Bad news for the Asterion fans, as it seems that Lamborghini has put the project on hold in order to focus on the development of its upcoming Urus SUV.
The 2+2 seater concept was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and it was the brand’s first hybrid model, pairing the 610PS (602hp) 5.2lt V10 engine with not one but three electric motors producing a combined 300PS (296hp) with the kind help of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive concept boasted a total output of 910PS (898hp), which allowed it to sprint from zero to 62mph (100km/h) in 3 seconds dead and onto a top speed of 199mph (320km/h), while it offered an all-electric range of up to 31 miles (50km) according to Lamborghini.
After the official announcement of the company’s plans to develop the Urus SUV concept for a full production model, Lamborghini’s boss Stephan Winkelmann confirmed to Autocar that a production Asterion is for now out of the question.
“It was built to show what we would do if the regulations forced us to have 30 miles of electric range as well as high-speed performance. Because of the weight of the batteries, we also took the opportunity to make the car bigger and roomier. We wanted to see customer reactions”, Winkelmann said.
“They told us that they were open to innovation, including hybrid technology, but only if it came with the benefit of added performance. A Lamborghini super-sports car is driven maybe 3000 miles a year, not every day, so the electrification has to offer an added intensity to justify its inclusion.”
Sorry guys, no Asterion for you then, with Lamborghini focusing on the upcoming Urus SUV which will be based on the same platform with the Audi Q7, the also-upcoming Bentley Bentayga and the next Porsche Cayenne.
Those of you who wanted a hybrid Lamborghini, you might have to wait for the SUV as it is almost certain that the Urus will have a plug-in hybrid version, albeit one that’s ridiculously fast.
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