Lamborghini Takes On Its Two-Wheeled Cousin In An All-Italian Showdown

The plug-in hybrid Lamborghini Temerario, which replaces the outgoing Huracán Tecnica, promises some incredible performance. Thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 and three electric motors, the “entry-level” Lamborghini sports car makes 907 horsepower, 276 more than the most powerful version of its predecessor, the Huracán STO. That should be enough grunt to munch anything that dares challenge the Lambo in a battle of speed, much less something with only 207 horses. But when that something also happens to weigh just 412 pounds – as the Ducati Panigale V4 S superbike does – suddenly the race gets a lot more interesting.

Base Trim Engine

4.0-liter Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-In Hybrid

Base Trim Transmission

8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Italy’s Most Aggressive Corporate Cousins Face Off

The Panigale V4, which is one of the most aggressive motorcycles Ducati has ever built, actually shares some Italian DNA with the Temerario. Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters is less than 15 miles away from Borgo Panigale, which Ducati calls home. It shouldn’t be too surprising, then, to learn that the automaker actually owns a 100 percent stake in the famed motorbike company and the two collaborate on projects fairly frequently. So while the Temerario and Panigale V4 S don’t actually share any meaningful mechanicals, they’re built in the same geographical area and chiefed by the same performance-obsessed company.

So when a Verde Mercurius supercar and a Ducati Red superbike show up at one end of the Imola Circuit straightaway, you know there’s going to be some mischief afoot. The Desmosedici Stradale V4 in the Panigale puts out a nutty-for-a-motorcycle 207 hp at 10,000 rpm. The Duc’s engine rotates in the opposite direction of the wheels, counteracting some gyroscopic effect to ensure faster launches and, of less consequence in a drag race, quicker cornering response. Putting its best foot forward, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the Lambo revs to 10,000 rpm – formerly unheard of for a supercar – and can hit 60 miles per hour in 2.7 seconds.

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Get your matched fury on two wheels and four.

It Ends In A Complete Photo Finish

If you’re expecting a winner at the end of the story, we’ll let you down easy. The two super-machines cross the finish line at the exact same time. The video doesn’t specify how long the drag race is, nor does it relay any reaction or race times for the Panigale and Temerario, so it shouldn’t be used as gospel when taking a stand in the car-versus-motorcycle argument. Instead, it’s a brilliant display of power and speed, whether on two wheels or four.

For example, the Temerario couldn’t be easier to blast off the line. Its driver pulls the right shift paddle to engage first gear, then presses a little checkered-flag button on the steering wheel to activate launch control. The engine spins up to 4,000 rpm and holds, awaiting the green light. The Panigale rider has more on their plate, however, as they’re required to time the clutch, throttle, and gears perfectly to get running in a hurry. As a result, the Lambo hits its stride a bit quicker than the Duc, but don’t give up on superbikes just yet, because within seconds, both vehicles are neck and neck, approaching the finish line at nearly 200 kilometers per hour (124 miles per hour). So go find some good headphones and crank it up, because this might be the only time these hot Italians hit the track at the same time, and your senses won’t want to miss a thing.

Source: Lamborghini