In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Proton demonstrated its future direction at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show today. The Malaysian national car maker put on a dazzling display of its evolution and technological advancements after 25 years.
Boasting the largest booth at the motor show, Proton showcased 19 cars – some of which are the latest vehicles being developed.
Heading the impressive line-up of 19 vehicles are the Pahlawan Series which were unveiled at the PROTON booth by the Minister of Transport Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, along with PROTON Advisor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PROTON Holdings Berhad Group Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.
The five Concept and Show cars were inspired from the legendary warriors of the Malacca empire, Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu and Hang Kasturi. The five pahlawan were childhood companions and the most illustrious warrior figures in Malaysian history and literature, and was especially known for their bravery, their noble traits, allegiance and loyalty to their ruler and each other. Heroic and strong, the five machines of the Pahlawan Series represent the direction PROTON’s future – and are perfect examples of PROTON’s capabilities as an automotive manufacturer.
Jebat
Kasturi
Lekir
Lekiu
Tuah
Proton also unveiled an all-new R3 brand identity by introducing a new logo and lineup of R3 Performance Accessories – giving Proton car owners, especially racing enthusiasts, the opportunity to redefine their car’s performance and aesthetics for more excitement on the road. Motorsports fans are also in for a treat as they will be able to view up close the Satria Neo Super 2000 rally car which competed in this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) and Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC). Making a special appearance are the team’s rally drivers Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson, both of whom are scheduled to make appearances throughout the motor show on selected dates.
Another highlight of the event was the Proton Satria Neo R3 Concept car, which boasts one simple objective – ultimate performance. Kitted with R3’s very own force induction system that allows it to produce 200hp and 250NM of torque, the Satria Neo R3 Concept is by far the fastest Neo developed by Proton to-date.
Besides superb engine performance, the Satria Neo R3 Concept Car brings drivers one step closer to the world of motorsports with its AP Racing brakes & Ohlins suspension system, R3 designed bodykit with front splitter for optimal down force, and a lightweight carbon fiber bonnet and FRP fenders with reduced overall weight.
Other features of the car include Recaro full bucket motorsport seats that provide the driver with ultimate support during spirited driving, a MOMO steering wheel for added control and a colour coded half cage to give the driver added protection. The car also features a motorsports digital multi-information display dash and integrated 2-DIN multimedia built-in navigation system.
And making its first appearance in Asia is the all-new Lotus Esprit which was recently unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The Esprit is joined by other Lotus models – the City Car, Evora S and Exige Cup 260 at the Lotus area, located within the Proton booth to demonstrate a seamless integration of the two brands.
Proton’s green efforts are also the highlight at the booth – where along with the EMAS and City Car, two other environmentally-friendly vehicles are on show – the Saga EV (electric vehicle), a fully electric vehicle, driven by a brushless DC electric motor and powered by a 15 kWh lithium ion polymer battery and the Exora Extended Range Electric Vehicle which recently won the ‘Best Range Extender Electric Vehicle’ category
in the inaugural Brighton to London Future Car Challenge.
Catch all these cars as well as the Proton Styling Studio, also at the Proton booth, where visitors get to experience first hand and participate in the different stages of car designing, from the design sketching, right to the opportunity to customise your very own Proton model. All this happens till the 12th of December 2010.
