This is it. Lamborghini’s long awaited replacement for the long-serving Huracan, the Temerario. Sant'Agata’s junior supercar was in production for ten years, with well over 20,000 examples of the naturally aspirated, V10 powered machine rolling down the production line. 

Clearly Lamborghini cannot afford to get its successor wrong. But the world is a different place from 2014. Emissions laws are forcing the hand of supercar manufacturers into new territory - hybridisation. Efficiency is now as important as performance. And Lamborghini’s key rivals, Ferrari and McLaren, are already off the starting block with the 296 GTB and Artura. Now, in typically bullish fashion, Lamborghini is ready to answer with the Temerario.

Revealed at Monterey Car Week 2024, the Temerario - meaning fearless - is a clean sheet design. Featuring advanced aerodynamics, and a state-of-the-art powertrain boasting a hybrid-assisted twin-turbo V8 capable of revving to an astonishing 10,000rpm, the Temerario underlines Lamborghini’s determination to continue delivering uncompromised performance amid tightening regulations.

V8 Powertrain and Hybrid Innovation

Without descending into hyperbole, the Temerario’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is nothing short of groundbreaking. Five years in the making, what it sacrifices in terms of cylinders compared to the Huracan, it compensates with turbochargers, meaning its 789 bhp output significantly dwarfs its predecessor. And that’s before we factor in the contribution from the three electric motors, which lift peak combined outputs to 907 bhp and 538 lb ft (delivered between 4000 and 7000 rpm). These figures ensure Lamborghini still holds the Top Trump card, with both the McLaren and Ferrari utilising twin turbo V6s, producing 691 bhp and 819 bhp respectively.

Performance therefore, is suitably brisk. Lamborghini claims 0-62mph takes just 2.7sec and a top speed of 213 mph. What is even more exciting though, is where the V8 delivers its peak power - between 9,000 to 9,750rpm, with a redline set at an astonishing 10,000rpm. 

This new V8 is more than just an impressive feat of engineering - it represents a significant shift for Lamborghini, as it replaces the outgoing Huracán, a car that many enthusiasts considered the last of a dying breed. The Huracán, with its naturally aspirated V10 engine, stood out as the junior supercar that defied the hybridisation and downsizing trends dominating the market. On paper, its technology seemed dated compared to rivals like the Ferrari 296 GTB and McLaren Artura. However, the V10’s unmistakable soundtrack offered an experience which reminded us that a supercar isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about theatre.

Lamborghini is acutely aware of this, and with the Temerario, they’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure the new V8 engine lives up to that legacy. There’s a flat-plane crankshaft, titanium conrods and 11,000rpm-capable finger followers, components typically reserved for motorsport applications. The twin-turbo setup, mounted within the "hot V" of the engine, delivers an unprecedented 2.5 bar of boost, ensuring the turbochargers have the lungs to match the high revving nature of the V8. The specific output of the engine, codenamed L411, is 197bhp per litre.

Being turbocharged doesn’t mean the power delivery of the Temerario will be old-school and laggy; this is where the integrated hybrid system steps in to fill the gaps. The three-motor hybrid configuration is designed not only to enhance efficiency but also to elevate the driving dynamics and throttle response. Two electric motors power the front axle, delivering 295bhp combined, while the third motor is nestled between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This motor performs multiple functions: providing torque-fill during shifts to eliminate turbo lag, offering regenerative braking, and even enabling full-electric driving in certain modes.

The two electric motors on the front axle are primarily used for torque vectoring, increasing agility - despite an unavoidable jump in (dry) kerb weight to 1690kg. This setup is combined with Lamborghini’s Dinamica Veicolo 2.0 system (more of which later). The front motors also contribute to torque fill during hard acceleration, ensuring there’s no drop-off in power delivery as the twin-turbos spool up.

The trio of motors in the Temerario are the axial flux type - and no, they won’t cause the car to jump back to the year 1955 when it reaches 88 mph. These motors are flat like pancakes as opposed to being barrel-shaped, thereby taking up less room than a traditional motor. Power is drawn from a 3.8 kWh capacity battery which sits within what used to be the transmission tunnel, thus retaining a low centre of gravity and good weight distribution. A small battery means quick recharge times, needing only 30 minutes to top up from a home wallbox. While purely electric driving is possible for up to 6 miles, the point of the hybrid system is to maximise performance, and help the driver to reach the V8's 11,000 rpm red line as quickly as possible.

