0-100 km/h in 3s

Lamborghini has unveiled the Asterion LPI 910-4 concept on the dawn of the Paris Motor Show.

It's the first time we are using plug-in hybrid and Lamborghini in the same sentence as the concept marries a V10 5.2-liter natural aspirated engine with 610 HP (449 kW) from the Huracan with three electric motors packing an extra 300 HP (220 kW) along with a seven-speed DSG. This hardware setup has created the most powerful Lamborghini ever capable of unleashing a mighty 910 HP (669 kW).

The powerful hybrid punch grants the Asterion concept with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just three seconds and a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). Running solely on electric power, the vehicle can hit 125 km/h (78 mph) and can travel for up to 50 km (31 miles) before running out of juice. Used as a hybrid, the Asterion has a combined fuel consumption of only 4.2 liters / 100 km (56 mpg US or 67.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of just 98 g/km.

As far as the name is concerned, most of you know "LP" stands for "longitudinal posterior" while the "I" applied to this concept refers to "Ibrido" (Italian for "hybrid"). The "910" represents the concept's output and the "4" designates the four-wheel drive system. Lastly, "Asterion" is an inspiration from the mythical Minotaur hybrid figure from Greek mythology.

In terms of design, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 concept adopts a sharp angular design wrapped around in a Blue Elektra glittered color. It sits on 20-inch front & 21-inch rear carbon fiber shod in Pirelli tires while on the inside Lamborghini has implemented a minimalistic layout with two seats placed higher compared to usual Lamborghinis as a method to grant a more comfortable ride.

For the moment there aren't any plans to produce the "hyper cruiser" as described by Lamborghini.

Lamborghini is no stranger to all-wheel drive vehicles, but did you know that the Asterion LPI 910-4 Concept can actually be driven with the front wheels only?

That's because of its powertrain system that allows two different driving modes: Hybrid in which the V10 engine works with the three-electric motors guaranteeing a permanent four-wheel drive, and Pure Electric that relies solely on the two electric motors positioned on the front axle.

Therefore, when the driver opts for the EV mode through the steering wheel-mounted controls, the Asterion is powered exclusively by the front wheels for up to 50km (31 miles) and at speeds of up to 125km/h (78mph).

Unless there's some older concept that escapes me, I believe this is the first Lamborghini that can be driven with the front wheels alone.

Here's our first real life look at Lamborghini's new Asterion LPI 910-4 hybrid supercar concept that combines a V10 engine with three electric motors.

The Italians revealed the new two-seater model during a special event organized by parent company VW Group ahead of the Paris Auto Show where it will have its world premiere.

It’s Lamborghini's first stab at a plug-in hybrid model and one that somewhat distances itself from the brand's tempestuous nature, not only for its greener mechanical choices but also for its softer, less madcap styling that has some hints of the Miura…and the DeTomaso Pantera.

Similarly, the interior has some references to the Miura like the three spoke steering wheel design.

For those of you wondering about the name, Asterion is another title for the Greek mythology's Minotaur, while LP stands for 'longitudinale posteriore', the position of the conventional V12 engine, I for 'ibrido' or hybrid in English, 910 for the system power and 4 for the permanent 4WD system.

Unlike other AWD Lamborghinis though, the Asterion's 5.2-liter V10 delivering 610PS (602bhp) and 413 lb-ft that's borrowed from the Huracan drives the rear wheels only through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, while two electric motors situated within the front axle turn the front wheels. A third electric motor is placed within the transmission.

The three brushless electric motors put out a combined 296hp (300PS) and are fed by a lithium ion battery pack mounted in the central tunnel area, normally reserved for the transmission.

Lamborghini says the added weight of the hybrid technology is 250kg (551 lbs).

The hybrid system has a total output of 910PS (898hp) with the Asterion completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.0 seconds before topping out at 199mph (320km/h).

Lamborghini claims it can go up to 125km/h (78mph) under electric power alone, in which case, the Asterion is front-wheel drive only.

It returns a combined fuel economy of 4.2l/100km (67mpg UK / 55.8 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 98 g/km, and has a pure electric driving range of 50km (31 miles).

Lamborghini's plans for the concept aren't clear yet, but that could be because it wants to get some feedback from the public before it makes a decision.