Check out these photos of a Lamborghini test mule shot in southern Europe. Given the size and dimensions, these are most certainly the upcoming Huracan replacement now known to be named “Temerario” given recent trademark filings by the Italian marque.
The front end of the mule features unique thin hexagonal lights at the front corners, assemblies that also include turn signals. The shape of the rear lights can also be seen on the car, as well as a double bubble roof design.
It also seems to confirm that the Temerario will share some details with the already on sale Revuelto, including plug-in hybrid tech and higher central mounted exhaust pipe minimizing exit pathways while harkening Lamborghini race cars.
Rumors surrounding the car have always suggested that it will ditch the V10 of the Huracan and R8 in favor of a new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Rather than reusing the 4.0 biturbo from various Audi and Porsche applications (think RS 6, RS 7, RS Q8, etc.), this new unit features a flat-lane crank capable of 10,000 rpm and is said to produce around 800 hp, with augmented power via a battery pack and electric motors. The latter will aid in emissions and torque fill in order to reduce lag.
Expect three electric motors in total. One will be positioned between the engine and the 8-speed gearbox, with the other two on the front axle in order to bestow the Temerario with all-wheel drive.
With the R8 now out of production and not confirmed for return, development had the Lamborghini team turning to the Revuelto component set in order to develop a monefuselage chassis, though here made of aluminum instead of carbon fiber.
Could Temerario signal a return of a mid-engined Audi? That hasn’t been confirmed yet, but we do know (and have reported) that Audi has considered a car known internally as AU634/0 that would use the Temerario component set. However, unlike the R8 and Huracan, or R8 Mk1 and Gallardo before that, the Audi wasn’t developed in tandem with the Lamborghini so far as we know. Whether or not that helps them hit cost and pricing targets as they evaluate the project remains to be seen. Complicating matters even further, Audi is also considering an all-electric Avus Evo project that would fill the gap for an exotic Audi with an all EV product. Given the way the EV market has gone though, and that Audi will be racing a hybrid effectively when it joins the F1 grid in 2026, this direction would seem to make the most sense.
And hey… if that 10,000 RPM V8 proves too expensive, perhaps they should consider a non-hybridized (so lighter and more affordable) variant using Audi’s 2.5-liter inline 5-cylinder turbo engine from the RS 3. This last part is pure conjecture and fantasy on our part, but wouldn’t it be cool?
Back to the Temerario, AutoExpress is reporting that the car is set to debut during Monterey Car Week at Pebble Beach on August 16.
