The upcoming Lamborghini Temerario super sports car features a new twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. But how does it work, and how does this new electrified powertrain compare with the V10 of the old Huracán?

    Developed entirely at Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters, the new engine is part of a hybrid powertrain that combines the twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors.

    Together, the system produces a total power output of 677kW, enabling the Temerario to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 2.7 seconds, and on to a claimed top speed of 340km/h.

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    The V8 engine on its own generates 588kW between 9000 and 9750rpm, and 730Nm of torque over 4000-7000rpm. One of the electric motors is positioned between the engine and the gearbox, helping provide additional torque at low speeds and during gear changes.

    This setup helps maintain smooth, consistent power delivery, contributing to the engine’s ability to rev up to 10,000rpm, making the Temerario the only current series production supercar capable of reaching that engine speed.

    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 a flat-plane crankshaft that promotes balanced firing across both cylinder banks and improves exhaust flow. 

    Titanium connecting rods reduce weight and rotational mass, while DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coated finger followers enhance durability. The valvetrain can handle engine speeds of up to 11,000rpm.

    Comparison with the Huracán’s engine

    The Temerario’s V8 hybrid powertrain significantly departs from the naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 used in the Huracán family, which ended production with the STO.

    In the Huracán STO, the V10 produces 470kW at 8000rpm, and maximum torque of 565Nm at 6500rpm.

    While the V10 offered linear power delivery and high-revving characteristics, the Temerario’s V8 added twin-turbocharging and hybrid assistance results 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.

    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.

    MORE: Everything Lamborghini

    Alborz Fallah

    Alborz is the founder of CarAdvice (sold to Nine and now Drive) and co-founder of CarExpert. He is an honourary adjunct professor & entrepreneur in residence at the University of QLD. He loves naturally-aspirated V8s, V10s and V12s and is in denial about the impending death of the internal combustion engine. The best way to reach him is via Instagram.

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