The Temerario’s new V8 is e-fuel compatible with no loss in performance.
Lamborghini knows dropping the combustion engine could hurt demand. That’s why the brand is delaying its first EV and pledging to keep internal combustion engines (ICE) “as long as possible.” But keeping ICE doesn’t mean sticking with gasoline—especially with synthetic fuels in play.
The Temerario’s new twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 can run on synthetic fuel without sacrificing performance. In an interview with CarExpert, Lamborghini CTO Rouven Mohr called synthetic fuel “the savior of the combustion engine,” noting that the V8 is optimized for both gas and e-fuel. He also emphasized that EVs still fall short when it comes to the visceral thrill of a traditional engine.
While Mohr expects electric cars will eventually win over enthusiasts, he believes future generations will also rediscover the emotional appeal of combustion. Lamborghini hopes synthetic fuel can keep ICE engines alive past 2035, when the EU bans new vehicles emitting harmful pollutants—though carbon-neutral e-fuels will still be allowed.
Synthetic fuel remains expensive and limited in supply, but Lamborghini’s buyers aren’t likely to be deterred. Volkswagen Group sibling Porsche has already been producing e-fuel in Chile since 2022, using wind energy to convert water and CO₂ into fuel. Porsche aims to make combustion engines nearly carbon neutral, with the 911 set to be its last gas-powered car.
Other luxury brands like Bentley, Bugatti, and Ferrari are also exploring e-fuels, while Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are testing alternative ways to keep ICEs alive, including hydrogen combustion.
Still, scaling e-fuel production for mass use is a long-term challenge. With most automakers focused on EVs, synthetic fuel may remain a niche solution for performance brands and wealthy buyers, rather than a mainstream alternative.
