The Lamborghini Huracán 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. 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.

Engineering, Power and Performance

Even with the adoption of electric motors and turbochargers, Lamborghini hasn’t forgotten that theatre is the epicentre of the supercar experience, using the technology to enhance the drama rather than mute it. 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 Huracán, it compensates with turbochargers, meaning its 789bhp output significantly dwarfs its predecessor. That’s before factoring in the contribution from the three electric motors, which lift peak combined outputs to 907bhp and 538lb-ft of torque (sustained from 4,000 to 7,000rpm).

These figures ensure the Temerario still holds the Top Trump card, with both the McLaren and Ferrari utilising twin-turbo V6s producing 691bhp and 819bhp respectively. Performance, therefore, is suitably brisk. Lamborghini claims 0–62mph in just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 213mph. What is even more exciting, though, is where the V8 delivers its peak power – between 9,000 and 9,750rpm – with a redline set at a staggering 10,000rpm. Equally dizzying is the specific output of 197bhp per litre.

In order to facilitate such a fast-spinning engine 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 demands of such a high-revving unit.

In terms of sound, Lamborghini has been forced to comply with EU drive-by noise regulations, but that hasn’t hampered efforts to ensure enough of the V8’s noise reaches 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 acoustic fireworks of the V8 that it has released a video of the engine on a dynamometer ahead of production.

Fearless Hybrid Technology

Being heavily 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 increase 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.

The two electric motors up front are primarily used for torque vectoring, enhancing agility – despite an unavoidable jump in (dry) kerb weight to 1,690kg. 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 sole rear 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.

While purely electric driving is possible, no maximum electron-only range has been quoted, probably because Lamborghini knows that drivers will be using the hybrid system to reach the V8’s 10,000rpm redline as quickly as possible. The trio of motors in the Temerario are the axial flux type – meaning they’re flat like pancakes as opposed to being barrel-shaped – thereby taking up less room than a traditional motor. Power is drawn from a 3.8kWh capacity battery, which sits within what used to be the transmission tunnel, thus retaining a low centre of gravity and good weight distribution.

Design and Aerodynamics

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

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. The optional Alleggerita Pack boosts rear downforce by 158% compared to the Huracán EVO, while the standard model achieves a 103% improvement with features like underbody vortex generators, an active rear diffuser, and NACA ducts. Cooling efficiency also sees a 30% increase, courtesy of a new radiator layout and additional vents around the side doors and engine bay.

Despite its aero-centric design, the Temerario retains hallmark elements: short overhangs, muscular arches, and broad shoulders. A motorsport-inspired diffuser dominates the rear view, complemented by a signature oversized hexagonal exhaust.

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 Huracán. 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 mid-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, resulting in a lower centre of gravity than the Huracán. 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 – 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 907bhp 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. While 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 regenerative braking 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 Huracán, 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 – 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 claims the system is for enhancing driver performance, which it has named Telemetry 2.0. The idea is that 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 – 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.

Price and Key Rivals Comparison

In the UK, the Temerario will be priced from £260,035 with the more focused Alleggerita priced at £297,235 – 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 Temerario 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 adopted 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 that 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.