What makes a ‘hyper cruiser’ go? Lamborghini breaks down the Asterion’s hybrid tech

By Andrew Hard October 7, 2014

Lamborghini’s Asterion ‘hyper cruiser’ is an amazing vehicle that will unfortunately never see the production line, but Lamborghini knew that from the start.

Designed as a ‘technology demonstrator,’ the Asterion uses a Huracan-sourced, 610-horsepower 5.2-liter V10 and three electric motors for thrust. Total output stands at a whopping 910 horsepower, but it’s delivered in a unique way.

In a short animated film, Lamborghini details the unique hybrid technology that propels the Asterion forward.

Related: Hybrid hypercars are here … but not to stay

In hybrid mode, the Asterion starts solely under battery power. Because two of the electric motors are mounted on the front axle (the third is a rear-mounted starter motor and generator), the Lamborghini works as a front-wheel drive EV until 37 mph. In this mode, it’s also capable of traveling 31 miles on a single charge.

After the 37 mph marker is hit, the monstrous V10 behind the driver ignites, transforming a zero emissions FWD EV into a four-wheel drive, 910-hp beast.

By pressing the steering wheel-mounted ‘Zero’ button, however, the car goes back into electric mode, where it can reach speeds of 78 mph with no interference from the gas engine as long as there’s a charge.

Lamborghini Asterion — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Under full acceleration, the Asterion travels from 0 to 60 mph just 3.0 seconds, an impressive figure offset by a combined fuel consumption rating of 56 mpg on the U.S. cycle.

Hypothetically, this allows the driver to travel quickly, quietly, and efficiently through traffic, while being able to access all 910 hp on the open road.

It’s an impressive ‘display’ to say the least, and as the only hybrid in Lamborghini’s lineup, it’s a poignant one. Company CEO Stephan Winkelmann is firmly against hybrid supercars, as he believes the added weight of the electric components (551 pounds in this case) takes away from a supercar’s true nature.

In the future, Lamborghini plans to meet increased emissions standards through turbocharging, rather than hybridization.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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