The successor to the Lamborghini Huracán, reportedly named the Temerario, is set to debut with a groundbreaking twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain.
Developed entirely in-house at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters, this new electrified system promises to deliver exhilarating performance while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. Let’s delve into the details of this innovative powertrain and how it compares to the outgoing Huracán's V10 engine.
Power and Performance
The Temerario's hybrid powertrain combines a twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors, delivering a combined power output of 677kW (910 hp). This formidable setup enables the Temerario to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 2.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 340km/h (211 mph).
The V8 Engine
The V8 engine on its own produces 588kW (790 hp) between 9000 and 9750rpm, and 730Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque over 4000-7000rpm. One of the electric motors is strategically positioned between the engine and the gearbox, providing additional torque at low speeds and during gear changes.
This ensures smooth, consistent power delivery, contributing to the engine’s ability to rev up to an impressive 10,000rpm, making the Temerario the only current series production supercar capable of achieving such high engine speeds.
Technical Innovations
To improve thermal efficiency and compactness, the twin turbochargers are placed within what Lamborghini calls the ‘hot V’ – the space between the cylinder banks. The engine also incorporates motorsport-inspired technologies, including:
- Flat-plane crankshaft: Promotes balanced firing across both cylinder banks, improving exhaust flow.
- Titanium connecting rods: Reduce weight and rotational mass.
- DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coated finger followers: Enhance durability.
These advanced components enable the valvetrain to handle engine speeds of up to 11,000rpm.
Comparison with the Huracán's Engine
The Temerario’s V8 hybrid powertrain represents a significant departure from the naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 used in the Huracán family. In the Huracán STO, the V10 produced 470kW (631 hp) at 8000rpm, and maximum torque of 565Nm (417 lb-ft) at 6500rpm.
While the V10 offered linear power delivery and high-revving characteristics, the Temerario’s V8 adds twin-turbocharging and hybrid assistance, resulting in significantly higher power and torque figures. However, it will be nearly impossible to match the glorious sound generated by the outgoing 10-cylinder engine.
Despite the shift to forced induction, Lamborghini has aimed to retain some of the naturally aspirated characteristics of the V10, including progressive, linear power delivery rather than the more abrupt torque curves often associated with turbocharged engines. The hybrid system, in particular, helps smooth out any gaps in power delivery, especially at lower engine speeds.
The Temerario’s engine, with its higher rev limit and greater output, reflects Lamborghini’s move toward electrified powertrains while still preserving some of the characteristics that defined its previous high-performance engines.
Meeting Emission Requirements
The new hybrid V8 is not intended to replace the Huracán STO’s V10 directly but represents Lamborghini’s evolving approach to combining high performance, emissions reduction, and electrification to meet changing emission requirements around the world. As regulations become stricter, manufacturers are increasingly turning to hybrid and electric powertrains to balance performance with environmental responsibility.
A New Chapter for Lamborghini
The Lamborghini Temerario's twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain marks a significant step forward for the brand. By blending forced induction with electric assistance, Lamborghini is pushing the boundaries of performance while embracing a more sustainable future. While the sound of the V10 will be missed, the new V8 promises to deliver an equally thrilling driving experience with even greater power and efficiency.
