RM100K Lotus ???

Proton has been getting in the news recently for all the wrong reasons! Nevertheless, auto enthusiast like me have taken a step back to give the new Pilot on board, nick-ed Super Syed, or Tuan Syed Zainal a chance to redeem proton from embarassment! He started his job by first acknowledging that Proton has issues, major ones!

It's interesting to note this acknowledgement, which is a contrast from what the arrogant ex-CEO used to lamment about! Tengku Mahaleel knew only how to boast about sub standard quality and never seem to acknowledge the shortcomings of Proton. However, in contrast, the first thing Super Syed acknowledged is Proton's poor quality & image.

Today, after 100 days at the cockpit, Proton announces plans to develop a Lotus, priced at RM 100K in the next 2 yrs. They have also announced to roll out a replacement model for the aging Iswara end of this year, giving both the Iswara & wira a peacefull death!

At this moment, no one knows which Lotus model would be developed here but the options are few. I reckon the Europa is out of the question, Elise or the latest Lotus APX seems like a good option! Lotus APX is in the MPV/SUV class, a project that costed proton 850Million. Ofcourse, the end product is faboulous. You can see many Gen 2 and Savvy DNA on the Lotus APX. BUT ...the concept car comes with a 3.0 supercharged engine and an alluminium wheel arch & chassis, which spells EXPENSIVE! So perhaps(i'm hoping), the idiots finally decided to change the APX concept into a sellable product in Malaysia, by reducing the engine capcity and changing the build material to steel!!

I have been refraining on burning $$$ on my next car with a dream that such a possibility (having a low cost Lotus) come true! My original plan for a Perdana V6 Enhanced 3 is obviously going to be put on hold, unless ofcourse 320 E46 year 2002 drops to 100K!