Lamborghini Temerario: The Fastest Gas Car MotorTrend Has Tested in 2025
The Lamborghini Temerario: The Fastest Gas Car MotorTrend Has Tested in 2025
Electric vehicles might boast superior straight-line speed in some metrics, but they lack the visceral thrill of the Lamborghini Temerario’s 10,250-rpm V-8.
Eric Tingwall, Writer | William Walker, Photographer | February 03, 2026
Prepare to witness automotive history unfold. The Lamborghini Temerario has officially claimed the title of the quickest vehicle with an internal combustion engine ever tested by MotorTrend. This entry-level supercar from Lamborghini achieved a staggering 9.58-second quarter-mile time at a speed of 148.5 mph, narrowly edging out the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano by a mere 0.03 second.
The Electric Challenge: When Speed Trumps Tradition
In the realm of pure performance, the Temerario faces stiff competition from its electric counterparts. Vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid, the Lucid Air Sapphire, and several variants of the Porsche Taycan Turbo have demonstrated faster times in our testing. However, none can replicate the raw emotion and visceral theater provided by the Lamborghini. The Temerario’s plug-in hybrid powertrain masterfully combines the immediate low-end punch of three electric motors with the sustained top-end power of a twin-turbo, flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter V-8, delivering an intoxicating thrill ride like no other.
A Masterclass in Supercar Performance
Lamborghini has long been recognized for its mastery of supercar theatrics. To unleash the Temerario’s full potential, drivers must navigate a meticulous sequence of driver modes. Steering-wheel-mounted knobs are set to Corsa handling mode and Performance powertrain mode. Subsequently, the small checkered-flag button activates launch control. Once you engage both pedals, the engine accelerates to 4,000 rpm before launching the car with controlled fury. All four Bridgestone Potenza Race tires scream off the line, the V-8 revs to its peak of 10,250 rpm, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission executes a brutally efficient upshift into second gear. The tires chirp again, and the entire process repeats.
0-60 MPH: A Thunderous Beginning
Achieving a 9.6-second quarter-mile requires a starting line performance that defies conventional limits. The Temerario launches from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.2 seconds. While incredibly fast, this figure places it third among gasoline-powered vehicles in our all-time records. It trails only the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano and the 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S. However, the wait for the lead is short. By 100 mph, achieved in just 4.6 seconds, the Lamborghini has already surpassed both the Ferrari and Porsche in raw acceleration.
Braking Performance: The Weight of Electrification
When it comes to shedding speed, the Temerario utilizes standard carbon-ceramic brakes, bringing the car to a stop from 60 mph in 96 feet. While respectable, this metric does not match the blistering acceleration times. The plug-in hybrid powertrain undoubtedly contributes to the vehicle’s weight. Despite being equipped with the $84,100 Alleggerita package, which reduces weight by 55 pounds, the car still weighs in at a portly 4,185 pounds. As with acceleration, higher speeds reveal the Temerario’s capabilities. Stopping from 100 mph in 266 feet places it in a tie for 12th among the thousands of vehicles MotorTrend has evaluated.
The Handling Arena: A Masterful Balance of Power and Control
The MotorTrend figure-eight course represents the pinnacle of automotive testing, combining cornering, braking, and acceleration into a single lap that reveals the car’s dynamics in both objective and subjective terms. Pushed to its limits, the Temerario grips the pavement with 1.14 g of force on its way to a 22.3-second lap. This places it 0.7 second behind our record holders, a trio comprising the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring, and the 2022 McLaren 765LT Spider.
The starter Lamborghini’s lap time matches those set by the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, the 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire, and two of its (significantly lighter) predecessors, the 2020 Huracán Evo AWD (3,645 pounds) and the 2021 Huracán STO (3,390 pounds).
We often frame the figure-eight performance with a second metric—the average g-force experienced throughout the lap from acceleration, braking, and cornering. The Temerario’s 1.05 g average indicates that throughout the entire lap, you are subjected to forces greater than gravity, constantly being pushed forward, pinned against your seat belt, or pulled against the side bolster.
More Than Just Numbers: A Thrilling Driving Experience
Despite its impressive performance metrics, the most significant takeaway from running the Temerario through our testing regimen is that Lamborghini has not sacrificed the exhilarating driving experience in the pursuit of statistics. The Corsa mode keeps everything perfectly aligned for focused, fast laps, while the Sport mode allows for playful yet easily controllable rotation. If those settings aren’t wild enough, the three-stage Drift mode enables spectacular slides. The Lamborghini Temerario is a potent cocktail of caffeine, adrenaline, and testosterone on four wheels. We will share more insights in our upcoming full road test.
The Cutting Edge of Automotive Engineering: Why the 2025 Lamborghini Temerario Matters
The Lamborghini Temerario represents more than just a new supercar; it signifies a pivotal moment in automotive history. As the quickest gas-powered car MotorTrend has ever tested, the Temerario challenges the supremacy of electric vehicles and reaffirms the enduring appeal of the internal combustion engine in the modern era. This article delves into the technical specifications, performance benchmarks, and the emotional impact of the Temerario, offering a comprehensive analysis of this groundbreaking vehicle.
