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Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4: World debut at the 2014 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile

Paris, 01 October 2014: The first plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) technology demonstrator was unveiled by Automobili Lamborghini at the 2014 Paris Mondial de l’Automobile in the form of the Asterion LPI 910-4. Watch the launch video here.

A conceptual car housing a plug-in hybrid powertrain, it is designed to offer a unique Lamborghini experience with a smooth and reactive driveability, superior power and significantly reducing CO2 emissions through technologies available today.

The Asterion LPI 910-4 has been conceived and developed entirely in-house by Lamborghini as a model that could be realistically produced today. It is a true Lamborghini: emotional, with a stunning design, powerful, yet conceived more for comfortable luxury daily cruising than for ultimate
track performance.

The name ‘Asterion’ is inspired by the legend of the mythical Minotaur, a hybrid figure and symbolic crossbreed telling a story of the powerful fusion between intellect and instinct, part man and part bull, creating an ever powerful archetype. ‘LP’ stands for ‘longitudinale posteriore’, the position of the conventional engine, ‘I’ stands for ‘ibrido’, ‘910’ for the system power and ‘4’ for the permanent 4WD system.

With the Asterion, a hyper cruiser is born. Based on a monocoque made entirely of carbon fibre, a V10 5.2 liter FSI engine is located longitudinally as a mid-engine, as in Lamborghini super sports cars and provides a maximum power output of 449 kW (610 hp) with 560 Nm of maximum torque available. Combined with three electric motors providing a further 220 kW (300 hp), total hybrid power is achievable to a maximum of 669 kW (910 hp). The combined action of the two propulsion systems ensures acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds flat.

With a top hybrid/combined speed of 320 km/h the Asterion reaches up to 125 km/h under pure electric power. It provides a significant range of 50 km when powered only by battery energy, and the emotion and power of a naturally aspirated Lamborghini engine for a unique driving experience. Fuel consumption is 4,12 l/100 km combined cycle (NEDC), the weight of the hybrid technology is 250 kg and CO2 emission levels are 98 g/km.

The fast shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is located behind the engine at the rear transaxle. The housing of the powerful lithium battery is placed longways in the central tunnel area, for better balance and protection of the battery area in case of a lateral crash impact.

The hybrid architecture is realized with an electric motor incorporating an integrated starter motor and generator (ISG) which is placed between the V10 engine and the double clutch gearbox, and two electric motors at the front axle fed by the ISG power with a torque vectoring function. This system allows the Asterion two different driving modes: in hybrid mode it is combining the V10 engine with the three electric motors guaranteeing a permanent four-wheel drive without being dependent on the battery’s state of charge. In pure electric drive mode only the two electric motors in the front are used.

Exterior Design:
Designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the Asterion contains the unmistakeable Lamborghini DNA and heritage. Like all Lamborghini cars, it has clearly defined lines, separating flat planes from the side of the car and distinguishing between panels. Light and shadow accentuate the volumes of the car, highlighting the muscularity, yet giving it a slender elegance.

The front end of the car is produced as a single component giving it a dynamic look, emphasized through the positioning of its four ‘eyes with eyebrows’ headlights, and forged in carbon and titanium. The front air intakes are characterized by an active air cooling system which uses a double layered grid for the first time in a Lamborghini. The powerful rear end stands out for its shape and remarkable rear lights, including a grid covering two radiators, and a clear separation between body colour and black parts. A transparent engine cover in the rear is an aesthetic detail linking to the hybrid technology beneath, comprised of three hexagonal glasses that turn according to the engine driving mode: pure electric, hybrid power or pure thermal engine power.

The Pirelli tyres fitted to 20” and 21” rims in carbon components are surrounded by well-defined mudguards embedded within the body and lend a muscular road presence. A lit tricolore flag on the door reminds of Asterion’s Italian heritage and a discreet Raging Bull shield is embedded on the side.

Interior Design:
The two seats are positioned higher than those in Lamborghini super sports cars, ensuring a car for comfortable every day cruising rather than extreme performance and handling. Extensive Bianco Celaeno (ivory) and Marrone Attis (brown) leather confirms luxury and elegance from combining materials including aluminum, forged carbon fibre and titanium that is visible in the iconic three spoke steering wheel design drawn from the Miura. The steering wheel includes three buttons to select driving modes: Zero – for zero emissions/full electric; I for ‘Ibrido’ (hybrid); and T for ‘Termico (thermal) power. A portable tablet allows the car’s occupants to manage climate control and other functions including GPS and in-car infotainment.

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