It looks like the Proton Lekir Concept might just become a reality in two years – according to Proton Corporate Planning GM Dr Badrulhisham Mohd Ghazali. He told Bernama reporters at a Proton Carnival in Kota Baharu that Proton plans to produce a two-seater “Lotus-like” sports car in 2 years time. The car will be unveiled in about a year to a year and a half’s time.
The Proton Lekir Concept was based on the production Lotus Europa. Word is that the Europa was originally destined to have a Proton badge as well, and internally it was known as the Proton Sepang project. It was launched in 2006. Installed in its midship engine bay is a 2.0 liter turbocharged GM engine making 200 PS and 272Nm of torque, and it took the Europa to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds. An Europa SE was launched in 2008 with 225 PS, 300Nm and more creature comforts.
The Europa wasn’t really a huge success for Lotus and the position of a more refined Lotus has been filled by the Evora. The Europa has since been discontinued. Looks like a derivative of the Europa will continue serving as a Proton “people’s sports car”. I’m sure a 1.6 liter Campro CFE engine could be tuned up to match the GM engine’s 200 horsepower if necessary, perhaps lower in the interest of engine longevity. After all, Proton has already showcased a 200 horsepower 250Nm Campro installed in the Satria Neo R3 Concept, although that tune is still under development.
Look after the jump for pix of the Lekir from KLIMS.
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