The Satria Neo S2000 start attract the attention in New Caledonia

APRC champion Alister McRae will lead Proton's charge alongside Swedish driver P.G. Andersson, who will be driving in the island rally for the first time in the Satria Neo S2000. Based in Noumea on Grande Terre, the largest island in New Caledonia, the rally moves through lush vegetation and farming plains. Rally New Caledonia will be contested over a distance of 252.82km, covering 19 special stages. Today's opening stage consists of four special stages, while tomorrow, the teams will take on another nine special stages before the final day's six special stages, including the longest which is a 24.41km charge through Pirogues Almameto. As defending champion, McRae however, will again be in the unenviable position of having to start the rally first, clearing the road for the other drivers behind. "Winning the championship last year means I am first on the road on all the rounds this year and that was quite a disadvantage in the first round in New Zealand, but I don't think it will be so much in New Caledonia. "The rain is likely to have washed away much of the loose gravel before we get there and it's possible running at the front might even give us a small advantage," said an optimistic McRae. "We led this rally last season and it's definitely one that I enjoy." Rally New Caledonia offers a good mix of terrain with really wide and fast roads as well as twisting and tight sections which favour the Satria Neo S2000. Andersson will certainly be out to underline this point as he tries to make up for the disappointment which cost him victory in the opening round of the championship in New Zealand last month. Comfortably setting fastest times en route to winning 11 of the 16 special stages in New Zealand, Andersson had endured a puncture which cost him the victory. "One thing for sure is, I'm starting this event as I start every event -- to win. "I have never been to this rally before, so it's always exciting to try some new roads." Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, the head of Proton Motorsports, said: "The Satria Neo S2000 was clearly the fastest in New Zealand and what was equally exciting was the way Andersson came back into contention from his puncture. "In doing this, we have demonstrated the Satria Neo S2000 is able to match the speed of the Skoda and, with better luck, it should be able to spring some surprises in New Caledonia." Read more

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New Proton Cars - Proton Preve launched

Proton Preve has been developed in accordance with global standards of quality and safety which, in combination with its competitive price, makes it a truly attractive car to own," he said.

Proton has described the turbocharged Preve (meaning 'to prove') as its most technologically-advanced vehicle to date.

The 1.6 Charged Fuel Efficiency (CFE) engine is Proton's first turbocharged engine with an economical 6.6 litre/100km fuel consumption and 10,000km service interval.

The Prevé will replace the Persona in Proton Australia’s line-up in September, although it promises to be larger and significantly better equipped.

At 4543mm long, 1786mm wide, 1524mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2650mm, the Prevé has similar external dimensions to the Mazda3 sedan, and a 508-litre boot will give it one of the largest cargo capacities in its class.

The top-spec Prevé GXR will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 103kW of power (at 5000rpm) and 205Nm of torque (2000-4000rpm) – a considerable increase from the outgoing 82kW/148Nm motor in the Persona. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.5 litres per 100km according to the Malaysian specification sheet, while the sprint from 0-100km/h takes 9.6 seconds.

The entry-level Prevé GX will get an 80kW/150Nm naturally aspirated version of the powerplant, which uses 5.8-6.1L/100km and takes 12.0-12.5 seconds to hit triple figures.

Malaysian specification sheet, the GX will get front fog lamps, USB/iPod/Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel audio controls, while the GXR will add auto headlights and wipers, leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, climate control, cruise control and push-button start.

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Posted in: proton cars,proton for sale,Proton Preve launched,proton preve price

Proton Satria

Proton Satria
The Proton Satria was a hatchback produced by Proton. Production started in 1995 for the first generation and ended in 2005. The new Satria Replacement Model (SRM), known as Proton Satria Neo was launched on 16 June 2006. The name Satria which means knight in Sanskrit was chosen for Proton's 3-door hatchback to reflect the sportiness of the car.

The first generation Satria was based a 3-door hatchback on the 1991 Mitsubishi Mirage (Colt outside the Japanese market). Changes were limited to front-end styling and interior from the bigger Wira. Powerplant options included the 4G13p 1.3-litre 12-valve, 4G15p 1.5-litre 12-valve and 4G92p 1.6-litre 16-valve SOHC engine. The 1.5 and 1.6-litre 16v versions were also available with optional 3-speed and 4-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

Trim levels were LSi, GLi, GLSi and SEi. The base-specification LSi had the 1.3-litre 12-valve engine only: GLi versions got the 1.5-litre 12-valve engine in addition to the 1.3-litre: whilst GLSi and SEi versions got the 1.6 16v engine as well as the 1.5 12v.
Satria GTi
A later facelift version featured a different tail-end to the original Mirage. These were launched in 1996 in Malaysia and later in other countries, and new LXi, S LXi and GTi trim levels were available. New 1.3 12v, 1.5 12v and 1.6 16v petrol engines were available

The Satria Sports GTi was launched with a 141 bhp (105 kW) 1.8-litre Mitsubishi-sourced 4G93p engine,originally found in the Mitsubishi Lancer GTI. Additionally,the Satria GTi was revised by Lotus later on in terms of engine and handling. According to dyno chart, it can produce 155 bhp (116 kW) on wheel.

