Proton Lekir Concept Is a Rebadged Lotus Europa

Another concept vehicle based on a real production vehicle will shine under the spotlights of the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. It’s another small sportscar based on the Lotus Europa and it’s called the Lekir Concept.

In order to build the concept, Proton took the body from the old Lotus Europa and breathed new life into it. This is not the first time that a company has chosen to make a concept car out of the Europa as Dodge also displayed an EV concept based of the model at the 2009 Detroit Show.

The concept is meant to measure the response a Proton sports car would get from the customers and the international auto press. The company is hoping to make a name for itself in the Asian market as a maker of sportscars on a budget.

Depending on what part of the state-controled carmaker’s descriptions you read, the Lekir is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit or a 1.6-liter engine with some 220hp (167kW).

The original Europa was powered by a 2-liter turbo charged engine, tuned to produce 225 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The 0 to 60 mph is dealt with in in 5.5 sec (0-100 km/h in 5.7 sec) and the sprint to 100 mph (160 km/h) takes just 13.0 sec (estimated). The Europa was capable of a top speed of 143 mph (estimated). We can expect similar performance from the Lekir, if it is ever produced that is.

The car is also slightly bigger than the Elise, with larger luggage compartment and easier cabin acces, coupled with luxuries such as full leather interior, driver and passenger airbags and carpets.

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