[Auto Blog] Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peak at Proton city car c

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Lotus, Electric

Lotus Proton Concept - Click above for high-res image

Lotus has provided a sneak peak at the underpinnings of its Proton concept ahead of the city car's world debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show, and while it isn't much to go on, it's a keen glimpse into the automaker's future plans.

According to Lotus, the concept, penned by Italdesign, will be the first use of Lotus' Range Extender engine, a series hybrid equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder that sends electrical power to the drive motors and on to a single speed transmission. The city car can be plugged in to any AC main, allowing the driver to run off electricity alone for an unspecified range.

The Lotus Range Extender was originally unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year and if Lotus continues at this clip, we could see the city car on sale within the next three years. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peak at Proton city car concept's plug-in hybrid platform

Geneva Preview: Lotus provides a peak at Proton city car concept's plug-in hybrid platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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