Good news for Proton fans and the Proton Satria Neo fans!.Proton had launched the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition at the Pavilion today.Priced at RM115,000 the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing Edition can produce more than 145bhp and 168Nm of torque, which is a substantial 25 bhp and 18 Nm up on the standard CPS engine.0-100 km/h is now done in 9.2 seconds and top speed is 200 km/h, compared to 10.5 seconds and 190 km/h for the standard Neo CPS manual. Seriously, upgrading its performance should make it quite a hot to drive and these improvements are not just reflected in the vital stats.

So now Proton has a serious lucky everyday with its kind partner Lotus. Interestingly, some new feature available with that’s car such as Ohlin’s DFV (Dual Flow Valve) fully adjustable coil-over suspension with spring and damper rates specifically tuned by R3. The stiffened rubber bushes and revised suspension geometry also available to deliver racecar like direct steering input and cornering precision.

The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition carefully brings together racing heritage and driving enjoyment to communicate strength, performance, agility and in-car excitement.

The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing edition also features exclusive nappa leather wrapped Proton bucket seats with carbon fibre effect inserts, perforated leather, detailed with the yellow and green Lotus Racing embroidered insignia.Other details in the cabin include an engine start button finished in polished aluminium, R3 alloy gear knob and R3 alloy pedals.

True to Lotus’s principals, the car’s weight have been reduced to aid performance, FRP (Fibre Reinforced Plastic) fenders with carbon fiber hood and other lightened parts makes the car 62kg lighter than the Neo CPS variant also.This Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing also equipped with the 16-inch Advanti alloys wrapped with 205/45 Bridgestone Adrenalin tyre, massive 4 pot AP Racing calipers gripping the front discs, R3 Titanium Exhaust Headers, R3 Alloy Underdrive Pulleys, an R3 Tuned Exhaust System, and an R3 Carbon Fiber Airbox.These equipment including R3-tuned camshaft profiles contribute towards the power upgrade.The Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing is also equipped with ABS and EBD.

Only 25 will be produced in conjunction with Proton’s 25th anniversary.

Weight: 1,150kg
Engine: 1.6L CamPro CPS
Displacement: 1,597cc
Max Power: 145bhp @ 7,000rpm
Max Torque: 168Nm @ 5,000rpm
Max Speed: 200 km/h
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Transmission: 5-speed manual.

For your information, 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.