Lotus Previews Proton Concept Car's Hybrid Platform

The Proton hybrid concept car, a plug-in series hybrid developed in collaboration with Italian design firm Italdesign Giugiaro, will be using the chassis you see above. Designed and developed by Lotus Engineering, the advanced series hybrid drivetrain features Lotus' Range Extender engine, which will be debuting on the Proton since its introduction at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Lotus promises that the single-speed drivetrain will be clean to run and “optimised” in performance, and, most importantly, will provide an “acceptable” driving range in electric-only mode. To travel longer distances, the 1.2-litre three-cylinder Lotus Range Extender engine will be called into action to, as its name suggests, extend the range by recharging the batteries and supplying electrical power for the drive motors. Alternatively, the batteries can be recharged via domestic power sockets.

“Our collaboration with Lotus and Italdesign on progressive technology and design will further propel our competitiveness in the world market”, said Proton's Managing Director, Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Tahir. “Through this association, we strive to acquire and jointly develop new knowledge, skills and technologies that will ultimately benefit our customers”.

Lotus will showcase the entire drivetrain at the Geneva Motor Show next week, so stay tuned for more information and live photos!