Proton Almost Built A RM150,000 Mid-Engined Sports Car Using Lotus Tech & Wira Parts

Proton Ultimate was slated for a 2003 release before shifting corporate priorities quietly shelved it. (Photo credit: Mota Auto)

What if Malaysia had its very own Lotus-backed supercar parked in everyday homes two decades ago? In the early 2000s, as the Saga and Wira firmly held their ground on local roads, Proton quietly embarked on an audacious mission to redefine its brand. As detailed by veteran automotive journalist Chips Yap for Mota Auto, the internal programme known as 'Project Sepang' set out to build a genuine 2.0-litre mid-engined sports car for the masses.

Proton Ultimate sketch (Photo Credit: Mota Auto)

Designated as the 'Proton Ultimate' (PU), the proposed coupe promised composite-lightweight performance to rival Nissan Silvia and Toyota Celica. The kicker? Proton planned to price it at just RM150,000 by pairing exotic Lotus platform tech with everyday factory components, including brakes lifted directly from the humble Proton Wira.

1. The 'Monaco' Chassis: Lotus DNA Under The Skin

2006 Lotus Europa S

Activated in late February 2000, 'Project Sepang' was intended to hit the market in just three years, a remarkably short development timeline made possible by composite materials and Lotus's modular 'Monaco' chassis platform. Lotus ensured its own sports cars remained distinct from Proton's offering, eventually evolving the 'Monaco' structure into the limited-run 2006 Lotus Europa S.

2. High-Tech Performance Meets Wira Parts

To slash R&D spending down to a quarter of traditional sedan costs, Proton capitalized on economies of scale that Lotus lacked. By borrowing high-volume factory components, such as brake systems from the Proton Wira, the manufacturer preserved generous profit margins while keeping the intended retail price capped at RM150,000.

3. Petronas F1 Power vs. Proton V6

Powertrain candidates were equally exotic. Proton evaluated the 204 bhp Petronas E01, a high-revving 2.0-litre engine resulting from a 1997 project, as well as a forced-induction Proton V6 capable of pushing 200 bhp. At least one fully functional prototype was completed using an American-sourced angine. 

4. The Mystery Of The Disappearing Prototype

Inside 'Project Sepang': A rare peek at the prototype interior of Proton's canceled mid-engined sports car. (Photo credit: Mota Auto)

Planned for a production run of 10,000 to 15,000 units over five years at the Shah Alam assembly plant, the 'Proton Ultimate' was ultimately shelved due to shifting corporate priorities and leadership changes. 

The exact whereabouts of the sole working prototype remain unknown, with rumors suggesting it met the same fate as the scrapped Satria Cabriolet prototype following Geely's ownership acquisition.