The dynamic duo of Faidzil Alang and Syafiq Ali dominated Heat 1 and 2 to finish a double 1-2 for Team Proton R3 in Round 2 of the Malaysian Super Series held at Sepang International Circuit over the weekend. Weather at the track was as unpredictable as ever, scorching in Heat 1 then heavy downpour in Heat 2. Despite the varying conditions, Faidzil in his Satria Neo clinched the top spot after leading from pole position in Heat 1, whilst compatriot Syafiq in his GEN.2 took the top spot in Heat 2. Faidzil was in the lead in Heat 2 before forced to relinquish his lead due to technical problems.

“As always, it’s great for the team to be back on the podium again for round 2.  Race 2 was especially tough for me as a mechanical problem forced me to slow my pace.  Overall, the car and tyres were working very well, but we believe that we can further  improve on it for round 3.”  Faidzil Alang, Driver, Team Proton R3.

A great performance by Team Proton R3. Onward to the next round on July 3, 2011. Go Proton R3!

Team Proton R3 at the races:

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 23, 2011

TEAM PROTON R3 DOMINATES MALAYSIAN SUPER SERIES ROUND 2

Team Proton R3 celebrated a successful weekend with a dominating performance in the 2^nd round of the Malaysian Super Series (MSS) with a 1^st and 2^nd finish in Race 1 and 2. Motorsports fans were treated to a stunning display of speed and control by Faidzil Alang and his team-mate Syafiq Ali as the pair dominated the field to win both Races in their Satria Neo and GEN.2 R3 race cars.

As usual, weather conditions at the Sepang Circuit was hot and dry with rain in the later part of the afternoon.  With in-car temperatures rocketing for race 1, both drivers kept their cool to capitalise on a good start In Race 1.  They later maintained their performance on the track to do the same in a rain-soaked Race 2.

In Race 1, Faidzil Alang made the most of his pole position and led the race from start to finish with the only serious challenge coming from his own team-mate, Syafiq Ali.  Syafiq, who qualified in 4^th due to a problem during qualifying, made a fantastic start to overtake the 2^nd and 3^rd placed cars to slot into 2^nd behind team-mate Faidzil by turn 1.  Both drivers maintained their 1^st and 2^nd position till the chequered flag.

In Race 2, heavy rain delayed the start by almost an hour and eventually started as a wet race.  Faidzil led the race from the start, trailed by Syafiq Ali.  Unfortunately for Faidzil, he had a mechanical problem on the 3^rd lap which forced him to relinquish his lead to team-mate Syafiq and forcing him to defend 2^nd place from 3^rd placed Siah W Pyng.

“We are thrilled with the results this weekend.  Despite the stiff competition and challenging weather conditions, our team were well prepared to face anything.  This is a testimonial of all the development work and testing we’ve done in preparation for this season as well as our experiences from previous races.  The lessons learnt on the track today will be utilised to help us build better cars for tomorrow.” Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, Head,  Proton Motorsports Division.

“As always, it’s great for the team to be back on the podium again for round 2.  Race 2 was especially tough for me as a mechanical problem forced me to slow my pace.  Overall, the car and tyres were working very well, but we believe that we can further  improve on it for round 3.”  Faidzil Alang, Driver, Team Proton R3.

“I’m thrilled to win my first race in the MSS especially when this is my debut outing with Team Proton R3 this year.  The crew were fantastic, working well into the night to ensure I get a competitive car for today. The next round is in July and I am already looking forward to it.” Syafiq Ali, Driver, Team Proton R3.

Malaysian Super Series 2011 Round 2 Results:

Race 1:

1.    Faidzil Alang    23:50.401

2.    Syafiq Ali         23:51.875

3.    Siah W Pyng   24:15.230

Race 2:

1.    Syafiq Ali         24:02.202

2.    Faidzil Alang    24:35.992

3.    Siah W Pyng   25:02.685

Remaining rounds for Malaysian Super Series 2011:

Round 3: 2^nd-3^rd July

Round 4: 1^st – 2^nd October

Round 5: 26^th-27^th November

PROTON R3′s Faidzil Alang driving a Satria Neo, and Syafiq Ali in a GEN.2, power to a strong 1-2 finish in Heat 1 of the Malaysian Super Series 2011 Round 2 at Sepang International Circuit today. Faidzil Alang powered to the finish from his pole position from qualifying yesterday. He currently leads the championship. More updates from Sepang soon. Catch the gallery after the jump.

