That the newest member of the Lamborghini family is named after a half-man, half-bull Minotaur mythical creature is only right. With 910 hp, it’s as powerful as any Lamborghini, but the Asterion LPI 910-4 does this with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that serves as the Italian automaker’s “technology demonstrator” – meaning it’s only scratching the surface for what’s in store.
A V-10 5.2-liter naturally aspirated, longitudinally-placed engine powers the Asterion, producing 610 hp (449 kW) with up to 560 Nm of torque. Three electric motors generate the additional 300 hp (220 kW) up to the total of 910 hp (669 kW). The sheer power means the Asterion takes off 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and can reach top hybrid/combined speed of 320 km/h. Under electric power alone, it can get up to 125 km/h; the range under purely electric power is 50 km, setting it on par with other hybrid super sports cars.
The Asterion’s monocoque is made entirely of carbon fiber and features a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission behind the engine at the rear transaxle. Two electric motors situated at the front axle are fed by starter motor and generator located between the V-10 engine and the gearbox, which are adjacent to the third electric motor. This arrangement provides for two driving modes: hybrid mode combining the V-10 with the three electric motors for a four-wheel drive, independent of the battery, or pure electric drive, using only the two electric motors in the front.
The Asterion is outfitted with 20-inch and 21-inch rims in Pirelli tires. The interior features Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather trims. Other materials include aluminum and titanium, which is visible in the steering wheel design. The wheel includes three buttons for the driver to select drive mode: Zero, I for ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid), and T for ‘Termico’ (thermal) power. A tablet lets the driver or passengers to manage climate control, GPS and infotainment.
For its power, the Asterion produces only 98 g/km in CO2 emissions and its fuel consumption is 4,12 l/100 km combined cycle (NEDC); the the weight of the hybrid technology is 250 kg.
Photo Credit: Lamborghini
