Lamborghini Temerario: A Powerful Hybrid with a Missing V10 Engine
Lamborghini’s new Temerario hybrid is a powerful and exciting addition to their lineup. With more power, higher revs, and faster acceleration than its predecessor, the Huracan, the Temerario is sure to impress. However, it’s a bittersweet debut as it is missing one key feature that has been present in every new Lamborghini since 2003: a V10 engine.
The Demise of V10 Power
The absence of a V10 engine in the Temerario marks the end of an era. It is no longer possible to buy a new road car from any automaker with V10 power. However, there was a time when V10 engines were everywhere, fitting into a wide range of vehicles from trucks and SUVs to wagons and supercars. To pay tribute to these incredible engines, here is a list of the ten greatest V10s.
Dodge/SRT Viper (1992-2017)
The original Viper R/T10 was a game-changer for Dodge, reviving their performance reputation and kick-starting the industry’s fascination with V10 engines. While Chrysler was working on an 8.0-liter V10 for their trucks, the Viper engineers wanted something more high-performance. Teaming up with Lamborghini, they developed their own version of the V10 with high-performance components and an aluminum block. The Viper’s V10 engine evolved over the years, reaching an impressive 645 hp by the time the 8.4-liter SRT Viper was discontinued in 2017.
Dodge Ram 2500/3500 V10 (1994-2003)
The Dodge Ram 2500/3500 V10 was a powerhouse, generating 300 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. While it may not have impressed Viper engineers, it was perfect for Dodge’s heavy-duty trucks. The V10 was eventually replaced by Chrysler’s Hemi and Cummins diesel engines, but the SRT-10 variant of the Ram offered truck buyers 510 hp of genuine Viper V10 power.
Lamborghini Gallardo/Huracan (2004-2024)
The Lamborghini Gallardo was a direct competitor to Ferrari’s 360 Modena. It featured a 5.0-liter V10 engine that produced 493 hp, outperforming its rival in both power and torque. The Gallardo’s successor, the Huracan, continued the tradition with even higher outputs, peaking at 631 hp.
Audi R8 V10 (2009-2024)
The Audi R8 V10 was the big brother of the V8-powered R8. It featured a 5.2-liter V10 engine with outputs ranging from 518 hp to 631 hp in the Huracan Performante. Audi and Lamborghini collaborated on the development of the V10 engine, sharing technology and pushing performance boundaries.
BMW M5/M6 V10 (2005-2010)
The BMW M5 and M6 featured a unique V10 engine known as the S85. With 500 hp and a rev limit of 8,250 rpm, the M5 and M6 offered an exhilarating driving experience. The S85 V10 was a standout feature of these models, providing incredible power and a distinctive engine note.
Audi RS6 (2008-2010)
The Audi RS6 was a high-performance variant of the A6, featuring a 5.2-liter V10 engine. With 572 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, the RS6 outperformed its competitors, including the BMW M5. It was a true powerhouse, delivering exceptional performance and handling.
VW Touareg V10 TDI (2002-2010)
The VW Touareg V10 TDI was a unique offering in the SUV segment. With a 4.9-liter turbocharged V10 diesel engine, it produced 309 hp and an impressive 627 lb-ft of torque. The V10 TDI was perfect for towing and offered exceptional performance for an SUV.
Porsche Carrera GT (2004-2006)
The Porsche Carrera GT is often regarded as one of the greatest supercars ever made. Its 5.0-liter V10 engine was derived from a stillborn F1 engine and produced 603 hp. With its manual transmission and incredible sound, the Carrera GT provided an unforgettable driving experience.
Lexus LFA (2010-2012)
The Lexus LFA was a true masterpiece, featuring a 4.8-liter V10 engine developed in collaboration with Yamaha’s music division. With 552 hp and a rev limit of 9,000 rpm, the LFA delivered exceptional performance and an incredible exhaust note. It was a limited-production supercar that left a lasting impression.
Bonus: Honda/Acura NSX (2007)
The Honda/Acura NSX was an exciting project that unfortunately never made it to production. It featured a front-mid-mounted V10 engine and was intended to be a successor to the iconic NSX. While the project was ultimately canceled, some of the technology developed for the NSX went on to be used in other Honda vehicles.
While the era of V10 engines may be coming to an end, these incredible machines will always be remembered for their power, performance, and distinctive engine notes. They represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and continue to captivate enthusiasts around the world.
