Lamborghini to unveil Huracan successor with custom V8 in August
Italian luxury sports car manufacturer, Lamborghini, has announced plans to launch the successor to its popular Huracan model in August 2024. The forthcoming supercar will be powered by a hybrid powertrain, marking a significant shift from the naturally aspirated V-10 engine that drove the Huracan and Audi R8. This information was disclosed in a document outlining Lamborghini's Q1 2024 results.
It will feature an in-house-developed hybrid powertrain
The new model will feature a plug-in hybrid system built around a bespoke V8 engine, a departure from previous models that used engines from other Volkswagen Group brands. This new eight-cylinder mill is entirely an in-house creation, as confirmed by Lamborghini's Sales and Marketing Chief, Federico Foschini. Francesco Scardaoni, Asia-Pacific region Director for Lamborghini, stated that the company's financial success has enabled it to independently develop this new car.
Lamborghini's shift toward electrification
The 5.2-liter FSI engine will be phased out as part of a wider Volkswagen Group initiative, to downsize and meet tighter emissions norms. It remains uncertain how closely related the new electrified powertrain will be to that of the Urus SE, another Lamborghini model that utilizes a plug-in hybrid V8. Foschini justified the decision to choose a PHEV V8 over an ICE V8 by stating, "The package itself is much better than a normal ICE car."
New engine characteristics and potential performance
Foschini further explained the benefits of the new powertrain, stating that there are characteristics that cannot be achieved without an electric motor, such as active torque vectoring. Speculations suggest that the new V8 engine's turbochargers will not kick in until 7,000rpm, and it has a 10,000rpm redline. The engine is expected to pair with an 8-speed DCT transmission borrowed from the Revuelto.
Lamborghini's future plans for electrification
The launch of the Huracan successor signifies Lamborghini's full transition to electrified vehicles. The company's lineup already includes the V12 plug-in hybrid Revuelto and the Urus SE. By 2028, Lamborghini aims to introduce its first-ever EV, the Lanzador, followed by a fully electric second-generation Urus in 2029. Meanwhile, sales of the Revuelto are projected to continue into the early 2030s.
Trademark filing hints at name for new supercar
In line with its tradition of naming cars after fighting bulls, Lamborghini has confirmed that it has selected a name for the new supercar. In April, the company registered a trademark for "Temerario" with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Notably, no connection to a Spanish fighting bull has been found related to this name.
