2014 Paris Auto Show – Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 concept
910bhp plug-in Electric Hybrid from Lambo could herald the future of the Bull
By Shahzad Sheikh
I’m liking the looks of the 2014 Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 concept – it’s rather subtle and smooth for a Lambo – but I’m not sure I’m liking what it represents. The petrol-electric hybrid future for the not-so-raging Bull.
Described as a technology demonstrator concept, the Asterion showcases Lambo’s 5.2-litre V10 engine mated to three electric motors winding up to a total of 910bhp – giving it a 0-100kph acceleration of 3.0seconds and a 320kph top speed, whilst emitting just 98g/km (whatever that means), fuel consumption of just 4.12L/100km and giving a 50km pure electric range.
The hybrid part of the system weighs just 250kg and the car heavily employs carbon fibre in its construction to keep the total weight down.
A 7-speed dual clutch auto is installed behind the engine at the rear transaxle, the lithium battery is placed longways in the central tunnel and as well as the integrated motor and generator between the V10 and the gearbox, there are two motors up front, driving the front wheels.
The V10 producing 610bhp with 414lb ft or torque, but combined with the electric motors you get the aforementioned 910bhp. The Asterion can reach 125kph on pure electric.
Despite the huge power and massive wheels, to look at this Lambo is more of a Grand Tourer coupe, rather than a wild road rocket like the Aventador – seemingly more of a Ferrari FF rival than a LaFerrari counterpart – though the Lambo is only a two-seater. And the seats are placed higher for comfort and better visibility.
As usual the LP in the name stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’ – the positioning of the engine – but the ‘I’ stands for ‘ibrido’ which is Italian for ‘hybrid’ – get used to that one! ‘Asterion’ is the name of a mythical Minotaur – part man, part bull, it is of course a ‘hybrid’. I see what you did there Lambo!
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.