During the involvement of Lotus,a new body kit was also adopted for the GTi for better aerodynamics.Proton claims that the Satria GTi was the fastest car ever produced to date.

Satria R3
The Proton Satria R3 is a limited edition Satria sold in Malaysia. The term R3 stands for Rally, Race, Research. R3 is a redefined version of Satria Gti by Proton's Racing development team and also Lotus. It houses the same 1800 cc Mitsubishi 4G93p engine but has undergone some minor adjustments by Lotus handling. Bodyshell has been improved with double stitch welded monocoque chassis with front and rear strut tower brace bars.


Satria Neo

The Satria Neo was introduced in June 2006 as a replacement for the first generation Satria. Based on a new platform developed in-house by Proton (with some parts borrowed from the bigger Gen-2 and Waja), the car is currently only available in a three-door hatchback guise. The car was developed at a cost of RM500 million and four years, and was expected by Proton to generate a monthly sales volume of 2,000 to 2,500 units. The car was also intended to target those who are "youthful and sporty". The Satria Neo was launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The entry-level Satria Neo, the 1.3 L-line, is powered by a 1.3-litre, inline-4 twin-cam Campro engine, producing 94 bhp (70 kW). The 1.6 M-line and top-of-the-range H-line models have 1.6-litre versions of the same engine, with an output of 110 hp (82 kW). All cars have the option of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearboxes supplied by Mitsubishi that are carried over from the previous Satria, with the H-line benefitting from safety features such as twin airbags, ABS with EBD and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Criticisms of the car include the lack of headroom and legroom for rear passengers (even compared to the previous generation Satria), and lackluster performance in comparison with the Satria GTi.

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Campro engine in Proton

Campro engine in Proton

The Campro engine is the first automotive engine ever developed together with Lotus by the Malaysian carmaker, Proton.The name Campro is short for Cam Profile. This engine powers the Proton Gen-2, the Proton Satria Neo, the Proton Waja Campro, the Proton Persona as well as Proton's future models. The Campro engine is aimed to show Proton's ability to make their own engines that produces good power output and meets newer emission standards.

All Campro engines incorporate with drive-by-wire technology (specifically electronic throttle control) for better response, eliminating the need for friction-generating mechanical linkages and cables. There have been some issues with cracking oil pumps but apparently Proton have introduced a new part recently to solve this problem. A recall has not been announced.

Basic DOHC engine
The Campro CPS engine uses a variable valve lift system (Cam Profile Switching system) and a variable inlet manifold (VIM; not to be confused with the stand-alone IAFM used in the 2008 Proton Saga) to boost maximum power and improve the CPS engine's torque curve over the standard DOHC Campro engine.

The engine's Variable Intake Manifold (VIM) switches between a long intake manifold at low engine speeds and a short intake manifold at higher engine speeds. Proton is using a longer intake manifold to achieve slower air flow; as they found this promotes better mixing with fuel. The short intake manifold allows more air in faster. This is beneficial at high RPMs.

The Cam Profile Switching (CPS) system uses a trilobe camshaft to switch between two different cam profiles. One cam profile provides low valve lift, while the other cam profile has a high valve lift. The low valve lift cam profile is used at low to mid engine speeds to maintain idling quality and reduce emissions, while the high lift cam profile is used when the engine is spinning at mid to high engine speeds improve peak horsepower and torque.

VIM switches from the long to short runner at 4,800rpm, while the CPS system switches over at 3,800rpm. The result is 127 horsepower (96kW) at 6,500rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm compared to the non-CPS Campro’s 110 horsepower (82kW) at 6,000rpm and 148Nm of torque at 4,000rpm[4]. Proton claims that there is better response and torque at low engine speeds of between 2000 - 2500 rpm.

The new CPS engine first made its debut in the facelifted Proton GEN2 launched in Thailand[2][3], and made its first Malaysian debut in the Proton Waja Campro 1.6 Premium (CPS.
Hybrid Campro engine
In March 2007, Proton and Lotus have announced their concept model of a Proton Gen-2 powered by a hybrid powerplant that uses the Campro engine. The concept model was revealed during the 2007 Geneva Motor Show from 8 ~ 18 March 2007 [9][10].

The hybrid powerplant system, which is known as EVE system (Efficient, Viable, Environmental) will be using the same S4PH engine as the one that powers the present gasoline version of the Gen-2, combined together with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor. The main purpose of the hybrid powerplant system is to provide a hybrid system that can be retrofitted to existing models, retaining the same powerplant and also eliminates the need to develop a completely different platform, like the Honda Civic Hybrid.

