The Proton Emas and Lotus City Car concept cars have been confirmed for production, according to Lotus CEO Dany Bahar. Three companies, Proton, Lotus and another, yet to be revealed manufacturer, will work together to produce the small cars, that should hit Asian markets in late 2013.
The Emas will be created exclusively for Asian customers, while Lotus will make a sportier version and the other company will make a standard version for the European customers. Though the third company has not yet been announced, it is rumored that Nissan will be involved with its V platform. This might be good news, as the backing of a large carmaker will greatly benefit the development of the future city car.Though we do like the name “Emas”, it it not yet decided if the factory-produced model will share it with the concept car. Progress on the supermini is slow, as Lotus is building five other sportscar models and Proton also has its hands full with SUV and sedan models.
A trio of concept cars were released by Proton at the Geneva Motor Show. Called the Emas, Emas Country and Emas3, the cars were all intended to be frugal city cars powered by cleaner engines. Their names stands for Eco Mobility Advance Solution and means gold in Bahasa Malaysia. The Emas offered a five-door, four-seater configuration, while the Emas Country is a three-door car with five seats.
The drivetrain is borrowed from the Lotus Evora 414E hybrid concept. Powered by a lithium ion battery pack located between the car’s double floor, the rear-mounted electric motor drives the rear wheels. Total output is rated at 75 kW (101 hp), while peak torque is 280 Nm (206 lb-ft).
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