Lamborghini has officially entered the electrified performance era with the Temerario, a high-performance electric vehicle (HPEV) that redefines what a hybrid supercar can achieve. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), the Temerario prioritizes raw power and driving experience above all else, delivering a thrilling combination of combustion and electric propulsion.
Power and Performance: A Leap Forward
The Temerario surpasses its predecessor, the Huracán, in nearly every metric. While the Huracán topped out at 631 horsepower, the new model boasts a staggering 907 horsepower from a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 augmented by three axial flux electric motors. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a generational leap. Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, Rouven Mohr, confidently asserts that the Temerario is “a much more mature car” with performance levels “never possible before.”
This power is harnessed through a revolutionary engine design featuring a “hot V” turbocharger configuration. By placing the turbos directly within the V-shape of the engine, exhaust gases reach the turbine faster, minimizing lag and maximizing efficiency. This allows the Temerario to achieve a remarkable 10,000 rpm redline—a feat previously unheard of in turbocharged production cars, surpassing even Ferrari’s latest V12 offering which peaks at 9,500 rpm.
Drift Mode and Driving Dynamics
The Temerario doesn’t just deliver speed; it encourages playful handling. For the first time in a Lamborghini supercar, the vehicle features a factory-equipped Drift Mode with three selectable levels. Utilizing torque vectoring on the front axle rather than relying on braking, the system allows drivers to control oversteer with precision and natural feel. Level 1 provides controlled drifts, Level 2 allows for up to 30 degrees of angle, and Level 3 pushes it to an aggressive 40 degrees.
Mohr himself had to recalibrate his driving style when testing the vehicle, learning to exploit the engine’s unique power curve. Unlike typical turbocharged engines that deliver peak torque at low RPMs, the Temerario sustains power through the entire rev range, rewarding drivers who keep the throttle pinned. The result is an exhilarating experience that combines the responsiveness of a naturally aspirated engine with the explosive power of a turbo.
Axial Flux Motors: The Key to Compact Power
The Temerario’s electric motors, supplied by YASA (a Mercedes-Benz subsidiary), are axial flux units. These motors are 50 percent lighter and 20 percent shallower than conventional radial designs, enabling Lamborghini to integrate significant power into a compact package. This design is crucial for maintaining the supercar’s handling balance and responsiveness.
Positioning Within Lamborghini’s Lineup
The Temerario occupies a unique space in Lamborghini’s portfolio. While the Revuelto, priced at over $600,000, represents the brand’s pinnacle with its naturally aspirated V12 and hybrid setup, the Temerario is engineered for a more accessible yet equally thrilling daily driving experience. Mohr describes it as “an exuberant puppy” compared to the Revuelto’s refined sophistication.
The introduction of the Temerario signals a clear direction for Lamborghini: high-performance electrification without compromising on the visceral experience that defines the brand. By pushing the boundaries of hybrid technology, Lamborghini is not simply adapting to the future of supercars, but actively shaping it.
