2014 Lamborghini Asterion LPI910-4 Concept Keeps Mum On Production

THAT'S MORE like it. No more spikey wedges aimed at nouveau riche with an Oedipus complex. Lamborghini is tapping into the Matt Monro-filled alpine hedonism of the Muira with the rather splendid and pleasingly counter-trend Asterion. Why counter-trend? Well look how high those headlamps are. A small detail perhaps, but read in line with the rest of the car one sees a more horizontal gesture, banishing (almost) the wedge to bedroom walls of 30 year olds living with their mothers. The car is still visually potent -this is a Lamborghini, after all -but there is now a gentlemanly gait to the Asterion; it is more laid back, more confident, and with 910PS one can understand why.

An electric motor in the Lamborghini Asterion is the main benefactor of this output, though the battery is not the only thing that makes it a hybrid. The name speaks of the unspeakable between an Astra and a Starion. Thankfully the nomenclature is as far as their genes spread (though it is conceivable that the Mitsubishi Starion, properly managed, could have been a contender in another life. Instead we got the Colt).

The Asterion marries a long wheelbase, big wheels, upright-ish screen and distinct bonnet.  I love those headlamps perched above the bonnet, and though the taillamps are a little tech-y for me, their broad badge-framing layout is certainly attractive.  I like the crest of the bodyside vent slightly over-reaching the core line, matching the cavity in the front fender, and the wheels are spectacular: just the right amount of detail to contrast the clean body. With such a simple design, it could have been easy to slip into banality, but these deft touches keep the car special.

Inside, things are simple-borderline-simplistic. A little too little. I get the suave businessman aesthetic with his select symbols of distinction, but looking at the interior I see the fuss-free Italian suit, not the nacre collar-bones (or should I say mother-of-pearl).

In the Asterion Lamborghini has produced their most believable and desirable concept yet. No word on when it might be made, but with body-side vents that large and such neatly integrated details it has clearly been created with production in mind.