KUALA LUMPUR, 30 March 2010 - National car manufacturer PROTON Holdings Berhad today launched the Proton Satria Neo R3, Lotus Racing edition in conjunction with PROTON’s involvement in Formula One.
With enhanced engine performance, braking, Lotus-tuned chassis and R3-tuned suspension, the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing promises an unmatched performance within its class. The new model remains true to the Lotus philosophy of performance with amazing handling, superior braking, and precise steering, coupled with a lightweight body - elements that are fundamental in a Lotus car.
Held at the concourse area of Pavilion KL, the limited edition model was unveiled by PROTON Advisor, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, and witnessed by PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir. Present at the launch were all three drivers for the Team 1Malaysia Lotus F1, Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen, and Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy who were in town for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix.
Inspired by the spirit of Lotus Racing, the car is powered by PROTON’s race-proven 1.6 litre CamPro CPS engine, re-tuned by R3 for more power and torque utilising R3’s Engine Management System, performance camshafts, carbon fibre air-intake and titanium exhaust improvements gained in the form of the race-proven R3 bodykit. The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing is available at
RM115,000 (OTR).
The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing taps on Lotus’ racing heritage, and bears the classic, eyecatching Lotus Racing Green, complete with Lotus-inspired yellow racing stripes and highlights. The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition is PROTON’s most exclusive and premium model to date. The first lucky owner is none other than Malaysia’s top actor Rosyam Mohd Noor, who was also presented with the key to his new ride at the launch.
First introduced in 2006, the iconic Satria Neo hatchback has since captured the hearts and imagination of drivers both internationally and locally. In 2009, PROTON introduced an improved, sportier Satria Neo variant fitted with a CamPro CPS (Cam Profile Switching) DOHC 16V engine. The Satria Neo CPS went on to win the Asian-Auto VCA Auto Industry Awards that same year in the Best Local Assembly Sports Car category.
R3 is PROTON’s Motorsport Division specialising in the research, development and production of race cars and performance parts. The term R3 stands for Race, Rally, Research.
The new Satria Neo R3, Lotus Racing Edition will be available for test drive and booking at the PROTON Crystal showroom at the Centre of Excellence, KM 33.8, Westbound Shah Alam Expressway, Subang Jaya, from April 10, 2010. The car is also available for viewing at the at the FI event at the PROTON Booth at the FI Village, Sepang International Circuit, Sepang (behind grandstand F) from April 3 - 4, 2010. For more information, log on to PROTON’s website at
http://www.proton.com/.
first buyer Rosyam Nor
by
S'din
