First Sketch: IltalDesign - Proton Hybrid Concept

Italdesign Giugiaro, working with the Malaysian automaker Proton, revealed today the first rendering of their new design for a family of small, hybrid cars. The first prototype will be shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Conceived as a low-impact city car, the four-seater claims to offer the same interior space as a D-segment car with the footprint of an A-segment car. The floor of the car has been raised to fit the hybrid drivetrain's batteries beneath it and the seats have been placed at the same level as an average person's hips to make entry and exit as easy as possible.

The hybrid system itself uses an electric motor powered by either the battery or an onboard gasoline engine that works as a generator. Like the Chevy Volt, the gasoline engine never directly powers the wheels. Proton hasn't released any more details beyond those basics.

"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 coupe, 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."

Thanks to: Motor Trend