“You can’t hide who you are”. That’s the message Lamborghini is using to hype the Italian brand’s latest model – the Temerario, writes Tim Barnes-Clay. But does the Raging Bull need to promote such a fantastic car? Well, I suppose we live in trying times, so maybe everyone has to shout above the noise and misery to get heard.
But enough bah humbugging – let's get into the nitty-gritty of what can't just be described as a car. Lamborghini would have us believe it's 'the perfect all-round super sports car' – and who are we to disagree? Maybe we will once we get behind the wheel of the Temerario. But I have a sneaky feeling no motoring journalist will be disappointed when unleashing the full might of this beast.
Yes, many Lamborghinis have been worthy of the Raging Bull badge - but hold a red flag to the Temerario and I reckon people will run for cover. Why? Well, the sheer grunt will be enough to get the old adrenal glands going.
You see, the super sports car houses a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain (with three electric motors) that redefines the very concepts of performance, driving hedonism and comfort. The Temerario is the second model in the Lamborghini High-Performance Electrified Vehicle range, after the Revuelto, and completes the hybridisation of the lineup following the debut of the Urus SE.
You only have to look at the figures of the all-new model – and they’re enough to make your heart beat faster and your blood pressure go through the roof. How can your body - and mind - not react to a power output of 920 PS, a 0-62mph acceleration time of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of over 210 mph?
On paper - or screen - those numbers look insane - so imagine what it’s going to be like in reality? Once that adrenaline really gets going - I guess you’ll become addicted to the rush.
I bet the Temerario will send you on an almost heart-exploding, blood sugar level boosting, pupil expanding, sweat-soaked journey - and the climax will be a long time coming. Because in a car that looks this good and promises to deliver so much, I can’t believe you’ll ever want the journey to come to an end. Maybe you'll only allow it to when an even newer Lamborghini comes along - but you’ll undoubtedly still hold a candle for this super sports car - just like many folks still hold a candle for the Huracán.
That brings me to mention - if you hadn't already worked it out - that the Temerario replaces the iconic Huracán, Lamborghini's best-selling super sports car since its debut ten years ago. It would seem the new kid in town is about to take innovation and performance to even dizzier heights.
It features a trio of distinct driving modes - Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance - enabling you to tweak your experience based on your journey. The intuitive 12.3-inch digital driver's dashboard visually reflects the selected setting with engaging animated graphics.
The Città mode enables fully electric operation for urban driving with a maximum power output of 189 PS. Conversely, the Recharge setting effectively uses the V8 mill to replenish battery life as needed. According to Lamborghini, the Strada mode optimises fuel efficiency for long motorway journeys, providing a pleasing balance of performance and practicality.
When excitement is in order, the Sport setting apparently enhances the Temerario's character, delivering an action-packed and responsive driving experience across all selectable modes. The hybrid system is there to heighten this experience by providing potency along with the exhilarating yowl of the V8.
Lamborghini tells me that, on track, the Corsa mode showcases the Temerario's eyeball-popping capabilities, allowing the powertrain to unleash its full potential. This setting elevates not only performance but also the emotional intensity of the driving experience.
Additionally, Lamborghini has shoehorned in a Drift mode, designed to enrich driving enjoyment through precise oversteer control. With three adjustable settings, this mode will serve drivers of various skill levels. And thank goodness for that because when the time comes for me to drive the Temerario, I'll welcome any help I can get to avoid being the guy who wrecks the test car.
With the Temerario, the Raging Bull clearly sets a new standard by marrying cutting-edge technology with white-knuckle performance. It is a case of buckling up for an unforgettable ride that promises an intoxicating stew of power, precision, and kicks that only Lamborghini can deliver.
In conclusion, while I am more than pleased to preview this Lambo, the anticipation of actually getting behind the wheel is, as you may have gathered, pulse-poundingly palpable. Unfortunately, that day will have to wait, as the brand-new super sports car will not hit our roads and tracks until 2025. That's only around the corner, of course, but it reminds us that even the most exhilarating vehicles must follow their own timeline.
Finally, don't take my word for it all, let's hear about the Temerario straight from the horse's (or should that be the raging bull's) mouth - Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and Chief of Automobili Lamborghini. He says, "The Temerario is a genuine 'fuoriclasse': a car in a league of its own, an extraordinary and innovative vehicle both from a technical and stylistic point of view.”
He adds, "Every new Lamborghini must surpass its forerunners in performance terms while at the same time being more sustainable from an emissions standpoint. With the Temerario, we have completed a key chapter in our electrification strategy: we have also become the first luxury automotive brand to offer a completely hybridised range."
One thing's for sure: sat inside the far from shy and retiring Temerario, you won't be able to hide from anyone - let alone hide who you are. But that's just the point - why would you want to? You'll be in the perfect all-round super sports car, after all.
