Another supercar maker has adopted a hybrid powertrain, following in the footsteps of the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and Ferrari LaFerrari. Say hello to the beautiful, ridiculously powerful Lamborghini Asterion.
The Lamborghini Asterion, which will soon be making crowds dribble at the Paris Motor Show 2014, is codenamed ‘LPI 910-4’. The name comes from the 910hp developed by a naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10 and three – yes, three – electric motors.
The V10 is responsible for 610hp and the electric motors a further 100hp apiece. The weight of the hybrid technology, which includes a lithium ion battery in the central tunnel area where the transmission would normally sit, is said to weigh 250kg.
0 to 62mph takes a claimed three seconds and the top speed is 198mph. Impressive for a car that can manage to go 31 miles on electric power only up to speeds of 78mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic powers through the gears.
More astounding, however, is the fact that CO2 emissions are a mere 98g/km. This blue beauty capable of spine-bending performance is more efficient than your average supermini and exempt from car tax. Lamborghini claims fuel economy of 68.5mpg so it’s frugal, too.
Put the Asterion in hybrid mode and the three electric motors and petrol engines work together to deliver hell. Select pure electric and two electric motors do their thing for a more eco-friendly journey.
Let’s further break down the name for you. The LP stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’, which refers to the position of the engine in the rear, mid-engine style. ‘I’ stands for ibridio, which means hybrid. ‘4’, meanwhile, indicates permanent four-wheel drive.
The beautiful Lamborghini Miura-esque body of the grand tourer is made from carbon fibre, so the porky hybrid system is balanced out somewhat. There are also carbon fibre and titanium headlights to further reduce weight.
As befitting its grand tourer nature, the Asterion has a higher seating position, making it more suited to daily driver duties. The interior is bestowed with a 60s Muira-inspired steering wheel and brown and ivory leather broken up by aluminium and forged carbon fibre.
Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: “To significantly reduce emissions on a car in this moment, plug-in electrification is the best option for us, because for Lamborghini such a car must still provide a truly emotional driving experience.
“In the Asterion this is guaranteed through a naturally aspirated engine that is combined with PHEV technology, which not only offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions of 98g/km, but a practical pure electric driving range of 50km.”
The Asterion – like all Lamborghinis – is named after a bull. This time it’s a mythical half man, half bull minotaur creature thing.
Sadly the Asterion is just a concept, but it’s almost certain there will be a hybrid Lambo in the future. Sure, it flies in the face of your typical Aventador or Veneno supercar, but who cares when it looks this bloody good?
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