The Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show as the first Lambo plug-in hybrid demonstrator. The PHEV is far from weak, however, with a true supercar appearance and drivetrain.
As a concept car, the Lamborgini Asterion represents what could be the future of Lambo design in both form and function. The Asterion has a pure electric range of 50 kilometers (31 miles), a naturally-aspirated V10 engine, and a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) speed of 3 seconds. The concept was designed and built entirely in-house.
Lamborghini calls the PHEV a “hyper cruiser.”
The Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain of the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4
Fuel consumption in the Lamborghini Asterion is a mere 4.12 liters per 100 kilometers (combined cycle). The objective of the car is to reduce CO2 emissions in the European cycle while maintaining the Lamborghini style and drive feel. CO2 emissions are 98 g/km as a result.
The engine is a V10 5.2-liter FSI mounted longitudinally in a mid-engine configuration. Uniquely, it is built entirely of a carbon fiber monocoque. The engine mates to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission built to shift quickly and provide power to the rear transaxle. This leaves the central tunnel, where the transmission would normally sit, open. That space houses the batteries for the Lamborghini Asterion, providing better vehicle balance.
Three electric motors are utilized in the Asterion. One sits between the gearbox and the engine, acting as both a starter and generator. It also provides torque vectoring to give better response from the powertrain. The other two are on the front axle, each powering a wheel.
The Lamborghini Asterion can drive in both all-electric mode (front-wheel drive) through urban environments and utilizes both the engine and motors in an all-wheel drive configuration when at highway speeds.
The V10 engine produces 610 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. The motors, incombination, add 300 horsepower to that for a total of 910 horsepower for the Asterion. This means acceleration from 0-62 mph happens in a mere 3.0 seconds.
Top speed for the Lamborghini Asterion is 320 km/h (198.8 mph) with a top speed in electric-only of 125 km/h (77.6 mph).
Exterior Design for the Lamborghini Asterion
The beautiful exterior of the Asterion is all Lambo. The color is called Blue Elektra and the design language is the forward-facing look the carmaker plans to take. The demonstrator was designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile and has a lovely combination of curvature and straights to create a unique, but recognizable Lamborghini look.
Aggressive front fenders and a rounded, flat-topped nose with a mustache-shaped grille start the look. The flat hood is accentuated by a single dimple line up its center to the raking windshield and blacked pillars. Tiny slivered side mirrors jut out over the curved body with the high belt line and deep cut at the bottom of the doors reaching back to the large intake grilles at the fore of the rear fenders.
A fastback rear design covers the engine while heavy haunches promise power. The aggressively upward-slanting rear end meets the top of the fastback in a fast-paced rear taillight assembly, below which quad pipes emerge in pairs to exhaust.
Inside the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4
The interior of the Asterion is meant to be minimal and driver-focused, as are most Lamborghinis. Beautiful brown leather adorns the seat surfaces and door panels as well as the top of the steering wheel and instrument bezel. Creamed white surfaces complete the rest of the interior to offset while touches of gray carbon fiber accentuate.
Controls and accessories are minimalized to create a clean look overall.
The technologies offered in the Lamborghini Asterion’s interior are all available today. “The Asterion LPI 910-4 is a true Lamborghini: emotional, with a stunning design, powerful, yet conceived more for comfortable luxury daily cruising than for ultimate track performance,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini during the car’s unveil in Paris.
Conclusion
For Lamborghini, the Asterion is a clear step towards the future and a very, very well-crafted design and powertrain conceptual study. It’s beautiful, powerful, and efficient.