Design and Aerodynamics

Lamborghini has always been synonymous with dramatic, head-turning design, and the Temerario continues this tradition. There are clear nods to the Huracan in the design language of the new model, but with a sharper focus on aerodynamics - especially at the rear - which results in a shape that is familiar but also futuristic.

While the Huracán was praised for its balance of beauty and aggression, the Temerario takes a more functional approach to its aesthetics, sacrificing none of the drama in pursuit of pure aerodynamic efficiency. Every line, vent, and fin is there for a reason - whether it’s to cool the engine, reduce drag, or improve high-speed stability. The shark nose at the front gives the car an unmistakably aggressive appearance, while the hexagonal daytime running lights  - a recently introduced Lamborghini design signature - serve a dual purpose, incorporating air tunnels to channel airflow over the body. 

The aerodynamic improvements over the Huracán are significant. With the optional Alleggerita Pack, the Temerario achieves a remarkable 158% increase in rear downforce compared to the Huracán EVO. Even without the additional aero package, the standard model boasts a 103% improvement, thanks in large part to clever underbody vortex generators, an active rear diffuser, and NACA ducts that optimise cooling and airflow efficiency. 

The move to a turbocharged V8 and hybrid system has amplified cooling demands, and the Temerario delivers a 30% improvement in cooling performance. This is achieved through a new radiator layout and additional cooling vents positioned behind the side doors and above the engine bay. In a nod to Lamborghini’s heritage, the Temerario’s roofline even features functional air inlets that direct airflow towards the rear spoiler, further enhancing downforce.

Despite the focus on aerodynamics, the Temerario retains the unmistakable Lamborghini silhouette. Its short overhangs, muscular wheel arches and broad shoulders echo the design cues of the Huracán. This is particularly evident in the car’s rear, where a fixed spoiler dominates the view, sitting above a wide rear diffuser inspired by motorsport. The unapologetically large hexagonal exhaust pipe also signals this car could be nothing other than a Lamborghini.

In terms of engine acoustics, Lamborghini has been forced to comply with EU drive-by noise regulations, but that hasn’t hampered their efforts to ensure enough of the V8’s noise reaches the ears of the car’s occupants. The Temerario does pump engine noise into the cabin, but it's the genuine symphony, not a synthesised one, channelled via a tube from the engine bay. Lamborghini is so confident about the acoustics fireworks of the V8, it has released a video of the engine on a dynamometer ahead of production, which you can listen to here.

Chassis and Driving Dynamics

The Temerario features an all-new aluminium spaceframe chassis which incorporates a high-strength ultra-light alloy, and increases torsional rigidity by 20% over the Huracan. The reduction in flex not only contributes to sharper driving dynamics, but improves ride comfort.

Lamborghini’s Dinamica Veicolo 2.0 (LDV 2.0), first introduced on the Revuelto, has also been applied to the Temerario. This system uses the two front-mounted electric motors to perform real-time torque vectoring, actively distributing power between the wheels to maximise grip and minimise understeer. While the Huracán relied on mechanical differentials to manage power distribution, the hybrid nature of the Temerario gives Lamborghini’s engineers more flexibility, allowing for faster, more precise adjustments to the car’s balance in the midst of a corner.

Another key element of the Temerario’s handling package is its weight distribution. While the hybrid system and added battery pack increase the car’s overall weight, Lamborghini has worked to position these components as low as possible within the chassis. The result is a lower centre of gravity than the Huracán, despite the additional weight. Lamborghini claims the benefits are best felt in high speed direction changes where the Temerario “feels incredibly planted and responsive”. 

Of course, no modern supercar would be complete without a suite of driving modes. The Temerario offers five: Città, Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Drift Mode, all accessible via a physical rotary dial on the steering wheel. Città mode maximises the use of the electric motors for urban driving, allowing the car to cruise silently at lower speeds, which is ideal for navigating city streets or a silent pre-dawn getaway. On the other hand, Strada mode delivers a balance of performance and comfort, while Sport and Corsa modes unleash the full potential of the hybrid powertrain, allowing the driver to fully experience the 903bhp combined output.

