New for 2016

The Asterion is a completely new model. In fact, it’s still just a concept car for now.

The Future of Lamborghini

Concept cars are always billed as the future by their respective automakers, but in this case it may actually be true. The Lamborghini Asterion LPI910-4 shows a way for Lamborghini to integrate the latest hybrid powertrain technology into its brand DNA. The Asterion also represents a different type of car for Lamborghini, a “hyper cruiser” that’s meant to be more luxurious and easier to live with than the company’s current supercars, without sacrificing performance.

Powertrains and Performance

The Asterion takes Lamborghini in a different direction, and nowhere is that more apparent than under the hood. This sleek concept features Lamborghini’s first-ever hybrid powertrain, providing the performance Lambo is known for, along with improved efficiency that will help the company meet future emissions standards.

At the heart of this high-tech powertrain is a 5.2-liter V10 from the Lamborghini Huracán, hooked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and assisted by three electric motors. One is attached to the same transaxle as the engine and helps power the rear wheels, while the other two power the front wheels, giving the Asterion all-wheel drive.

As in other Lamborghinis, the alphanumeric designation following the name provides some important details about the car. The “LPI” in LPI910-4 stands for Longitudinale Posteriorie Ibrido, referring to the V10’s longitudinal, mid-mounted positioning, and the hybrid powertrain. The “910” refers to the Asterion’s total system output of 910 horsepower, while “4” stands for all-wheel drive.

All of that power gets the Asterion from 0 to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds, and on to a top speed of 198 mph in hybrid mode. The Asterion can also drive at speeds up to 77 mph on electric power only for up to 31 miles. Lamborghini also clams the equivalent of 57 mpg on the European testing cycle, but U.S. EPA fuel-economy figures are not available.

The hybrid powertrain isn’t the only thing that distinguishes the Asterion from other recent Lamborghini models. While it boasts prodigious power and rides on a carbon-fiber chassis, the Asterion isn’t a hardcore supercar like the Huracán or Aventador. Instead, Lamborghini calls it the first “hyper cruiser,” a car that’s supposed to be comfortable as well as fast.

While other models might be exhilarating on a short trip, the Asterion is designed to cover vast distances at high speeds, without wearing out the driver and passenger. In a sense, it’s almost a return to Lamborghini’s roots in touring cars like the 350GT and 400GT.

Features and Trims

The Lamborghini Asterion LPI910-4 is a two-door, two-seat coupe. Lamborghini hasn’t officially confirmed it for production, so pricing and detailed content information are not available.

If it does enter production, the Asterion will likely be the most luxurious Lamborghini. The company’s existing models are well equipped, but the Asterion’s “hyper cruiser” mission may give Lamborghini a reason to add more luxury features. At the very least, buyers can expect features already available on other Lambos, like an onboard infotainment system, navigation, and supportive power seats.

Design 

While it’s still unmistakably a Lamborghini, the Asterion has a different look than the company’s current production models. It has the same mid-engine layout as the Aventador and Huracán, but with a less-extreme roofline and a cab-rearward profile that conveys its luxury GT car mission.

And unlike the Aventador and Huracán, the Asterion’s styling tends to emphasize smooth curves rather than sharp-edged geometric shapes. The front end is produced as a single component, Lamborghini says, with four “eyes with eyebrows” headlights and massive front air intakes to give it an aggressive look. Detail pieces are made from exotic materials including forged carbon and titanium.

Large air intakes ahead of the rear wheels hint at the powerful V10 mounted midship, while the rear end is visually much higher than the front, adding some dynamism to the Asterion’s proportions. The thin taillights sit in front of grilles that cover two radiators. A glass engine cover composed of three hexagonal pieces shows off the power plant.

Lamborghini is known for its outrageous “scissor” doors, but for the Asterion designers blended theatricality with practicality. The doors are large and open up and outwards to provide easier access. The cabin itself was designed to be more spacious than in other Lamborghinis, with more upright A-pillars that help increase headroom, and a more comfortable seating position.

The interior styling is just as dramatic as any other Lamborghini. On the inside, designers decided to keep the hexagonal theme, as is apparent from the shape of the vents, details on the flat-bottomed steering wheel, and center console. The engine start button, hidden under a flip cover like the weapons switch on a fighter plane, also carries over from production models.

Safety

Lamborghini has not released information on the Asterion’s safety equipment.

Bottom Line

The Lamborghini Asterion LPI910-4 represents a new and interesting direction for one of the most famous names in the car business.

For more information on the Asterion LPI910-4, as well as our current selection of Lamborghini models, contact or visit us at 3Birds Template.

Image: Lamborghini