Lamborghini stands by Temerario hybrid V8 as it concedes V10 nostalgia was expected
Temerario product line director Paolo Racchetti says the Italian marque anticipated criticism for retiring the Huracán's naturally aspirated V10, but argues the 10,000rpm twin-turbo hybrid V8 offers character the old engine could not.
Automatically researched, written and checked using AI. Verify details against the sources.
Lamborghini addresses the soundtrack backlash
Lamborghini says it has no regrets about retiring the naturally aspirated V10 that powered its Gallardo and Huracán 'junior' supercars, even though it knew the decision would upset enthusiasts. Speaking to CarExpert in Milan, Temerario product line director Paolo Racchetti said the brand expected the reaction when the Huracán was succeeded last year by the twin-turbo V8-powered Temerario. "We were expecting some kind of criticism," he told the publication, adding that the response was "a bit of nostalgic behaviour, because we knew that we were leaving something really valuable." 1
Both enthusiasts and sections of the motoring media, including CarExpert itself, have criticised the new powertrain's soundtrack relative to the Huracán. Racchetti said Lamborghini was aware of the commentary and had anticipated it, acknowledging that the naturally aspirated V10 "was basically defining the whole car – the sound of the car itself" for the Huracán. 1
The case for the high-revving hybrid V8
Despite the nostalgia, Lamborghini is backing the performance, character and drivability of the replacement engine. Racchetti told CarExpert that while the naturally aspirated V10 was "more melodic", the new V8 is "sharper" thanks to its flat-plane crankshaft, making it "a little bit more rock-and-roll compared to the previous one". He argued the character changes with revs: "Under 7000rpm, you have this attitude of a car that is refined. But then, over 7000rpm, the racing character comes out." 1
Racchetti also pointed to the engine's rarity, telling CarExpert that "the V8 turbo hybrid with 10,000rpm is something that nobody else is doing", noting that engines with these characteristics cannot even be found in some hypercars. He said buyers typically come around once they experience the car: "Once people have tested the car, once they've bought the car and they're driving it, they really understand the capability." 1
Temerario powertrain specifications
According to CarExpert, the Temerario combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with three electric motors for a combined output of 677kW, sent to all four wheels through a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. On its own the V8 produces 588kW, or 147kW per litre, and can rev to 10,250rpm with launch control, which CarExpert describes as among the highest redlines of any production car on record. 1
The electric side of the system comprises two independent motors driving the front wheels and a third integrated between the engine and transmission to fill torque gaps created by the turbos, CarExpert reports. Each motor can produce up to 110kW, although the 3.8kWh battery limits total electrical output to 140kW at any one time. The front motors can also vary torque independently between the wheels, allowing the system to influence yaw and cornering behaviour as well as straight-line performance. 1
Regulations and market reach behind the decision
CarExpert reports that tightening regulations around vehicle emissions and noise played a role in Lamborghini's decision to abandon non-turbo ten-cylinder power. The Temerario's tri-motor hybrid system is said to support both its performance and its emissions viability across more than 50 global markets. 1
The hybrid approach fits the brand's broader stated direction. In October 2025, Lamborghini chief executive Stephan Winkelmann told the BBC that customers "still want the sound and the emotion" of internal combustion engines and that the company would use them in its cars for at least the next decade, describing declining enthusiasm for electric cars as an opportunity to focus on hybrid power instead. 4
Commercial reception and Australian timing
Lamborghini says the market has responded positively to the new model despite the soundtrack debate. "The Temerario went really, really well. We have one year of order bank, and definitely it's a car that has had an impact," Racchetti told CarExpert. He said buyer take-up reinforces the company's confidence in a platform that will underpin the Temerario family for years to come. 1
For Australian buyers, CarExpert's forward launch calendar lists the Lamborghini Temerario as due locally in the first half of 2026. The story has also been picked up by Australian outlets including 7NEWS Australia, which Ground News recorded as breaking the news in Australia on 28 September 2026, indicating local media interest in the marque's comments on the V10's retirement. 32
AI evidence finder
Ask about this article
Ask a question to find relevant published passages and source links. AI selects evidence; the passages remain exactly as published.
Behind this report
Sources & context
Cited source mix
4 cited pages across 3 websites
- News publisher 2
- Role not assessed 2
Website breakdown
- CarExpertcarexpert.com.au2 pages
- bbc.com1 page
- ground.news1 page
2 cited pages with an undocumented publisher role. Websites may share ownership or repeat the same reporting.
Saved research extracts
4 / 4 cited pages with saved extracts
0 shortened at our text limit · 0 without a saved-extract record
Extracts retrieved 29 Sep 2026.
Extracts can omit page content. These counts do not verify claims or measure independent reporting. Political leaning and reliability are not rated.
- Lamborghini admits it knew ditching V10 power would upset enthusiastsNews publisherSource extract saved
Why these labels?Lamborghini admits it knew ditching V10 power would upset enthusiasts
Who produced it
Publishes automotive news and reviews and operates a car-buying service connecting buyers with dealers. Identity reference ↗
How this report uses it
Cited in 8 paragraphs: Lamborghini addresses the soundtrack backlash; The case for the high-revving hybrid V8; Temerario powertrain specifications; Regulations and market reach behind the decision; Commercial reception and Australian timing.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 29 Sep 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
- Lamborghini admits it knew ditching V10 power would upset enthusiastsRole not assessedSource extract saved
Why these labels?Lamborghini admits it knew ditching V10 power would upset enthusiasts
Who produced it
We have not documented this publisher’s role. An unassigned label is not a negative rating.
How this report uses it
Cited in 1 paragraph: Commercial reception and Australian timing.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 29 Sep 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
- Every new model coming to Australia in 2026 and beyondNews publisherSource extract saved
Why these labels?Every new model coming to Australia in 2026 and beyond
Who produced it
Publishes automotive news and reviews and operates a car-buying service connecting buyers with dealers. Identity reference ↗
How this report uses it
Cited in 1 paragraph: Commercial reception and Australian timing.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 29 Sep 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
- Lamborghini swerves away from all-electric futureRole not assessedSource extract saved
Why these labels?Lamborghini swerves away from all-electric future
Who produced it
We have not documented this publisher’s role. An unassigned label is not a negative rating.
How this report uses it
Cited in 1 paragraph: Regulations and market reach behind the decision.
This describes its use in our report. It does not establish the source’s editorial stance or independently corroborate every claim.
Evidence record
Text retrieved 29 Sep 2026. The retained extract did not reach our text limit. Extraction can still omit page content.
Keep reading
Related subjects and more from this section.
Lamborghini says speed alone no longer defines a supercar as hybrid Temerario leads its response
With electric family cars now matching supercar acceleration, Lamborghini's Temerario boss Paolo Racchetti says dynamics and emotion are what set a super-sports car apart — and the brand is holding off on a full EV.
