Lamborghini has a storied history of producing jaw-dropping supercars, each model pushing the boundaries of automotive design and engineering. The recently unveiled Lamborghini Temerario is no exception, setting several new precedents for the Italian automaker. This hybrid marvel marks a significant departure from Lamborghini’s traditional formula, bringing together advanced technology with the brand’s iconic design language.
One of the most surprising aspects of the Temerario is that it is Lamborghini’s first-ever turbocharged supercar. Powered by a ferocious 739-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Temerario is capable of revving up to an astonishing 10,000 RPM—a remarkable feat for a turbocharged powerplant. This engine, combined with three electric motors, delivers a total output of 907 horsepower, ensuring the Temerario’s place among the most powerful supercars on the market. The decision to use forced induction was likely driven by tightening global emissions standards, but Lamborghini has managed to maintain its signature high-revving character, with the engine designed to withstand up to 11,000 RPM.
The hybrid system in the Temerario also introduces another first for Lamborghini: front-wheel drive capability. While the car’s V8 engine powers the rear wheels, the two electric motors mounted on the front axle allow for front-wheel-drive operation when the car is in all-electric mode. This setup, which also includes a third electric motor sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, enables the car to operate as a hybrid or fully electric vehicle, although the latter is limited by a modest 3.8-kWh battery. This innovative drivetrain design not only enhances performance but also improves the car’s efficiency in urban environments.
The Temerario’s hybrid architecture shares much in common with Lamborghini’s other recent hybrid model, the Revuelto. Both cars utilize the same axial-flux electric motors, battery pack, and transmission, but the Temerario is distinct in several key areas. Unlike the Revuelto, which relies entirely on electric power for reversing, the Temerario retains a traditional reverse gear, offering a more conventional driving experience in some respects.
Lamborghini’s meticulous engineering extends to the Temerario’s valvetrain, which uses roller finger followers instead of the more common hydraulic tappets. This technology, often found in high-performance motorcycles and race cars, helps prevent valve float at high RPMs, ensuring the engine remains reliable even under extreme conditions.
With its combination of cutting-edge hybrid technology and Lamborghini’s characteristic design flair, the Temerario represents a bold new chapter in the brand’s history. It’s not just the first turbocharged Lamborghini supercar; it’s also the first to feature front-wheel drive, albeit only in electric mode. As Lamborghini continues to evolve in response to modern challenges, the Temerario stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots.
Elizabeth Puckett 
Steven Symes