,000 Euros, which at the time of writing converted to roughly $A530,000. That's about $100,000 more than the regular road-going model, pegged at $428,000 in Australia.