Lamborghini revealed a surprisingly quiet side with its new Asterion LPI 910-4 plug-in hybrid concept, which was unveiled Wednesday in a sneak preview before this week's Paris Motor Show.
Running solely on electric power for the demonstration, the bright blue concept lacked the signature growl of a Lamborghini engine, offering a ride without emissions and engine noise, Bloomberg News reported.
"The sound of the motor is, among other things, in the DNA of the brand," Lamborghini chief Stephan Winkelmann said at a Volkswagen event, as quoted by Bloomberg. But a quieter, all-electric Lamborghini "could work, and we believe there could be a future for this."
The new concept can switch between all-electric and traditional power. Featuring three electric motors as well as a V10 engine, the Asterion boasts a grand total of 910 horsepower. It can reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and has a top speed of almost 200 mph.
Besides a quieter engine, the hybrid concept has exterior styling that is distinct from other recent Lamborghini models.
"Asterion touches new boundaries, with an innovative and unexpected design language which explores curves and sensuality, smooth transitions from panel to panel and few sharp edges," said Winkelmann, as quoted by the New York Times.
While the concept could be "produced today," according to Winkelmann, Lamborghini doesn't have an official timeline on a production version.
Along with automakers industrywide, the Volkswagen brand is working to adapt to increasingly restrictive emissions standards being imposed by regulators. The Asterion itself might not be going into production any time soon, but Lamborghini is feeling the pressure to become more eco-friendly while trying to hold onto brand hallmarks like engine power.
"Today, we don't yet see this," said Winkelmann, as quoted by Bloomberg. "But it's of course the case that tighter emissions regulations force certain limits onto any carmaker. For us there's the additional challenge that our brand DNA needs to be preserved as we cut emissions."
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