Lamborghini Asterion to Make it into Production After All?

When the Asterion concept was revealed at the Paris Auto Show, it received a warm welcome from the press and the audience alike. However, the first hybrid Lamborghini is, according to brand CEO Stephan Winkelman, nothing but a “technological demonstrator” and will not enter production.

The hybrid is powered by the Huracan’s 5.2-liter V10 with an output of 602hp (610PS), which turns the rear wheels, two electric motors that power the front wheel and a third placed in the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The electric motors pump out a combined 296hp (300PS), giving the Asterion a total combined output of 910PS (898hp), hence its LPI 910-4 designation, with the “I” standing for “ibrido”, or hybrid in Italian and the 910 number showing its power.

According to Autocar, the Italian firm is still undecided on whether the Asterion should get the green light after all or remain a concept whose technology will be used in future models such as the Urus SUV.

Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini’s head of R&D, describes the plug-in hybrid’s four-year gestation period: “We began with an installation of the prototype hybrid powertrain in a standard Aventador, so we wouldn’t gain any attention. We needed to conduct an investigation of the behavior of a plug-in system and the mix of the battery electric engine and internal combustion engine. We needed to test and exercise it. You can’t judge such a thing in a better way.”

Although the Asterion concept uses the lower carbonfiber monoque chassis of the Aventador, the upper part is new so that the A-pillars could be made more upright for improved visibility and easier access to the cabin.

Contrary to previous reports, Reggiani said that all options are on the table: “The discussions inside Lamborghini now are about the potential cost of the car and – because the car is heavier – the handling, comfort, high-speed behavior and acceleration.”

For now the Asterion is like Schrodinger’s cat: it’s not alive but it’s not dead either. At some point a decision will be made so watch this space.