Lamborghini unveils the PHEV Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini
CAR / MOTOR SHOW
December 16, 2014

Lamborghini unveils the PHEV Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini


Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4



Lamborghini Unveils First PHEV, the Asterion LPI 910-4



Automobili Lamborghini unveiled its first plug-in hybrid concept car, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4, at a special Volkswagen Group event held in conjunction with the Paris Motor Show.




Text by AKIZUKI Shinichiro (OPENERS)




A Plug-in Hybrid Exceeding 900ps



Paris Motor ShowAt the Volkswagen Night event, held on the eve of the Paris Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini announced the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4, the company's first plug-in hybrid car (PHEV).


CEO Stephan Winkelmann stated, "Lamborghini always looks to the future, invests in the latest technology, sets new benchmarks, and delivers products that exceed expectations," regarding this concept model, which the company claims offers a new Lamborghini experience by achieving high output while maintaining everyday drivability and comfort.


Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4


The powertrain consists of a 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated engine combined with three electric motors. The engine, mounted longitudinally in the mid-section, produces a maximum torque of 560Nm and a maximum output of 449kW (610ps). With the addition of three electric motors, each producing 220kW (300ps), the total output in hybrid mode reaches a maximum of 669kW (910 ps).



This exceeds the flagship model'sAventador LP 700-4by 210ps, and approaches the 963ps of theLaFerrari's special model, which is powered by a V12 engine.



With the Asterion, Lamborghini aims to "maintain the attractive and exciting Lamborghini driving experience while significantly reducing CO2 emissions," a goal achieved with an outstanding CO2 emission figure of 98g/km. The Asterion can travel 50km on electric power alone, with a fuel consumption of just 4.12 liters per 100km (24.27km/l) under the European combined cycle (NEDC).



Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4



Lamborghini Unveils First PHEV, the Asterion LPI 910-4 (2)



0-100km/h Acceleration in Just 3 Seconds



The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch, also featured in the latest baby Lambo, theHuracán, installed in the rear transaxle behind the engine to transmit power to the rear. The lithium battery is laid out longitudinally in the central tunnel area, where the transmission is normally located. This improves the car's balance and protects the battery in the event of a side impact.



As mentioned, the Asterion's hybrid configuration combines the engine with three electric motors. One electric motor drives the rear wheels, while the other two, equipped with torque-vectoring functions, drive the front wheels. Two distinct driving modes are available: in hybrid mode, all-wheel drive is constantly engaged regardless of the battery's charge level; in EV mode, the car runs solely on the two front electric motors.



The top speed in hybrid mode is 320km/h, with 0-100km/h acceleration in just 3 seconds. Even in EV mode, the top speed reaches 125km/h.


Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4


The chassis utilizes a carbon monocoque. The exterior, like other models, was designed by Lamborghini's Centro Stile. While leveraging the polygonal motifs seen in the Aventador and Huracán, it incorporates flowing curves for a sensual image, achieving smart and elegant lines that accentuate the Asterion's power. The front end is formed from a single piece, and the headlights, made of forged carbon and titanium, evoke four "eyes and brows."



The front air intakes feature Lamborghini's first two-layer grid active air cooling system. The first layer of metal grid and the second layer of titanium grid are interlocked, creating a three-dimensional effect with Y-shaped and hexagonal patterns.



The doors, however, are not the typical upward-opening scissor doors, but rather open diagonally upwards and outwards, with an ergonomically designed interior space to allow occupants to sit comfortably. Compared to other models, the windshield is more upright, expanding the headroom and creating a more comfortable cabin space.



Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4



Lamborghini Unveils First PHEV, the Asterion LPI 910-4 (3)




The Name "Asterion LPI 910-4"



The interior of the Asterion is exceptionally comfortable compared to previous Lamborghinis. The seats are positioned higher than in other super sports cars, set for enjoyable daily driving. The combination of ivory and brown leather enhances its elegance.



The steering wheel features select buttons for choosing three driving modes: "Zero" for "Zero Emissions," "I" for "Ibrido (Hybrid)," and "T" for "Termico (Sport)."



A portable tablet is integrated into the center console, allowing control of functions such as weather, GPS, and the infotainment system.



Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4

Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 | Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4


Finally, regarding the name "Asterion LPI 910-4," following tradition, it has been given a name related to bulls. Asterion is the name of the mythical Minotaur, a creature that was part human and part bull, perfectly symbolizing a hybrid (crossbreed).



And LPI. Lamborghini fans will know that LP stands for "Longitudinale Posteriore (Rear Longitudinal Mount)," and the newly added "I" of course stands for "Ibrido (Hybrid)."



The Paris Motor Show opens today. We will provide further reports from the scene as more details become available.