Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4 Makes its Debut

2014 Lamborghini Asterion LPT 910-4 Technology Demostrator (Credit: © Automobili Lamborghini)

When Lamborghini teased us with an image showing a rough sketch of a car that it would debut at the 2014 Paris Auto Show, we were cautiously optimistic. This could be something awesome or it could simply be something silly, like a new version of the Huracan. Well, the former was true, as the automaker revealed the all-new, Asterion 910-4 Technology Demonstrator.

The latter part of that name is key, as this is still just a concept car that Lamborghini is using to display new technology, so we need to approach this with some caution. However, the Porsche 918 Spider was once a concept, so that helps build our confidence that Lamborghini may actually release a model similar to this.

2014 Lamborghini Asterion LPT 910-4 Technology Demostrator (Credit: © Automobili Lamborghini)

Let’s dive right in and drill down into the greasy bits and not-so-greasy bits of the newest Lambo. Under the hood is a familiar 5.2-liter, V-10 engine that produces 449 kW (602 horsepower) and 560 Nm (413 pound-feet) of torque. The less-greasy bits include a trio of electric motors that add 220 kW (295 horsepower) to the mix for a total combined output of 669 kW (897 horsepower) — the “910” in the name refers to its 910 metric horsepower. Two of the electric motors power only the front wheels, giving the model an all-wheel-drive format when in “Hybrid” mode. On the other side of the spectrum, only the motors driving the front wheels are active when it is in electric-only mode.

This system allows the Asterion LPI 910-4 to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in three seconds and top out at 320 km/h (198.8 mph) in “Hybrid” mode. When running only on electric, the Asterion can hit 125 km/h (77.6 mph) and can travel up to 50 km (31 miles) on a single charge. This hybrid system results in insane emission and fuel economy numbers for a supercar, as it achieves 4.12 l/km (57 mpg) on the NEDC combined cycle and emits only 98 grams of CO2 per km.

2014 Lamborghini Asterion LPT 910-4 Technology Demostrator (Credit: © Automobili Lamborghini)

While the power and performance are all up to snuff for Lamborghini, the design seems a little soft. Sure, it has the Y-design cues and hard angles of today’s Lamborghinis, but it seems just a little too approachable to me. Part of the fun of a Lambo is that feeling you get that it just may come to life and bite your head off while you approach it, and the Asterion doesn’t give me that feeling. Then again, this is simply a concept and Lamborghini may release the production model with a look that better matches the brand’s current styling.