The EVE Hybrid System will have 3 key technologies:-

"Micro-hybrid" start-stop system - An integrated starter-alternator system is installed to switch off the engine automatically when the engine stops, for example at the traffic light. The engine will automatically restart when the gas pedal is depressed.[9][10].
Full parallel hybrid technology - Combines the existing S4PH engine with a 30 kW, 144V electric motor, resulting in higher power (141 bhp combined), higher torque (233 N-m combined), lower emission (up to 22% carbon dioxide reduction) and better fuel economy (up to 28%). The system also includes regenerative braking system.[9][10].
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - The CVT system provides an infinite number of gear ratios for better efficiency.[9][10].
The combined power and torque for the powerplant system are as follows:-

Max power (gasoline engine only): 110 bhp (82 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Max torque (gasoline engine only): 148 N-m @ 4,000 rpm
Max power (combined): 141 bhp (105 kW) @ 5,500 rpm
Max torque (combined): 233 N-m @ 1,500 rpm (limited to 180 N-m continuous)

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Proton Persona 1.6

The Proton Persona is a car manufactured by Malaysian national carmaker Proton since August 2007 and is the successor to the Proton Wira.

The Proton Persona is essentially a saloon based on the Gen-2 hatchback introduced in 2004, and inherits the Persona name from rebadged Wiras sold in certain countries. It addresses several main flaws of the Gen-2, although the Gen-2 itself remains in sale.

The most noticeable difference of the Persona from the Gen-2 is the a separate, larger boot, making it better suited to the local market, as Malaysians prefer saloons (an obvious fact overlooked by Proton's former management).[citation needed] More importantly, the roofline slopes less, addressing the many complaints on the lack of rear headroom.

The interior was redesigned to incorporate a glovebox at the dashboard, an accessory that was not available in the Gen-2. The obtrusive analog clock present in the Gen-2's dashboard has also been replaced by a digital one that now resides in the digital display on the instrument panel. In addition, the door trims and panels were modified to feature more ergonomic window switches and door handles, and the pseudo-racing seats were replaced by more conventional and comfortable ones. Fit and finish is noticeably improved a lot and so are the suspension setting as well because it is tuned more to comfort.

The 1.6 litre Campro engine in the Persona is the same 86 kW (115 hp) unit used in other Proton models but with an improved cast aluminium oil pan design that reduces the chances of damage. A transmission control unit re-calibration on models with automatic transmissions reduces the hunting of gears and improves gear changes in an attempt to mask the dip in the torque curve in the lower and middle rev ranges. It has been announced that in early 2008 the Persona will be equipped with new Campro engines that incorporate a new variable-geometry intake manifold module (Campro IAFM engine) which improves low-end torque and high-rev breathing

With a more attractive price tag that ranges from RM44,999 to RM55,800 (about RM10,000 cheaper than the equivalent Gen-2), demand of the Persona continues to outstrip supply. Over 2,000 pre-launch bookings were made.[1] Within two weeks after launch, the figure increased to 11,000 bookings. Demand hit close to 19,000 bookings barely 2 weeks later. Originally intending to produce Personas at a rate of 4,000 cars per month, Proton has pledged to ramp up the production to 8,000 units per month to meet the unforeseen demand.

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Posted in: Proton Edar

Proton Gen-2

Engine and tonic
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is a four-cylinder sixteen-valve unit with a double-overhead camshaft. 110bhp gets produced, but you'll need to get the rev-limiter to 6000rpm to wring that out if it; maximum torque of 109lb ft is reached at 4000rpm. Performance figures are 0-60mph in 12.6sec (14.7 auto) and a top speed of 118mph (114.9mph auto). Fuel economy is a claimed 39.2 mpg (24.7mpg auto).

Spec sheet
Three trim levels are offered on the Gen2: GL, GLS and GSX. Basic GL cars' exterior get edged with nasty black plastic bumpers and mirrors; inside air-con appears, but essential safety gear such as ABS goes missing. GLS-specced models colour-code their bodykit, and pick up the anti-lock stoppers, while GSX models get a ten-disc Blaupunkt CD system, a rather pointless rear spoiler, cruise control (auto models) and automatic air conditioning.

The best bit
Proton's three-year, 60,000-mile full warranty and six-year, 100k-mile powertrain cover is pretty commendable. The Malaysian firm also gives a three-year RAC breakdown package with its new cars.

Service department
There may be a decent warranty on the Gen2's powertrain, but beware, you'll have to bring the car in ever 9000 to have Proton's mechanics have a look under the bonnet. This should be done after the first 1000 miles for the initial check-up. Compare this to most manufacturers' 12-15,000 miles...

Proton GEN-2 is a car made by Proton launched in the third quarter of 2004. It is the first Proton model to use an in-house developed engine, the 1.6 CamPro Engine. The engine is alleged to be sluggish at low revs but Proton claimed that the peak power and torque is well above the 1.6 engines used in other cars. However, later in 2005 the ECU was remapped back to raise the low-end torque, but the maximum power and torque remained unchanged. Lotus Cars which is owned by Proton was instrumental in the development of the car which is evident in the car's ride and handling capability. In Malaysia, the car is rivalled by Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio.

In 2005, a lower-spec version of Proton Gen-2 powered by 1.3L Campro engine was made available in Malaysia with automatic transmission option only.

Trivia

The Proton Gen-2 was one of two models (the other being the Proton Savvy) that MG Rover was looking to rebadge when it entered talks with Proton's parent company in the mid 2000s. Both Auto Express and Autocar published shots of the car with digitally recreacted Rover grills.

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