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Lamborgini release their first Hybrid and the first thing I thought was "Wow, lamborgini designers are finally getting away from the Sharp/Boxy body lines." They claim 910 HP but its just a concept at the moment
Lamborghini has released a video detailing how the hybrid system works in the Asterion concept.
Currently being showcased at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, the Asterion concept is Lamborghini's first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle which they describe as being a "technology demonstrator", without any intentions to come out with a production version of the "hyper cruiser."
The company has taken the video game-like route to explain how the hybrid system works, a setup which comprises the Huracan-sourced 610 HP naturally aspirated V10 5.2-liter engine and three electric motors providing an additional 300 HP to enable the vehicle develop a combined output of 910 HP (669 kW).
When hybrid mode is selected, the Asterion starts in electric mode only and works as a front-wheel drive car and after it hits 50 km/h (37 mph) the combustion engine will kick in and enable the Asterion run in four-wheel drive hybrid mode. By pressing the "Zero" button mounted on the steering wheel, the V10 engine is shut down and the concept relies once again on the power provided by the three electric motors.
In electric mode it can travel for up to 31 miles (50 km) during which it can hit 78 mph (125 km/h) while as a hybrid it does 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3 seconds and tops out at 199 mph (320 km/h). Using the conventional engine and three electric motors will enable the Asterion to have a combined fuel consumption of 4.2 liters / 100 km (56 mpg US / 67.2 mpg UK) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 98 g/km.
Speaking to Maxim at the Paris Motor Show, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the company isn't planning a hybrid production car just yet but some of the elements showcased in the concept will likely be incorporated in the belated Urus. Winkelmann went on to say he isn't a big fan of hybrids and he would rather have a production car with the Asterion's design powered solely by a combustion engine without any sort of electrical assistance.
Great study in design and engineering. Honestly unless they go FI route on the Aventador / new halo model, Hybrid is likely the next front for a Lambo hyper car
Lamborghini CEO downplays the possibility of a production Asterion
Says the company isn't interested in hybrids
The Lamborghini Asterion concept was one of the stars of the Paris Motor Show but Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has downplayed the possibility of a production version.
Speaking to Maxim, Winkelmann described the Asterion as a "technological demonstrator” but said "we’re still not interested" in hybrid models. As he explained, “It’s not meant to go on the racetrack. The acceleration is good and the top speed, but in handling it would be out-beaten by the others." He summed up his feeling by saying the Asterion is "more a hyper-cruiser" than a hyper-car.
Despite downplaying the possibility of production, Winkelmann said the company could make a one-off model with the 6.5-liter V12 engine that powers the Aventador.
The Lamborghini Asterion concept was one of the stars of the Paris Motor Show but Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has downplayed the possibility of a production version.
Speaking to Maxim, Winkelmann described the Asterion as a "technological demonstrator” but said "we’re still not interested" in hybrid models. As he explained, “It’s not meant to go on the racetrack. The acceleration is good and the top speed, but in handling it would be out-beaten by the others." He summed up his feeling by saying the Asterion is "more a hyper-cruiser" than a hyper-car.
Despite downplaying the possibility of production, Winkelmann said the company could make a one-off model with the 6.5-liter V12 engine that powers the Aventador.
Asterion has a lot of promise. Both as a possibility and simply a design/engineering study. It could mark a return to uber GT's from Lambo or result in limited one-offs (like Ferrari does).. but overall sounds like a load of excuses from Winkelmann. A successor or additional Flag ship hyper car to the Aventador will likely be a hybrid. They should embrace it. The corporate portfolio includes the fantastic 918, as well has hybrid tech from LMP1. Lamborghini would make one bad*** hyper car that's for sure. As it stands the Asterion ventures off a little differently in the GT realm and I have to say I quite like that.
Lamborghini Asterion could eventually reach production
Priced at around £350,000
Lamborghini hasn't totally ruled out the possibility of producing the Asterion concept shown early October at the Paris Motor Show.
Shortly after making its world debut in Paris, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann described the Asterion concept as being a "technological demonstrator" without potential to reach production. Now, the company's head of research and development Maurizio Reggiani says Lamborghini is currently having discussions about the potential price tag of the car.
According to Autocar, sources close to Lamborghini have suggested that if green-lighted for production, the Asterion would cost just about the same as the Aventador plus the hybrid hardware which could jack up the price to approximately £350,000.
We remind you the Asterion combines a 610 HP V10 5.2-liter naturally aspirated engine with two front axle-mounted electric motors, lithium-ion battery pack and a new dual-clutch seven-speed automatic gearbox incorporating a third electric motor. With a 910 HP combined output, it completes the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) run in 3 seconds and tops out at 199 mph (320 km/h).
The Lamborghini Asterion concept can also be driven solely on electric power for up to 31 miles (50 km) during which it can hit 78 mph (125 km/h). When running in hybrid mode it grants a fuel consumption of just 4.2 liters / 100 km (56 mpg US or 67.2 mpg UK) with 98 g/km of CO2 emissions.
The reason why Lamborghini has decided to move forward with the Asterion's development has to do with a positive reaction from the media and public which have increased the possibility of seeing a production version.
We'll see. Right now its simply a design study and engineering tinkering with a hybrid system. The Urus SUV seems more likely than the Asterion at this point
10-03-14, 09:16 AM
Lamborgini Asterion
