This four-wheel-drive beast is what Lamborghini describes as a "new super sports car in a league of its own." The Temerario completes Lamborghini's hybrid lineup, joining the Revuelto and the Urus SE in the brand's electrified portfolio.
This marks a significant departure for Lamborghini's "junior" model, which has traditionally been powered by a V10 engine for the past two decades, starting with the Gallardo's 5.0-liter V10 and culminating in the Huracan's 5.2-liter variant. Even as the Aventador evolved into the Revuelto, retaining its 6.5-liter V12, the V10 remained a staple. The Temerario, however, is a different beast altogether, offering a staggering leap in power 920 horsepower compared to the Gallardo's 500 hp and the Huracan's 610 hp.
At the heart of the Temerario is a brand-new 3.995-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, known as the L411. This high-revving V8 produces an incredible 800 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, with the redline set at a jaw-dropping 10,000 rpm. Even before its official debut at Monterey Car Week, the mere concept of a 10,000 rpm V8 Lamborghini seemed almost too good to be true. The engine also generates 538 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable powerplant in its own right. Yet, Lamborghini didn't stop there.
The Temerario's hybrid system, which includes a 3.8 kWh battery pack and three electric motors (one positioned between the engine and gearbox, and two on the front axle), boosts the car's total output to 920 horsepower. Lamborghini claims the Temerario can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of over 210 mph. The engine features advanced technology like Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings on the cam followers, which can withstand up to 11,000 rpm, and fuel injection at an intense 350 bar. It's a technical marvel, to say the least.
The Temerario also boasts an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which is lighter and faster than the Huracan's seven-speed gearbox. The transmission is mounted transversely behind the engine, freeing up space for the battery pack in the traditional transmission tunnel. While the Temerario's electrification primarily enhances performance and reduces CO2 emissions by 50% compared to the V10, it also offers limited electric-only driving in "Citta" mode, with a charging rate of up to 7 kW. The engine can even recharge the battery, although this somewhat contradicts the purpose of a plug-in hybrid.
Lamborghini has put significant effort into ensuring the Temerario delivers an unforgettable auditory experience. The exhaust system has been meticulously engineered to create a unique and unmistakable sound, with careful consideration given to the routing of the exhaust, the design of the engine mounts, and the vibration characteristics of the flat-plane crankshaft. Inside the cabin, a sound symposer enhances the listening experience in Sport and Corsa modes, promising an exhilarating soundtrack for drivers.
Built on an all-new architecture with no shared components with Audi, the Temerario features an ultra-light alloy construction that improves torsional rigidity by 20% compared to the Huracan. Despite its 4.7-meter length and dry weight of 1,690 kg, the Temerario maintains the epic driving dynamics that Lamborghini is known for, aided by advanced technologies like torque vectoring, a Drift Mode, and 13 different driving modes. The hybrid system's e-axle, part of Lamborghini's second-generation Dinamica Veicolo, ensures precise handling on the track while retaining the thrilling rear-wheel-drive character that enthusiasts love.
For track enthusiasts, Lamborghini offers an "Alleggerita" package from launch, which includes lightweight components made from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and other materials. The package also features Bridgestone Potenza Sport Race tires, fixed polycarbonate side windows, and optional carbon wheels and a titanium exhaust. Lamborghini claims the Alleggerita package reduces weight by over 25 kg while improving aerodynamic efficiency, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize performance on the track.
Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the Temerario's design, with Lamborghini claiming a 103% increase in rear downforce compared to the Huracan Evo. Every element of the car contributes to its aerodynamic performance, from the daytime running lights that channel air to the side radiators to the roof's central channel that enhances efficiency and downforce. Cooling has also been improved by 30% to accommodate the twin-turbo V8 hybrid system, with a 20% increase in brake cooling efficiency.
Inside, the Temerario's cockpit is designed to make the driver feel like a pilot, with a low seating position, a slim dashboard, and a steering wheel inclined for maximum control. The interior is reminiscent of the Revuelto, featuring an 8.4-inch portrait infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and a 9.1-inch passenger display. The seats are newly developed for comfort, with 18-way adjustability, and the cabin offers more headroom, legroom, and visibility than the Huracan, ensuring even the tallest drivers can wear a helmet comfortably during track sessions.
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann sums up the Temerario perfectly: "The Temerario is a genuine 'fuoriclasse': a car in a league of its own, an extraordinary and innovative vehicle both from a technical and stylistic point of view. Every new Lamborghini must surpass its forerunners in performance terms, while at the same time being more sustainable from an emissions standpoint. With the Temerario, we have completed a key chapter in the electrification strategy included in our Direzione Cor Tauri plan: we also become the first luxury automotive brand to offer a completely hybridized range."
While pricing details are yet to be announced, it's expected that the Temerario will be positioned above the Huracan in Lamborghini's lineup, likely in the £300,000 range, given its significant performance and technological advancements. With over 400 colors to choose from, the configurator will undoubtedly be busy as Lamborghini enthusiasts prepare for the first deliveries expected in 2025. The Lamborghini Temerario is poised to redefine what a supercar can be, combining breathtaking performance with cutting-edge hybrid technology and unmistakable Italian flair.