Wraps Come Off Proton's Sensational Two-seater

Exclusive images in the current issue of Auto Express magazine reveal the all-new Proton. The mag unveiled stunning shots of a fresh Lotus GT in issue 818, so when it got its hands on the Proton pictures, it initially thought it was more of the same.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Craig Cheetham

15th September 2004

But they are different. That immediately made the mag team think "Proton", the Malaysian company which owns Lotus and is more associated with budget runabouts. With a little digging, they found they were right.

The images prove Proton is planning to sell its own version of the GT, in a move which could seriously boost the company's bland image. They also reveal other subtle differences between the Lotus and Proton; the latter has different front lights, with the lens shape reflecting that of the Gen2 hatch.

It's the first time we have seen the rear of either car in detail as well, and the mag's shots show how the squared-off tail will feature distinctive ducts. They will expel the air sucked in through the side scoops to cool the engine.

Both cars will debut in 2006, and the Proton could even have a unique engine, instead of the Toyota unit destined for use in the Lotus. Expect around 300bhp from the rear-drive machine.

The introduction of the new model could also pave the way for Proton to expand its sales operation into the US. The Lotus version of the car will be built to satisfy tough American safety and emissions legislation, in readiness for the British company's large-scale return there. This means the Proton variant will be US-compliant by default.