Lamborghini Temerario is a PHEV Huracan replacement

Previewed in April of this year, the Huracan replacement has officially launched, the twin-turbo V8, triple-motor plug-in hybrid known as Temerario (meaning daredevil).

Lambo’s entry-level supercar is a far cry from its predecessor, entering a brave new world of electrification. With 676kW of power (588kW from the 4.0L V8) and lots of torque (the motors can deliver up to 2150Nm of torque while the engine is good for 730Nm) this streaks its way to 100 from standstill in a claimed 2.7sec. Top speed is a quoted 340km/h. And with a pair of motors up front the torque shuffles side to side to improve agility.

So yes, this is a sizeable step away from the naturally-aspirated mid-engine 5.2L V10 drivetrains of Huracan and Gallardo.

The twin-turbo V8 is all new, complete with a flat-plane crankshaft. It has as much power as the V8 in the Urus SUV, but is totally different. It features a wailing 10,000rpm redline for added entertainment.

This is also a ‘hot V’ engine with the turbos in the middle. Peak power hangs out between 9000rpm and 9750rpm while the torque max spans 4000-7000rpm.

Lambo’s chief technical officer, Rouven Mohr, commented: “Drivers will be roused by the powerful sound.” The goal? Maximum fun to drive. A space frame made entirely of aluminium underpins the newcomer for increased stiffness, up 20 per cent on Huracan. Overall weight is 1715kg, up from Huracan’s 1553kg because of the motors and battery. Brakes calipers are aluminium 10-potters up front, chomping onto 410mm discs. They allow a 100-0 emergency stopping distance of 32m. 

This is Lambo’s second electrified vehicle after the Revuelto. Each of the three electric motors produces 110kW. The first lives within the engine housing, ahead of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which offers sequential downshifting. The integrated motor contributes 300Nm of torque any time to minimise turbo lag. This unit also acts as a starter-generator.

The other two electric motors are on the front e-axle that weighs just 73kg. Their output makes the Temerario four-wheel drive.

The gearbox sits behind the V8, while the space in the centre tunnel houses a 3.8kWh battery. This is there mainly to support the Temerario’s extra performance rather than offer electric-only running. However the vehicle can run in zero-emission mode for short distances, using the front motors. The battery is replenished by the engine or may be plugged into a 7kW domestic charger.

For those into their driving modes, sorry but Temerario only offers 13. These are selectable via rotary controllers on the steering wheel. Some manage the hybrid energy flow, e.g. ‘Recharge’ has the engine focus on topping up the battery. ‘Corsa’ unleashes the big bull and harnesses torque vectoring and more aggressive gearshifts. There’s a Launch Control system and a Drift Mode, the latter a first for the brand. It uses the front torque vectoring system to limit slip angles.

The body shape is reminiscent of Lamborghini’s mid-engined models, the designer calling it “essential and iconic”. There’s a new DRL signature and use of hexagonal motifs. At the rear is a fixed spoiler and wide diffuser with an enormous hexagonal exhaust. The designer mentions a spaceship design influence! Tail-lights allow air to pass through, helping to cool the powertrain that’s visible beneath the transparent engine cover. 

Inside is like the cockpit of a fighter jet. Three displays dominate the dashboard, two for the driver and one for the passenger. An optional dash cam can store your journeys or track experiences. 

Seats are heated and vented, and 18-way power adjustable. There’s 34mm more headroom and 46mm more legroom than in Huracan, and up front a boot with 112 litres of capacity.

Customisation will be core, with 400-plus shades available, lots of CF upgrades and an array of special liveries and wheel designs. A lightweight Alleggerita option package shaves 12-25kg from the vehicle by using lighter body components alone (as low as 1690kg). 

There’s no pricing to hand for the Temerario but it will certainly be more expensive than Huracan.