Lamborghini admits it knew ditching V10 power would upset enthusiasts

Lamborghini has no regrets about farewelling its fabled V10, despite an initial outpouring of grief among supercar diehards.

The Italian exotic automaker ran a naturally aspirated V10 in both its Gallardo and Huracán 'junior' supercars, the latter of which was usurped by the twin-turbo V8-powered Temerario last year.

Both enthusiasts and the media – including CarExpert – have since levelled criticism at the new powertrain for its subdued soundtrack, at least relative to the Huracán.

Lamborghini now says it's aware of the commentary, and even anticipated it.

"We were expecting some kind of criticism," Temerario product line director Paolo Racchetti told CarExpert in Milan, Italy.

"I mean, it’s not criticism, it’s a bit of nostalgic behaviour, because we knew that we were leaving something really valuable.

"We knew that the naturally aspirated V10 was an asset for the Huracán. It was basically defining the whole car – the sound of the car itself."

Nevertheless, the raging bull brand stands behind its decision to downsize and hybridise the Temerario's powertrain, backing the performance, character and drivability of its replacement V8.

“We knew that we had to replace the naturally aspirated V10 with something different," explained Mr Racchetti.

“The naturally aspirated V10 is more melodic. This engine is sharper, also because of the flat-plane crankshaft. So it’s a little bit more rock-and-roll compared to the previous one.

“The V8 turbo hybrid with 10,000rpm is something that nobody else is doing; you won't even find an engine with these characteristics in some hypercars, so there was a reason why.

“Under 7000rpm, you have this attitude of a car that is refined. But then, over 7000rpm, the racing character comes out.

“Once people have tested the car, once they’ve bought the car and they’re driving it, they really understand the capability.”

It's no secret that tightening regulations around vehicle emissions and noise played a role in Lamborghini's decision to abandon non-turbo 10-cylinder power, with the Temerario's tri-motor hybrid system helping both its performance and emissions viability across more than 50 global markets.

The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and three electric motors combine to produce 677kW, sent to all four wheels via a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

On its own, the V8 produces 588kW of power, or 147kW per litre, and can rev all the way to 10,250rpm with launch control – among the highest redlines of any production car on record.

On the electric side, two independent motors drive the front wheels, while the third is integrated between the engine and transmission to help fill any torque gaps created by the turbos.

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 contribute to straight-line performance.

For all the nostalgia surrounding the Huracán's V10, Lamborghini says buyers have embraced its replacement, reinforcing its confidence in a platform that will underpin the Temerario family for years to come.

"The Temerario went really, really well. We have one year of order bank, and definitely it's a car that has had an impact," said Mr Racchetti.

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