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 from TG’s exclusive photos, including behind-the-scenes snaps from the Sant’Agata design department, 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.