Lamborghini surprises us with plug-in electric/hybrid supercar

2014-12-03 05:47:51

Lamborghini is probably on the verge of causing alarm and controversy amongst its traditional followers by releasing details of the first model in its entire history to be powered by hybrid technology. But unlike a Toyota Prius, for example, the focus of this hybrid model is very much on performance.

The Lamborghini Asterion LP 910-4 mates a 5.2-litre V10 petrol engine to three electric motors to give a combined output of 910bhp. Unfortunately, at this stage, you cannot buy the Asterion. Lamborghini call it a technology demonstration concept but Filippo Perini, the company’s chief designer, told EcoCars4Sale that if the public and press response is favourable, then his stated aim would be to convince the senior management team to put it into production.

The thinking behind the concept is to significantly reduce the level of CO2 emissions produced by the company’s products through the introduction of technologies that are currently available. If the Asterion were to ever make it into production, it would sit alongside exalted company such as the Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1 as cars which have mated large capacity petrol engines and electric motors to provide supercar-levels of performance.

Lamborghini say that the mid-engined Asterion two-seater coupe will reach 62mph from a standing start in 3.0 seconds before going on to top out at 198.8mph. In pure electric mode, it can reach speeds of up to 78mph and is, according to the Italian company, capable of travelling up to 31mph on battery power alone. CO2 emissions are phenomenally low for a supercar at just 98g/km of CO2. It is also capable of returning up to 68.5mpg.

Undoubtedly, the Asterion is a more sensible choice, both in terms of practicality and in design, compared to Lamborghini’s recent offerings, such as the Egoistas, Sesto Elemento and Veneno.

It may be stating the obvious to say that since this is a concept, no pricing details have been announced. But, being a hybrid, it would be unlikely to be cheap, perhaps somewhere in the region of £100,000. Last year’s Veneno Roadster commanded an incredible £3.3 million.

This article was prepared by First4Auto exclusively for EcoCars4Sale.

Reported By

Andrew Merritt-Morling

Chief Editor