Drift Mode, a feature that wasn’t available on the Huracán, highlights the dynamic capabilities of the Temerario’s torque vectoring system. With three levels of intervention, this mode allows drivers to choose just how sideways they want the car to go. It appears Lamborghini remains committed to keeping the driving experience engaging, despite the growing influence of electrification and advanced driving aids.

The Temerario offers a choice between cast, forged and carbon fibre alloy wheels in a staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear setup. Tyres are 255-front and 325-rear, supplied by Bridgestone. Whilst the custom Potenza Sport is the most suitable tyre for the car, Lamborghini will also supply the Temerario with track day and winter rubber. 

In terms of stopping power, carbon ceramic brakes are fitted as standard; up front are mammoth ten piston callipers with 410mm discs, while 390mm discs and four-piston callipers occupy the rear. The electric motors also contribute to braking power, with regen converting some of that kinetic energy into battery power.

The new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is another key component in the Temerario’s march of progress. Replacing the Huracán’s seven-speed unit, the new DCT is lighter, faster, and more compact. Lamborghini has integrated a hollow shaft system, allowing the same synchronisers to handle multiple gear torque paths, which saves weight and reduces shift times.

Interior and Technology

Aside from the new cabin architecture, one of the most noticeable improvements in the Temerario is the low seating position. Lamborghini has refined the ergonomics and alignment between the slim dashboard, steering wheel, and pedals. Compared to the Huracan, the cockpit now feels more open and high-tech, yet still retains the signature Lamborghini feel with its signature touches such as the fighter-plane flip switch covering the starter button.

Three prominent high-definition displays are a feature of the car - one for the driver, one in the centre console, and one for the front passenger. The driver’s 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offers customisable views, including dynamic vehicle information, a full-screen navigation map, and essential driving data.

One of the standout features of the LAVU system is the Memories Recorder, which allows drivers to capture and share their driving experiences using the car’s integrated cameras, which sounds like absolute catnip for Instagram Influencers. Lamborghini has positioned three high-definition cameras inside the cabin, including one focused on the road, one capturing the driver and passenger’s reactions, and one recording the driver’s inputs on the steering wheel. Lamborghini’s claims the system is for enhancing driver performance, which it has named Telemetry 2.0. The idea being drivers can analyse their performance on the track, compare lap times and sector speeds and review the footage.

The new aluminium spaceframe chassis has allowed Lamborghini to increase both headroom and legroom, offering 34mm more headroom and 46mm more legroom compared to the Huracán. These changes make the Temerario far more accommodating, even for taller drivers wearing helmets, which is a subtle but important evolution from its predecessor. There’s also room for 112 litres of luggage space under the front bonnet, making the Temerario a more practical proposition for longer trips compared to the Huracán.

The optional Alleggerita Pack is aimed at buyers more focused on track performance than continental road trips. The pack reduces the weight of the Temerario by over 25kg, consisting of carbon fibre sports seats and lightweight carbon door panels. Elsewhere, carbon, leather, and Corsatex suede dominate the cabin.

Final Thoughts

The Lamborghini Temerario is set to cost from circa £260,000 in the UK, and that’s before prospective owners are shown the Ad Personam customisation programme. Lamborghini has not yet confirmed when UK deliveries will commence. Overall, the Termerario represents a significant leap forward for Sant’agata, both in terms of technology and performance. As the successor to the Huracán, it honours the legacy of the V10-powered supercar while embracing the future with its hybridised, 10,000rpm V8. Both Ferrari and McLaren have embraced smaller, more efficient engines paired with hybrid technology, but Lamborghini’s Temerario stands out with its extreme power and innovative engineering.

On paper, it appears Lamborghini has managed to balance the emotional experience of driving with the demands of modern supercar engineering. We’re excited to see if the Temerario can further prove the future of high-performance cars can be both electrified and electrifying.

Comparison Table: Lamborghini Temerario vs. Ferrari 296 GTB vs. McLaren Artura

How the three key hybrid supercar rivals stack up.