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The automotive community sighed collectively when Lamborghini revealed plans to replace its iconic 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine with a hybrid V8. Many felt this move was merely a concession to stricter European emissions standards, lacking the grandeur one would expect from a brand with such a storied legacy. However, this assumption proved to be misguided.
The new Lamborghini Temerario features a twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine but also incorporates three axial-flux motors, delivering an impressive 907 horsepower and reaching a remarkable 10,000 rpm—almost 2,000 rpm higher than its predecessor, the V10.
This engine consists of a 4.0-liter flat-plane crank, 180-degree twin-turbo setup, generating 788 horsepower between 9,000 and 9,750 rpm, alongside a torque output of 538 lb-ft from 4,000 to 7,000 rpm. One of the electric motors is positioned between the V8 engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, effectively bridging the torque gap below 4,000 rpm. Meanwhile, two additional motors are located at the front axle, propelling the front wheels and giving the Temerario all-wheel-drive capabilities. The three motors harness power from a compact 3.8-kWh battery pack situated within the centrally-located tunnel of the all-aluminum chassis.
With a combined output of 907 horsepower, Lamborghini claims that the Temerario can accelerate to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of 213 mph. Despite its hybrid system, which includes batteries and three electric motors, the Temerario maintains a dry weight of 3,725 pounds. With the full curb weight still likely under 4,000 pounds, it sets a strong benchmark for hybrid supercars equipped with powerful V8s.
The Temerario is also a plug-in hybrid, allowing users to recharge at home in about 30 minutes using a standard outlet. In its dedicated “Hybrid” mode, the car can operate solely on electric power, though this limits output to 187 horsepower. Additionally, the “Recharge” mode allows the V8 engine to replenish the battery while utilizing 715 of its total power. The “Performance” mode unleashes maximum power from both the engine and electric motors.
To further enhance driving versatility, the Temerario includes five distinct driving profiles: Strada, Sport, and Corsa, along with two new options—Città (Italian for “City”) for urban driving with either Hybrid or Recharge modes, and Corsa Plus, a high-performance mode with traction control disabled, ideal for launch control. A Drift Mode is also available, featuring three levels of yaw angle adjustment, catering to both novice and expert drivers.
Lamborghini also excelled in the design aspect. As the successor to the Huracan rather than the extreme Aventador, the Temerario exhibits an aggressive yet understated aesthetic typical of the brand. It features a sharp, low nose, narrow headlights, and a wedge-like silhouette that is instantly recognizable. The cutouts in the rear bumper highlight the size of the tires, further emphasizing its sporty character.
Inside, the cabin strikes a balance, appearing more subdued compared to previous Lamborghini models. The vertically-oriented center screen extends above the console, and while the sporty steering wheel has a different shape than the Huracan’s, it still maintains a modern look. The gauge display is mounted in a standalone housing on the dash, and there’s even a small passenger display, reminiscent of Ferrari designs. Overall, the interior exudes a touch of luxury free from the flamboyance of prior iterations, although more radical variants are anticipated to emerge soon.
Bridgestone produces the standard tires for the Temerario, offering both Potenza Sport run-flat and Potenza Race options. For customers in snowy climates, a specialized Blizzak LM005 winter tire is also available, ensuring the capability to enjoy high performance even in challenging weather conditions.
As I grow older, it’s easy to feel disillusioned by ultra-expensive supercars typically aimed at the extremely wealthy, who rarely put them to good use. Consequently, my initial skepticism regarding the hybrid Temerario was understandable. Nevertheless, Lamborghini has truly exceeded expectations. Although their engineers in Sant’Agata had to embrace downsizing, turbocharging, and hybridization, they did so while increasing the engine’s revs and power output. The essence of Lamborghini remains vibrantly alive.
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