New Lamborghini Temerario

Lamborghini has officially introduced its latest supercar, the Temerario, and it's nothing short of spectacular. Here are some standout details that Lamborghini shared during the car's debut in Monterey.

In electric vehicle mode, the Temerario operates as a front-wheel-drive. This innovative supercar combines an 800-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 with three electric motors—one for each front wheel and another positioned between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The rear motor is directly connected to the crankshaft, ensuring it spins at engine speed at all times, without a clutch in between. As a result, when driving in all-electric mode, the Temerario functions as a front-wheel-drive vehicle. While Lamborghini hasn't disclosed the EV range for the Temerario, the relatively small 3.8-kWh battery suggests that it may not travel far without the V-8 engine kicking in.

The engine boasts an impressive boost of 36 PSI. Achieving 800 horsepower from just 4.0 liters and eight cylinders is no easy feat, prompting Lamborghini to elevate the turbo boost pressure to 36 PSI. Each turbo is equipped with speed sensors and electronic wastegates for precise boost control, allowing the turbos to operate near their peak performance without the risk of failure. For those concerned about turbo lag, the presence of three electric motors ensures that the power delivery is smooth and immediate while the turbos spin up.

The hybrid system shares many similarities with the Revuelto. Lamborghini's two latest hybrid supercars have a lot in common, utilizing the same axial-flux electric motors, identical battery packs, and a similarly positioned transmission behind the engine. The key difference lies in the Revuelto's rear motor, which is located on top of the transmission and engages the rear wheels through its own clutch, while the Revuelto exclusively relies on electric power for reversing. In contrast, the Temerario incorporates a conventional reverse gear. Additionally, the Revuelto is powered by a remarkable 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine.

The valvetrain can withstand up to 11,000 RPM. Despite the V-8's redline being set at 10,000 RPM, having some extra capacity is always beneficial. Instead of traditional hydraulic bucket-and-shim tappets, Lamborghini opted for roller finger mechanisms, which are essentially metal rocker arms that handle valve operation. This design helps prevent valve float, a concern for engines operating at such high RPMs with a standard valvetrain, and is more commonly seen in motorcycles and race cars.

It's also accommodating for taller drivers. Historically, Lamborghini hasn’t been recognized for spacious interiors, but the new chassis of the Temerario allows drivers up to 6 feet 6 inches tall to comfortably sit in the car while wearing a helmet, although someone like LeBron James, who stands at 6 feet 9 inches, may have a tougher time fitting in.