The R3gister - Race Rally Research (R3)

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GENERAL RELEASE - August 05, 2006, Kuala Lumpur

With preparations to defend its title this month at full speed ahead, Race.Rally.Research – The Motorsports Division of PROTON, today launched the PROTON Waja and PROTON GEN.2 MME Editions in commemoration of its Class O and Overall Champion victory at the 2005 Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME).

The MME Edition vehicles which will be produced in a limited production of only 200 units each, all individually numbered, is designed to appeal to a younger, more dynamic market segment.

Speaking at the official launch held at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara here today Head of R3 Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel said: “Our objective is very clear from the start, we wanted to create a sporty and desirable product that encapsulates our triumph in last year’s MME. It has to appeal to today’s young, discerning and style conscious performance enthusiasts.

“Through the extensive list of R3 Performance Parts and Accessories fitted as standard, these cars provide great appeal to our targeted market segment. The fact that we will be producing only 200 units of each model with individual numbering has probably enhanced that appeal by a considerable amount.” He added.

While the MME Edition vehicles are not full-blown high performance models, the cars are fitted with an extensive list of R3 Performance Parts and Accessories which includes 16 inch alloy wheels and tyres, full body kit complete with a one-piece front bumper and rear spoiler, R3 Performance Cat-Back Exhaust system, Spark Plug Cables and Brake Discs, all of which lends a purposeful look to the car as well as add noticeable performance gains.

Each part is factory installed and homologated by JPJ. In addition, the MME Edition vehicles are backed by the standard PROTON 2 year or 50,000km warranty. PROTON will also be the first national car manufacturer to include high intensity Xenon headlamps as standard. The headlamps will be featured on the PROTON Waja MME Edition only.

“We looked at our 2006 Performance Parts and Accessories catalogue and included almost every performance part that we could find,” said Head of R3’s Special Projects Division, Adian Yein Khalid.

“We wanted to go beyond the common body kit and paintjob specials that have become rather blasé these days. In order to do so we had to create a style that visually set the cars apart from any other PROTON you’ve seen before

“R3 Stage 1 performance engine, handling and braking parts were then added to upgrade the driving experience to match the styling; for owners that expect even more, there are optional parts that increase power up to 135bhp, improve the braking even further, and tighten the handling to that of a racing car, all of which can be purchased separately

“The most discerning part that we have included is an iPod nano MP3 player paired to a Clarion Bluetooth-enabled connectivity device. It’s just unheard of from a national car manufacturer let alone from PROTON, we’re confident our customers will truly enjoy this car.” He added.

In line with its performance spirit PROTON and R3 will give the first 15 customers a special track day session with R3 at the Sepang International Circuit along with grandstand tickets including pit walk passes for two at this year’s MME. The first 150 car buyers meanwhile, will receive free grandstand tickets for two to the same race.

Along with the new vehicles, PROTON and R3 also officially introduced Team PROTON R3, the team that will be competing in the 2006 MME. The team is made up of four additional members selected from R3’s grass roots Time Attack Challenge Championships (R3TACC) and within PROTON’s pool of talented test drivers and engineers. These drivers are the best amongst over 300 participants that took part in the R3 Time Attack Challenge last year, displaying R3’s intents to nurture fresh motor racing talent in the country.

This year, Team PROTON R3 will defend its title with the winning car, the one of its kind Lotus Exige 300RR. Additionally, the team has extended it’s participation to both the 1800cc Class B and the 1600cc Class C, with serious intentions to capture wins in these classes. The team will be competing in an R3-developed PROTON R3 Satria 1800 for Class B and PROTON R3 Waja 1600 for Class C.

“The competition will be tough this year as the race gets bigger and bigger every time, but we’ve done a considerable amount of development during the off season and I’m confident that we have a strong team and a proven package in the Lotus Exige 300RR. A repeat of last year’s success is very possible and we will definitely give it our all to turn that possibility into a certainty,” commented Tengku Djan.

“In some respects Class B and Class C is much more competitive and it’s going to be a steep uphill battle but like the Lotus, the Waja and Satria has proven to be very competitive during testing and wins in both classes are in our sights.” He added.

The PROTON Waja MME Edition and PROTON GEN.2 MME Edition is priced at RM66, 671.03 and RM59,798.81 respectively, they are available for booking on-line via www.racerallyresearch.com and www.proton-edar.com.my. For more information customers can contact the PROTON i.Care customer centre at 1 300 880 888.