Images courtesy of Proton Motorsports.

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PROTON LAUNCHES R3 PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES AND NEW IDENTITY FOR R3

Kuala Lumpur, 2nd December 2010: PROTON Holdings Berhad today launched its new line up 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.

The new line up, developed for the PROTON Satria Neo and Gen2 models by its motorsports division, Race.Rally.Research (R3), is geared to significantly enhance performance through superior handling, improved drivability while providing a modern and distinct style through affordable quality parts and accessories.

The launch of R3 Performance Accessories was made official by YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha, Minister of Transport, Malaysia, when he unveiled the new logo which connote the attributes of a dynamic and futuristic brand. The Brand Name and Logomark are slanting to their right to denote the energy and positiveness of the brand in moving forward.

YB Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha was accompanied by PROTON Advisor Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, and Group Managing Director, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.

Addressing the media during the launch held at the KL International Motorshow, Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin said, “Through our market research, we found that many PROTON car owners have a keen interest in accessorising and modifying their cars, but our case studies have shown that often safety may be compromised when it is not done appropriately”.

“As part of our motorsports division, R3 has an extensive experience on the race tracks, and it was only natural, that we developed a line of performance accessories customised for PROTON vehicles as an extension of our commitment to provide Malaysians with the best in automotive at affordable prices.”

R3 Performance Accessories roll out six packages that offer car enthusiasts a range of enhancements from body kits, to exhaust systems, camshafts, spoilers, spring sets, and 15” and 16” wheels and tyres. Packages are currently available for the PROTON Satria Neo Baseline, CPS and non-CPS, , Gen2 and Gen2 CPS. Offered with easy financing, those interested can make their way to the PROTON Edar showrooms in Shah Alam (Centre of Excellence), Mutiara Damansara, Plentong in Johor Bahru and up north in Juru, Penang.

“Together with our vehicles’ superior Lotus Ride and Handling feature that improves steering precision, cornering and handling capabilities, the R3 Performance Accessories is the perfect complement to enhance our drivers’ experience on the road,” Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin added.

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.

The PROTON Satria Neo R3 Concept Car will be on display at the PROTON booth during the KL International Motorshow at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) until 12th December 2010.

About PROTON

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia’s largest manufacturer of automobiles, and the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer in South-East Asia. With operations in key markets from UK to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, especially in countries like China and Iran, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences. Its offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus. Most importantly, PROTON models are now developed with Lotus Engineering, offering customers superior ride and handling experience in every drive.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations. By listening to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds cars with passion and soul; cars that are a delight to drive – and a pleasure to own.

For further information, please contact Group Marketing & After Sales Division:

Gary Lee at hp: 016 2166515 / tel: 03-80269514 / email: leekh@proton.com
Norhani Ahmad at hp: 010 4000 868 / tel: 03-8026 9512 / email: norhanaj@proton.com

Artist Impression of the Satria Neo R3 RS-spec

Proton Satria Neo R3 RS To Come in 2011

Following up on the preview of the drool-worthy Satria Neo R3 Concept previewed at KLIMS 2010 yesterday, a spokesperson from R3 revealed that a RS-spec Satria Neo R3 will be launched some time next year. R3 is expected to only build 70 units of these babies.

Powered by the same 1.6-litre CamPro CPS from the Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing which outputs 145hp (108kW) @7,000rpm and 168Nm @ 5,000rpm, the upcoming SNR3 RS will feature many of the performance bits currently seen on the SNR3 Lotus Racing edition. Gone, however, will be the OHLINS suspension and 4-pot AP Racing brakes, instead replaced by R3 lowering spring set over stock dampers and 400-degree semi-race brake pads up front.

