Lamborghini Asterion

Summary

The Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 (LPI being an abbreviation for Longitudinale Posteriore Ibrido) is a concept hybrid car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini, which was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The car is named after a Minotaur called Asterion and was to be Lamborghini's first hybrid model. The half man – half bull Minotaur was chosen keeping in mind Lamborghini's tradition of naming their cars after a bull while alluding to its usage of different modes of power.[2][3][4]

Lamborghini Asterion
Overview
ManufacturerAutomobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Production2014
DesignerFilippo Perini
Body and chassis
ClassConcept car
Grand tourer (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutMid-engine, all-wheel-drive
DoorsSwan
RelatedLamborghini Huracán
Powertrain
Engine5.2 L V10
Electric motor3x Permanent-magnet synchronous electric motors
Transmission7-speed LDF dual clutch
Hybrid drivetrainPlug-in hybrid (PHEV)
BatteryLi-ion
Dimensions
Length4,700 mm (185 in)
Curb weight1,800 kg (3,968 lb)[1]

Specifications and performance edit

The Asterion has a mid-mounted V10 engine shared with the Huracán generating a maximum power output of 610 PS (449 kW; 602 hp) and twin electric motors on the front axle besides a Lithium Ion battery pack generating a combined power of 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp). The batteries are placed in the central shaft, which improves the car's safety and center of gravity. The car features a torque vectoring system, a system typical on hybrid sports cars.

The Asterion has a top speed of 298 km/h (185 mph) which reduces to 125 km/h (78 mph) when running solely on electric power. The car can accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds. The car is classified as a grand tourer and has a battery range of 50 km (31 mi). The hybrid technology adds 280 kg (617 lb) to the overall weight of the car.

The car has a sharp angular design and has a carbon-fibre monocoque borrowed from the Aventador along with carbon-fiber composite plastic body panels. The interior has a minimalistic layout and has ivory leather upholstery and has a carbon-fiber, aluminium and titanium trim with the seats placed higher and the windshield more vertical than traditional Lamborghini models in order for additional comfort, signifying the grand touring nature of the car.

The Asterion also has more storage space than the typical Lamborghini models. It contains three driving modes namely "Zero" (full electric mode), "Ibrido" (which runs the car on the combined power of the engine and the electric motors) and "Termico" (which runs the car on the engine only). The modes can be selected via buttons on the steering wheel.[5][6][7]

Cancellation edit

The car, which was to become Lamborghini's first hybrid model,[8] was introduced as a 'technology demonstrator'. Stephan Winkelmann, then President and CEO of Lamborghini, stated in an interview with Autocar that the Asterion would not enter production and was being shelved in favor of the Urus SUV. According to him, it was done on the basis of customer reaction which favored hybrid technology only if it came with added performance. The car was planned to compete with similar hybrid cars, including the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder.

Gallery edit

References edit

  1. ^ "It's the 907bhp Lambo Asterion hybrid". Top Gear. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  2. ^ "2019 Lamborghini Asterion: A 900-hp Hybridized Rocket Ship". Car and Driver. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  3. ^ "2014 Paris Motorshow: Lamborghini Asterion Hybrid Unveiled". NDTV. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  4. ^ "This is not a Prius: Lamborghini made a plug-in hybrid with 910 horsepower". The Verge. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Lamborghini Asterion put on hold – plus studio pictures". Autocar. Archived from the original on 17 March 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  6. ^ "Lamborghini Asterion hybrid coupe concept unveiled". Autocar. Archived from the original on 25 June 2017. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  7. ^ "Under the skin of the Lambo Asterion". Top Gear. Archived from the original on 16 July 2016. Retrieved 15 June 2017.
  8. ^ Miller, Josh (October 2, 2014), "Lamborghini debuts 910 horsepower Asterion plug-in hybrid Archived 2017-06-10 at the Wayback Machine," CNET. Retrieved June 15, 2017

External links edit