Hybrid from Lambo

Heads have been turned in Paris by Lamborghini showing its new plug-in hybrid concept. The Asterion LPI 910-4 combines a mid-mounted 602bhp 5.2-litre V10 engine with three electric motors for 897bhp, 0-100kph in three seconds and a top speed of 320kph. While the powertrain is fully functional, the car isn’t ready for full production and it’s most likely application of technology will be for the marque’s SUV due in 2017. The car is Lamborghini’s response to tightening CO2 legislation in Europe. Thanks to an electric-only range of 50km, it claims 24.5km/l fuel economy and 98g/km emissions. The company describes it as “a model that could be realistically produced today using technologies available”. The Asterion has a curved front end, wraparound windscreen and pronounced haunches. At the rear, its screen is made up of three moving glass hexagons while the brake light is a full-width bar bisecting the badge. The three-spoke steering wheel is said to be inspired by the Miura and includes three buttons for driving modes – full electric, hybrid that combines the engine and motors, and thermal power that employs the V10 on its own. Although it uses the engine from the Huracan, the Asterion is based on the same carbon-fibre monocoque as the Aventador. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is under the engine to free up space along its spine to house the lithium-ion battery pack. One electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and gearbox to double as a starter motor, while the other two spin the front axle. In pure electric mode, the Asterion is Lamborghini’s first front-wheel-drive.