With Asterion, Lamborghini sees green

 This is the Lamborghini Asterion. The official word is that it’s a ‘technology demonstrator’, although anyone who knows their Lamborghini history, or classic car onions, will recognise a gentleman’s transcontinental express when they see one.

Two things strike you immediately. Firstly, as you can see, the Asterion is a world away from the wilfully mad conceptual eye candy – step forward the Egoista, Sesto Elemento and Veneno – that Lamborghini has thrilled us with in the past. Secondly, it’s a plug-in hybrid. This is either sacrilege or the only way forward, depending on your view.

“We all know what we have to do. Down the road we see turbocharging and plug-in hybrids. There is no way out – assuming the legislation doesn’t change,” Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann tells TopGear.com.
“Even if we might be granted an exemption – as a small manufacturer – there is also the issue of social acceptance. Things are changing. People are more aware, more sensitive… Many of our customers are entrepreneurs. These people don’t just have passions, they have sharp minds and they know what is going on in the world.
“There are perception issues, like it or not, and when you are perceived as an outlaw you no longer fit into the big picture. So we need to adjust, while remaining consistent to the brand.”