Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 hybrid concept unveiled

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 front quarter

Lamborghini has taken the wraps off the Asterion LPI 910-4 concept ahead of its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

The concept heralds in a new era for the famous Italian brand, by introducing its first plug-in hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system is consist of a 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 pinched from the Huracan, and married with three electric motors to deliver a monstrous total output of 669kW (910hp).

It will propel the Asterion concept from 0-100km/h in a mere 3.0 seconds en route to a top speed of 320km/h. like most plug-in hybrids, the Asterion can cruise under pure electric power for up to 50km at speeds of up to 125km/h.

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 side

Despite its mighty output and performance, the Asterion has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.2 litres per 100km and emits 98g/km of heat trapping CO2.

Conceived and developed entirely in-house by Lamborghini, the Asterion carries unmistakeable Lamborghini DNA and heritage, yet is clearly different from the brand’s existing super car range. Finished in Blue Electra exterior paint, the front end of the car is produced as a single component to give the car a dynamic look. It is emphasised through the positioning of its four ‘eyes with eyebrows’ headlights, which are made of forged carbon and titanium.

The front air intakes are characterised by an active air cooling system which uses a double layered grid for the first time in a Lamborghini: one metal and one titanium grid are embedded into each other, with one containing the Y leitmotiv and the other the hexagon theme to create a tri dimensional effect.

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 rear quarter

At the back, the rear end stands out for its shape and remarkable rear lights, including a grid covering two radiators, and a clear separation between body colour and black parts. A transparent engine cover opens a window to the car’s hybrid technology beneath. It is comprised of three hexagonal glasses that turn according to the engine driving mode: pure electric, hybrid power or pure thermal engine power.

The Asterion rides on 20” and 21” rims shod with Pirelli tyres. A outwards opening doors feature a lit tricolour flag and is a reminder of the Asterion’s Italian heritage. A discreet Raging Bull shield is embedded in the side of the car.

Inside, the minimal and modern interior creates a classic look and feel. Extensive Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather immediately confirm the luxurious drive experience of the Asterion with an elegance from combining materials including aluminium and forged carbon fibre, as well as titanium that is also visible in the iconic three spoke steering wheel design drawn from the Miura. However, the Asterion’s steering wheel also includes three buttons from which the driver selects his engine driving mode: Zero – for zero emissions/full electric; I for ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid); and T for ‘Termico (thermal) power. Finally, a portable tablet allows the car’s occupants to manage climate control and other functions including GPS and in-car infotainment.

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 interior

As for the name, LP stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’, the position of the conventional enginee; I stands for ‘ibrido’ – Italian for “hybrid”; while 910 represents the system power and 4 the permanent all-wheel drive system.

Finally, Asterion is the proper name of the mythical Minotaur, a hybrid figure and symbolic crossbreed telling a story of the powerful fusion between intellect and instinct, part man and part bull.

Lamborghini has no intention of putting the Asterion LPI 910-4 into production at this stage.

 

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