Unpacking the Performance: 9.58 Seconds of Sheer Power
The defining statistic that sets the Temerario apart is its 9.58-second quarter-mile time. This remarkable feat dethrones the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano, which previously held the record at 9.61 seconds. At a trap speed of 148.5 mph, the Temerario’s dominance is undeniable. This performance places the Temerario among the elite hypercars, blurring the lines between traditional sports cars and next-generation electric powerhouses.
0-60 MPH Acceleration: Second to None in the Gas Category
While electric vehicles may dominate overall acceleration records, the Temerario proves that gasoline-powered cars can still punch above their weight. In the realm of internal combustion engines, the Temerario achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 2.2 seconds. This places it in the top three for gasoline-powered vehicles, trailing only the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano and the 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S. However, the Lamborghini quickly gains the lead at higher speeds, hitting 100 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds. This rapid acceleration showcases the synergy between the electric motors and the V-8 engine, creating a surge of torque that pushes drivers deep into their seats.
The Technical Marvel: A Hybrid Powertrain of Distinction
The heart of the Temerario is its revolutionary plug-in hybrid powertrain. This system combines the instant torque of three electric motors with a twin-turbo, flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter V-8 engine. This powertrain architecture represents a strategic move by Lamborghini to bridge the gap between electrification and traditional supercar performance. The Lamborghini Temerario’s 0-60 mph time is a direct result of this advanced engineering, which allows for immediate launch and sustained power delivery.
The V-8 Engine: A Symphony of High-RPM Thrills
One of the most compelling aspects of the Temerario is its 10,250-rpm V-8 engine. This high-revving powerhouse delivers a unique auditory and tactile experience that pure electric vehicles simply cannot replicate. The sound of the V-8 winding up to its peak RPM creates a sense of drama and excitement that is synonymous with Lamborghini’s heritage. This high-performance engine is the cornerstone of the Temerario’s identity as a gas-powered supercar in an increasingly electrified world.
Braking Performance and Handling: Where Physics Meets Technology
While acceleration is the standout metric, the Temerario’s braking performance and handling capabilities are equally impressive. The vehicle is equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes that stop from 60 mph in 96 feet. This respectable figure, combined with the car’s 4,185-pound weight, highlights the technical challenge of balancing electric motors and a V-8 engine.
MotorTrend’s Figure-Eight: A True Test of Automotive Dynamics
The MotorTrend figure-eight course provides a comprehensive evaluation of a
Lamborghini Temerario: The Fastest Gas Car MotorTrend Has Tested in 2025
The Lamborghini Temerario: The Fastest Gas Car MotorTrend Has Tested in 2025
Electric vehicles might boast superior straight-line speed in some metrics, but they lack the visceral thrill of the Lamborghini Temerario’s 10,250-rpm V-8.
Eric Tingwall, Writer | William Walker, Photographer | February 03, 2026
Prepare to witness automotive history unfold. The Lamborghini Temerario has officially claimed the title of the quickest vehicle with an internal combustion engine ever tested by MotorTrend. This entry-level supercar from Lamborghini achieved a staggering 9.58-second quarter-mile time at a speed of 148.5 mph, narrowly edging out the 2021 Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano by a mere 0.03 second.
The Electric Challenge: When Speed Trumps Tradition
In the realm of pure performance, the Temerario faces stiff competition from its electric counterparts. Vehicles like the Tesla Model S Plaid, the Lucid Air Sapphire, and several variants of the Porsche Taycan Turbo have demonstrated faster times in our testing. However, none can replicate the raw emotion and visceral theater provided by the Lamborghini. The Temerario’s plug-in hybrid powertrain masterfully combines the immediate low-end punch of three electric motors with the sustained top-end power of a twin-turbo, flat-plane-crank 4.0-liter V-8, delivering an intoxicating thrill ride like no other.
A Masterclass in Supercar Performance
Lamborghini has long been recognized for its mastery of supercar theatrics. To unleash the Temerario’s full potential, drivers must navigate a meticulous sequence of driver modes. Steering-wheel-mounted knobs are set to Corsa handling mode and Performance powertrain mode. Subsequently, the small checkered-flag button activates launch control. Once you engage both pedals, the engine accelerates to 4,000 rpm before launching the car with controlled fury. All four Bridgestone Potenza Race tires scream off the line, the V-8 revs to its peak of 10,250 rpm, and the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission executes a brutally efficient upshift into second gear. The tires chirp again, and the entire process repeats.
0-60 MPH: A Thunderous Beginning
Achieving a 9.6-second quarter-mile requires a starting line performance that defies conventional limits. The Temerario launches from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.2 seconds. While incredibly fast, this figure places it third among gasoline-powered vehicles in our all-time records. It trails only the Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano and the 2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S. However, the wait for the lead is short. By 100 mph, achieved in just 4.6 seconds, the Lamborghini has already surpassed both the Ferrari and Porsche in raw acceleration.