The many enhancements like the R3 engine management system, R3 camshafts with adjustable pulleys, R3 Titanium headers, R3-tuned exhaust system and R3 carbon fibre intake box is expected to remain intact. Exterior-wise, the SNR3 RS will be painted metallic red with a black roof top. The aggressive wide body styling with aerodynamic FRP bumpers both front and rear will be complemented by a R3 carbon fibre bonnet. Also expect lightweight 16″ Advanti rims wrapped in sticky Bridgestone rubber.

No specs were revealed regarding the interior, but we anticipate Nappa leather with faux carbon fibre bits and semi-bucket Recaro seats.

It’s going to be mighty exciting for R3 in 2011 so stay tuned!

PROTON Satria NEO R3 Concept car @ KLIMS 2010

PROTON showcased a menacing, track-focused Satria Neo R3 Concept at KLIMS 2010 today, setting a new benchmark in performance within PROTON’s product line up. Powered by a R3-developed turbocharged CAMPRO CPS which outputs 200hp and 250Nm of torque, this is the fastest Neo by PROTON to date and purposely built as a Time Attack weapon. The  signature R3-red is gone, replaced with new yellow-striped livery. Enough goodies to satisfy hardcore nuts and R3 fans alike!

Some specs at a glance:

• AP Racing brakes and Ohlins suspension system provides the ultimate driving experience
• Racing aerodynamics enhanced by R3-designed bodykit with a front splitter for optimal down force
• Lightweight carbon fibre bonnet and FRP fenders to reduce overall weight
• Recaro shell seats provides ultimate driver support during spirited driving
• SPARCO steering wheel R323 for added control
• Integrated, colour-coded half cage gives added protection to driver.

Detailed Vehicle Specifications

BODY

• PROTON SATRIA NEO
• 2 door compact
• R3 bolt-on CDS 4-point half roll-cage

DIMENSIONS

• Overall length – 4473mm
• Width – 1821mm
• Wheelbase – 2600mm
• Track front – 1488mm
• Track rear – 1488mm

ENGINE

• 16V 1597cc CAMPRO 4-cylinder in line DOHC
• R3 forged pistons 11:1 comp ratio
• R3 steel conrod
• R3 performance camshafts
• R3 reworked cylinder head
• R3 4-2 exhaust system stage 3
• R3 carbon airbox
• R3 management computer
• 170PS/200hp & 200Nm @ wheel

TRANSMISSION

• R3-spec close ratio gearbox

INTERIOR

• R3-designed interior wrapped with Alcantara and Nappa leather
• SPARCO steering wheel R323, 330mm with R3 60mm spacer
• R3 4-point half roll-cage, colour-coded yellow

SUSPENSION

Front

• McPherson strut with stabiliser bar
• R3-tuned Ohlins coilovers

Rear

• Multi link with stabiliser bar
• R3-tuned Ohlins coil over

WHEELS AND TYRES

• R3-designed 15” wheels M7510 Wheel Assy 15 x 7 ET 37
• Bridgestone Potenza RE55S semi slick tyre 190/50 R15

BRAKES

• AP Racing 4-pot brake system
• AP Racing floating disc 295mm
• AP Racing performance brake pads

Picture Gallery

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Visit the Proton Motorsports blog site at , like the Official Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 page or follow Proton Motorsports on Twitter.

The Satria NEO R3 Lotus and Satria NEO S2000 will be featured and there will also be a Q&A session regarding R3 products.

Picture source – http://www.rallybuzz.com/andersson-proton-monte-carlo/

> Full story here.

Last year, SIC had a record entry of 103 cars, which was later reduced to 77 for the actual race as according to the maximum number of cars permitted by the FIA circuit license for a rolling start.

For the full article, visit Sepang International Circuits

Make yourselves free come 22-24 August 2008 for some serious auto and motorsports action! Full Throttle Autoshow hits Ipoh at the Stadium Indra! Visit the official website for more info.

Monday, 14 July, 2008

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