The infamous automotive stylist from the Mediterranean nation shaped like a boot, Italdesign Giugiaro, is planning to unveil a new compact concept car at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Motor Show in cooperation to the Malaysian automobile manufacturer Proton->ke3077. The extremely efficient three door, five passenger, hatchback concept will feature a hybrid drive system to reduce fuel consumption and was developed with the aim of optimizing the concept's available interior space by paying painstaking atention to the vehicle's ergonomics.
According to the man himself, "You could say that it is a brand new type of car, a new automotive concept where looks are as important as function, ergonomics and comfort, not to mention environmental impact. It is higher than other compact cars to make the best use of interior space; the seat H point is at the same height as the passengers' hips: you do not get down into your car as in a coupé, you do not climb up as in an SUV but you enter in a natural way. Rear seat comfort when you enter and leave the car is absolutely unprecedented, the distance from the front seat is comparable to that of an SUV."
Press release after the jump.
2010 Proton hybrid concept by Giugiaro
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- Model: 2010 Proton hybrid concept by Giugiaro
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Press release
Italdesign Giugiaro is introducing a family of low environmental impact cars at the eightieth edition of the Geneva International Motor show (4‐14 March 2010) that is set to revolutionise traditional segmentation in the car market.
The design, created with the Malaysian manufacturer Proton (Perusahaan OTOmobil Nasional), is based on a hybrid drive system and was developed with the aim of optimising the available on‐board space and car access ergonomics. “This is the outcome of several years of study: the solution allows interior spaciousness on a par with that of a segment D saloon despite maintaining the exterior dimensions of a segment A car” explained Giorgetto Giugiaro, Chairman of Italdesign Giugiaro.
“You could say that it is a brand new type of car, a new automotive concept where looks are as important as function, ergonomics and comfort, not to mention environmental impact. It is higher than other compact cars to make the best use of interior space; the seat H point is at the same height as the passengers' hips: you do not get down into your car as in a coupé, you do not climb up as in an SUV but you enter in a natural way. Rear seat comfort when you enter and leave the car is absolutely unprecedented, the distance from the front seat is comparable to that of an SUV” added Giugiaro.
The platform, specially designed by Italdesign Giugiaro for this car family, includes a raised floorpan that is able to accommodate the hybrid system’s batteries at the rear. The four seats are identical, independent and sliding, ensuring identical comfort to passengers and driver alike.
The first configuration of the compact car family created by Italdesign Giugiaro with PROTON, due to be unveiled on 2 March at 10 am, is a four‐seater, five‐door hatchback just 3550 mm in length.
With 25 years of experience in the automotive sector, Proton is ready to expand its horizons with a revolutionary car that meets global standards. To date, PROTON has produced more than 10 car models and sold more than 3 million cars worldwide. The hybrid system includes an internal combustion engine fitted at the front used to recharge the lithium ion batteries, while the drive is fully electric.