Automobili Lamborghini has officially unveiled their secret car at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, and it’s not a four-seater. It’s not even a concept, as Lamborghini prefers to call it as a “technology demonstrator” to showcase their plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s basically production-ready.
In a move to cut down CO2 emissions, Lamborghini has chosen the hybrid path instead of force inducting their existing engines. According to Lamborghini the Asterion name is from the mythical Minotaur, a play on the creature’s part man part bull “hybrid” characteristics.
The Asterion is powered by a 5.2-litre V10 from the Huracan that’s good for 610 hp and 560 Nm of torque. Sitting in a full carbon fibre monocoque, the V10 gets additional boost from an electric motor incorporating an integrated starter motor and generator (ISG), and another two electric motors at the front axle. Driver can choose from three driving modes, Zero for full electric; I for Ibrido (hybrid); and T for Termico (thermal) power.
As the LP 910-4 denomination suggested, the combined power is 910 hp driving all four wheels. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission allows a 0 to 100 km/h time in 3.0 seconds, while the top speed is claimed to be at 320 km/h.
The Asterion can also be a front-wheel drive car, in full-electric mode the two electric motors only power the front wheels for up to 125 km/h or with a range of 50 km. The hybrid technology weighs 250 kg and allows for a combined fuel consumption of 4.12 l/100 km.
Lamborghini designed the Asterion as a “hyper cruiser” instead of a full-on sports car. The nose is noticeably taller, and the headlights have hexagonal motifs instead of the Y pattern used on the Huracan and Aventador. The side profile that was previewed in the earlier teaser image shows a window line that’s a nod to the Miura, and a sharp side intakes to cool the powerplant located behind.
At the back, a trio of hexagonal glass panels allow a view to the hybrid technology underneath, while the Veneno-inpired taillights float in between a gap of air outlet. Down below a black diffuser finishes off the rear bumper, complete with quad hexagonal tailpipes.
The doors open conventionally, revealing a clean design interior. Finished in Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather, the interior focuses on delivering comfort and every day usability with the two seats positioned higher than usual in a Lamborghini. The main controls are grouped in a portable tablet that sits in the middle of the cabin.
The Asterion certainly looks production-ready, but it’s just a showcase of the capabilities of Lamborghini own expertise to adapt with the latest technology. “Lamborghini is always looking ahead, investing in new technologies and setting new benchmarks, delivering the unexpected,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.
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