How Lamborghini’s V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche’s T-Hybrid - story Go to full screen story Fullscreen

How Lamborghini’s V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche’s T-Hybrid

Lamborghini's Temerario may be the flashy performance hybrid, but here's why Porsche's electrified 911 is an understated and equally impressive contender

by Amreetam Basu on August 25, 2024, 13:00

After a year of spy shots and whispers about what was brewing in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Lamborghini Huracán’s successor has finally arrived: the Temerario. This isn’t just another V8 hybrid, folks. We’re talking a 907-horsepower, plug-in hybrid supercar with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 developed in-house by Lamborghini. It features a flat-plane crankshaft, that revs up to an astonishing 10,000 RPM. Now, it wasn’t long ago that Porsche too announced its juicy T-Hybrid system with the 992.2 911 Carrera GTS that packs an electrified turbocharger and an electric motor in the gearbox, but no plug-in option, making it a mild hybrid.

So, within the Volkswagen Group, we’ve got two very different takes on high-performance hybrids. The Lambo’s got a full-blown plug-in system with a screaming V8, while the Porsche’s rocking a mild hybrid setup designed to work in the background without you noticing (you can’t drive the new Carrera GTS in EV mode as compared to the Temerario). Both systems are groundbreaking in their own right, but they’re worlds apart when it comes to technology and execution. Let’s dive into the details and see how these two hybrid systems stack up against each other. We’ll discuss the tech, the performance, and the overall driving experience so you can decide which one reigns supreme in this hybrid supercar showdown.

Temerario V8 hybrid Vs. Porsche T-Hybrid

How Lamborghini's V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche's T-Hybrid storyboard - image 191421

Lamborghini is diving headfirst into the hybrid game, and the Temerario completes the carmaker’s electrifying trifecta, joining the ranks of the Revuelto and the Urus SE. This bad boy packs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft, a recipe for a screaming 10,000 RPM redline. That V8 alone pumps out a hefty 789 horsepower, and it gets a boost from three axial-flux electric motors - one at the rear and two up front. The result? An impressive 907 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, matching the Ferrari SF90’s torque figures blow for blow.

Now, don’t expect to be cruising around in electric mode all day. The Temerario’s got a tiny 3.8 kWh battery pack, similar to the Revuelto, which is good for about six miles of silent running. But hey, that’s enough for a quick trip to the grocery store or a stealthy escape from your neighborhood. Plus, being a plug-in hybrid means you can juice it up at home, no need to rely solely on regenerative braking or the combustion engine to recharge the battery.

How Lamborghini's V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche's T-Hybrid Drivetrain storyboard - image 176543
How Lamborghini's V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche's T-Hybrid Exterior storyboard - image 176542

On the other hand, Porsche’s T-Hybrid in the 2025 911 Carrera GTS is a different beast altogether. It is a mild hybrid system, so forget about plugging it in, or driving on pure electric power. The magic here is all about seamless integration and boosting performance without sacrificing the 911’s essence.

At the heart of it all sits a 3.6-liter single-turbo flat-six (rumor has it the upcoming 992.2 Turbo S will get a bigger engine), but with a twist: there’s a tiny electric motor tucked inside the turbocharger itself. This little helper spins up the turbo instantly, eliminating that pesky turbo lag. We’ve seen this tech before in AMG’s M139 engine, and it’s just as impressive here. Another e-motor sits between the engine and the eight-speed PDK, adding another 54 horsepower and 110 pound-feet of torque. All this wizardry is powered by a 1.9 kWh battery pack, even smaller than the one in the Temerario.

The end result? The T-Hybrid 911 Carrera GTS cranks out a respectable 532 horsepower and 449 pound-feet of torque. It’s clear Porsche isn’t chasing crazy horsepower numbers here; it’s focused on enhancing the driving experience and improving efficiency. And that’s likely the same philosophy we’ll see in the upcoming Turbo S.

Feature Lamborghini Temarario Porsche 911 GTS Hybrid
Engine Twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six
Electric Motors 3 (two on front axle, one in transmission) 1 (integrated between engine and transmission)
Total Power Output 907-920 horsepower 532-534 horsepower
Total Torque 538 lb-ft 450 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed dual-clutch 8-speed dual-clutch PDK
Drivetrain All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive (with potential for torque vectoring)
0-60 mph 2.5 seconds (estimated) 3.0 seconds (with Sport Chrono)
Top Speed Over 211 mph 194 mph
Battery Capacity 3.8 kWH Approximately 1.9 kWh
Electric-Only Range 6 Miles N/A
MSRP $290,000 - $350,000 (EST) $164,900

Summing Up Two Very Different Flavors Of Performance Hybrids

How Lamborghini's V8 Hybrid System Differs From Porsche's T-Hybrid storyboard - image 191424

So, both the T-Hybrid and Lamborghini’s fancy new V8 hybrid systems are pretty impressive in their own ways and it really boils down to what floats your boat. Now, purists might be a bit grumpy about Lamborghini ditching the V10 and going hybrid, but you can’t deny the performance gains and improved efficiency. And let’s be honest, that flat-plane crank V8 sounds absolutely glorious, even better than the old V10, with its 10,000 RPM redline. The only downside? All that hybrid tech adds some serious weight to the car.

Now, here’s the thing: Porsche’s T-Hybrid system doesn’t let you cruise around silently in electric mode as the Temerario can. That might be a bummer if you’re trying to sneak out of the driveway without waking up the neighbors. But, Porsches, apart from the GT3, GT4, and the other 718 models with the high-revving 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, aren’t generally as loud as Ferraris and Lamborghinis. So, even without electric-only mode, your T-Hybrid Porsche will likely be a bit more considerate to your neighbors’ ears.

If you’re looking for a longer electric range in a Porsche, you must check out the Cayenne and Panamera E-Hybrid models. These models pack a 25 kWh battery, translating to over 30 miles of pure electric driving. Perfect for those eco-conscious commutes or just avoiding the gas station for a few extra days.

Amreetam Basu

Amreetam Basu

While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio