Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 hybrid idea exposed
Lamborghini has pulled off the shock of the Paris motor show with a new Asterion plug-in hybrid idea that shows a strong new direction for the brand. officially called the Asterion LPI 910-4, it combines a mid-mounted 602bhp 5.2-litre V10 (borrowed from the Huracan) with a trio of electric motors for a overall of 897bhp, 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds as well as a top speed of 199mph.
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While the powertrain is completely functional, the cars and truck isn’t prepared for full production – although we might see a restricted run with a cost somewhat higher than that of the Aventador. the most likely application of the tech will be for the firm’s upcoming SUV, due in 2017.
Asterion is one more name for the mythical Minotaur (a man-bull hybrid), as well as the cars and truck is Lamborghini’s response to tightening CO2 legislation. thanks to an electric-only variety of 31 miles, it declares 68.6mpg fuel economic climate as well as 98g/km emissions. This isn’t just a one-off concept, either; Lamborghini phone calls it “a design that might be realistically created today, utilizing technologies currently available”.
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To separate it from the Aventador as well as Huracan, the Asterion’s exterior style is much softer, with more than a hint of the legendary Miura in its rounded front end, wraparound windscreen as well as pronounced haunches. At the rear, the hexagonal screen is made up of three moving glass hexagons, while the brake light is a full-width bar bisecting the Lamborghini badge.
Elektra blue paintwork infused with flecks of glitter, alloys featuring delicate carbon-fibre wishbones as well as a lit tricolore flag beneath the wing mirrors add flashes of drama, however this general impact is more downplayed than either the Huracan or Aventador, as well as for great reason. Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, states the Asterion has been “conceived more for comfortable high-end everyday cruising than for ultimate track performance”. That philosophy is showed in the interior, too, where both seats are mounted higher than in either of the existing designs as well as wrapped in extravagant brown as well as white leather, rather than racy Alcantara. There’s a luggage compartment in the front, while steeper A-pillars free up extra headroom as well as enhance exposure all round.
The three-spoke steering wheel is stated to be influenced directly by the Miura as well as includes three buttons for the driving modes – Zero (for full electric), I (for ‘Ibrido’ or hybrid mode that combines the engine as well as motors for maximum performance) as well as T (for ‘Termico’ or thermal power that employs the V10 engine on its own). Although it utilizes the engine from the Huracan, the Asterion is based around the exact same carbon-fibre monocoque as the Aventador. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is put beneath the engine, freeing up area along the spine of the cars and truck to home the lithium-ion battery pack. One electric motor is sandwiched between the engine as well as gearbox – as well as doubles as a starter motor – while the other two spin the front axle. So driven in pure electric model, the Asterion is the very first front-wheel-drive Lamborghini.
Get all the latest news from the 2014 Paris motor show here.