Lamborghini's tech chief, Rouven Mohr, believes that the Temerario's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8—a formidable engine that revs up to 10,000 rpm with 789 bhp—has yet to reach its full potential. "In the base model, we operate at 200 PS per liter but can push it to 220 PS," Mohr states confidently. This indicates that an additional 80 horsepower is achievable, thanks to the hybrid component currently rated at 148 bhp. "Increasing electric power is straightforward—just up the voltage," he adds, hinting at the possibility of reaching a four-digit horsepower figure.
Envisioning an 'entry-level' Lamborghini outstripping early Gallardo models is intimidating yet illustrates the evolution of supercars. Mohr explains that the decision to choose a V8 over a V6 was strategic. As the power demands for the Huracán increased, the 640 hp V10 began to fall short. While the V10 was celebrated for its unique sound, Lamborghini aims to make the twin-turbo V8 equally unforgettable.
Within Lamborghini, there was a debate between opting for a V8 or a V6. A new V10 would have lost 20% of its power to comply with future emissions standards. "We found the V6 unsuitable for our brand image," Mohr comments. The V8, particularly with a flat-plane crankshaft, promises greater emotion—a significant aspect for Lamborghini.
The all-new V8 engine was the result of a five-year project, costing tens of millions of euros, ensuring a significant performance margin for future Lamborghini models. With 35,000 Huracán units sold, the Temerario carries forward a rich legacy.
Despite the fond memories of the V10, Mohr stresses that imitating Porsche's approach of maintaining a lower-powered engine isn't appropriate for Lamborghini. "Our base car targets a broad spectrum—from daily use to high performance," he explains.
Lamborghini's new V8 in the Temerario represents a significant leap in power and emotion. With plans to achieve over 1,000 bhp, Lamborghini strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, reinforcing its brand identity in the rapidly evolving supercar market.
