Lambo shows hybrid tech in 898 BHP GT

Sleek Asterion concept packs a V10 and three electric motors for 0-62mph in 3.0sec and 67mpg

Lamborghini unveiled a new one-off concept, called the Asterion LPI910-4, at the Paris motor show. The model is dubbed a “technology demonstrator” and shows off an in-house-developed 898bhp plug-in petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

Described as having a “unique Lamborghini cruising experience together with everyday urban driveability”, the concept is capable of travelling on electric power alone for up to 31 miles.

The multi-faceted Asterion was unveiled by Lamborghini president Stephan Winkelmann at a media event before the Paris show.

Winkelmann was careful to distance the new Lamborghini concept from the existing crop of petrol-electric hybrid hypercars, such as LaFerrari, McLaren’s P1 and Porsche’s 918 Spyder. He described the Asterion as being “conceived more for comfortable luxury daily cruising than for ultimate track performance”.

Power for the two-seater comes from Lamborghini’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain.The advanced petrol-electric powertrain is based around the latest evolution of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine, as used by the recently introduced Huracán.

On its own, the longitudinally mounted V10 delivers 602bhp and 413lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which is located behind the engine in a traditional transaxle layout.

The petrol engine is combined with three brushless electric motors one placed within the gearbox and capable of directing drive to the rear wheels, and two more powerful units situated within the front axle, where they provide direct drive to the front wheels.

The electric motors produce a combined 296bhp, raising the Asterion’s overall output to 898bhp. A peak torque figure has yet to be specified.

The driver can choose between three driving modes via buttons on the steering wheel. These are ‘Z’ for zero-emissions running, ‘I’ for Ibrido (the Italian word for hybrid) and ‘T’ for Termico, meaning thermal power.Energy used to power the three electric motors is stored in a lithium ion battery mounted down the centre of the cabin within the tunnel usually reserved for the gearbox. Lamborghini claims that this layout helps to provide its latest concept with the best possible blend of balance and crash safety. The battery can be charged either by recuperated means while on the run or on mains power via a conventional wall socket.

In front-wheel-drive electric mode, the Asterion is claimed to have a range of up to 31 miles at speeds of up to 78mph. In hybrid mode, in which the individual power sources simultaneously channel drive to the front and rear wheels, the new Lamborghini is claimed to cover 0-62mph in 3.0sec and hit a top speed of 199mph.Combined fuel economy is put at 67mpg. This gives the new Lamborghini concept car a theoretical CO2 emissions rating of 98g/km, which is less than a third of the 690bhp V12-engined Aventador’s.

In line with developments seen on the Huracán, the Asterion is based around a carbonfibre monocoque and clothed in a carbonfibre-composite-plastic body. Lamborghini has not revealed a kerb weight for the new car, but the electrical components and the lithium ion battery pack are claimed to weigh 250kg in total.

Styled under the guidance of Lamborghini design boss Filippo Perini, the Asterion provides the first tacit clues about how the supercar maker aims to progress the look of future models, including a proposed production version of the Urus SUV concept.The Asterion’s exterior eschews the sheer surfaces and inherent edginess of recent Lamborghinis for fuller and more curvaceous forms. there is also a smoother transition between the various panels than on current models.

the most controversial feature is the styling of the front end, which appears to take inspiration from a classic Italian supercar, the  De tomaso Pantera. It is combined with a rear end that takes many of its cues from  the Huracán.

the leading edge of the bonnet sits higher than that of any current Lamborghini model. Perini says this is part of an effort to provide the Asterion with greater everyday driveability, by giving the driver a clear point of reference during parking manoeuvres and city driving.

the windscreen is also more upright than that of any other recent Lamborghini in an effort to ease entry to the cabin and provide increased headroom. the space behind the seats is used as a luggage compartment.

Among the developments brought to the exterior is an active cooling system. Incorporated within the front air intakes, it uses a double-layered grid in which metal and titanium are embedded into each other, the former containing a Y-shaped mesh and the latter a hexagonal theme. A transparent engine cover is composed of three panes of glass that change their position according to the driving mode.

Lamborghini has also used the interior of the Asterion to explore new design and packaging themes. the minimalistic dashboard is said to provide hints about future models. the seats are mounted higher than those in existing Lamborghinis for what Perini describes as “comfortable everyday cruising rather than extreme handling”.

Q&A Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini president

What does the Asterion LPI910-4 represent?
Is it purely conceptual or a pointer to what we can expect to see from Lamborghini in future years?

It is a technological test bed to see what Lamborghini customers think about hybrid drive and to explore new avenues of design. If we want to keep the brand alive, we have to progress into new areas. Legislation is forcing us to look at cleaner driveline solutions and we’ve packaged our answer in a car that stylistically recalls some of our most classic Gt models, including the 350 Gt and espada. Stylistically, it is less extreme than our current models, but with added everyday driveability.

Do you see it as a competitor to the McLaren P1, LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Sypder?

No, it has been conceived at a much lower price level. We don’t see it as a car for track driving, but more one for everyday driving. We haven’t used exotic measures to achieve the performance. the
aluminium and carbonfibre construction technology incorporated in the Asterion LPI910-4 is the very same as that used in the Huracán and Aventador. the hybrid system is based around existing technology and we have to accept that it comes with a weight penalty.

The combustion engine element of the hybrid system is based around the Huracán’s existing naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10. Does this mean that you are looking to retain this unit as you move forward into the electrification of your future models?

Naturally aspirated engines are a core element of our brand. they are an important part of the emotion our cars impart and key to our DNA. but they are not compatible with future emissions regulations. by adding electrification, we’re able to extend the life of the engine while fulfilling emissions
standards. Some time in the future, we will be forced to adopt turbocharged engines, but for now we will stick to naturally aspirated engines.

 What implications does  the move into hybridisation have for your future Lamborghini models?

If we get the go-ahead for the Urus [Lamborghini’s concept SUV], it could be the first hybrid-powered model in the history of Lamborghini. It is still in a conceptual stage of development, but we hope to launch it at a price level comparable to that of the Huracán. With a green light, it could double our annual sales.

This year has been an important one for Lamborghini, with the launch of the Gallardo replacement, the Huracán. Is this being reflected in sales?

We’re on a good track, with stable delivery of both the Huracán and Aventador. We’re looking to achieve sales over the 2121 units of 2013.