What The Experts Say:Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing

We have been itching to drive the Proton Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing the moment we saw it in the metal and read through the spec sheet.From the amount of interests generated by this article,we reckon you too would like to know a RM 115,000 Proton with an upgraded Campro,trick suspension and mega brakes would drive...and in a nut shell after the test track..it was a cracker!!!...quite like Hollands' goal at the finals of recent!!
First..lets get some the standard Neo complaints out of the way....Im not the tallest guy around at 1.75 m,but with helmets on,seat pushed to its lowest point and in my correct driving position,my head is too close to the roof and sun visor for comfort,in looking out from the top of the windscreen.Thos is the design flaw that cant be reversed , so we just have to live with it.
The seats and steering wheel can be more special but the reason theres no Momo or Recaro here is because R3 wanted to put this car to market in a short period without compromising safety (for instance, changing the seats and their mounting points would have required safety testing,and the hassle wont be worth it for a 25 unit run)
Starting the car and moving off is simple,no elephant strength is required for the standard
clutch, and the Neo slots through the gates cleanly,the action is a little slicker than the standard Neo CPS if memory serves right.As youve heard elsewhere,the Neo R3 is much more fierce than the standard car,but its just not exhaust rumble.As you pull away from low to mid rpm,you can hear the engine sucking in air and this hissing intake noise goes well with the deep voice of the exhaust.There are no torque dips or holes in the power delivery,although one needs to remember that this is a high revving NA engine m not a turbo car that jumps off the line - you wouldn't fault a Type R for feeling normal below the VTEC zone,would you?
Personally,i like the sensation of the Campro CPS' switch over point,where the engine gains a second wind before rushing to the redline with an urgency not seen below 4000 rpm.This feeling is intensified and prolonged here,as the Neo R3 145 bhp Campro redlines at 7500 rpm.The fact that we're running out of dial space(last figure is 8,000 rpm) at that point makes it even more fascinating.The shortened gear ratios make reaching those speeds an easy task that can be repeated from first to fourth (we didnt max the car in top gear) In truth, the engine felt like it could still go on at 7,500 rpm.It wont be too much to describe this ar "Type R Lite" experience.
Besides the high speed oval with 45 degrees banking, we also drove the R3 in the middle of the track, where Proton designed slalom,acceleration and brake tests.Without official timings,we can only subjectively say that those four pot AP racing brakes provide enormous stopping power, and you'll never run out of brakes in this car unless you're going to get silly.The slalom run showed off the lighter headed Neo R3's sharp turn in and good grip from the Bridgestone Adrenalin tyres,but instead of super glue like adhesion,the Proton let its tail loose a bit as it danced through the cones.Body control is excellent.
One of the major highlights of this car is the Ohlins adjustable suspension.These dual flow valve items are bespoke and tuned according to R3 given specs.Proton says that it gives the Neo R3 a compliant ride even on the worst roads, and although we did not get to test that claim,we got the hint of the suspensions' real world comfort at the track.With four in the car,we went pass a rough surface with a dip in the road.No harshness,no bottoming out and no "aftershocks."
How does DFV works? Explained simply,when the damper encounters high shaft speeds (such as when the car passes a pothole or undulations)the "second valve"opens for faster oil escape.
This fast reaction gives the car optimum traction and allows for constant contact between tyre and road,so theres reduced impact.
Trick suspension aside,no other chasis mods were required.R3 boss and top drifter,Tengku Djan,said that Neos structural integrity was already very good,and its chasis stiff and rigid enough.Most of the 62 kg weight reduction is at the cars front end,and the wheels shave about 2 kg of unsprung weight at each corner.
Unfortunately,we were only given a short time behind the wheel,and did not have the chance to try the Neo on the road.

Yes...145 bhp is not much and RM115 , 000 is a lot of money,but the Satria Neo R3 pushes all the right buttons and delivers the right sensation for the enthusiasts.
Some may think of those 25 owners as fools,but i prefer to call them ...lucky fools!

What The Experts Say:276bhp Lotus Evora debuts in Malaysia at RM 500,000

Lotus has officially launched the much anticipated Evora for the Malaysian market earlier today.It took a while for the Evora to reach our shores considering it was unveiled in 2008 during the British International Motor Show.The 2+2 mid engined Lotus is slightly larger than the Europa which is rumored to be shelved later this year.
The Europa is considered by many as a Lotus that is more livable,although it can still prove to be quite difficult for a large sized individual to comfortably fit in the cockpit.The rear cabin is just enough for kids as well.It is also only available with a good old manual transmission,for now at least.It weighs just 1,350 kilograms and power to the rear wheels come from a 3.5 liter VVT-i V6 that is able to produce 276 hp at 6400 rpm and 342 nm of torque available at 4700 rpm.The toyota sourced engine which features a Lotus T6ECU linked to a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Apparently the ratios of the transmission are tuned to offer a smoother drive,not as hard hitting as some performance oriented transmissions.With all that power and a light weight chasis,the Evora is able to hit the century mark in 5.1 seconds and goes on till it reaches 261 kmh/Its average fuel economy is figured at 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers while producing 199 grams per kilometer.
The Evora is offered with four trim levels in Malaysia with features like Bi Xenon headlights,power fold door mirrors,Bosch Electronic Differential locks,ABS with EBD offered as Standard.The most basic trim level is the Sport Spec Edition which has a switchable sports mode,titanium sports exhaust tailpipe,engine oil cooler,cross drilled brake discs with black calipers and a sports diffuser.
Next up is the Tech Spec that comprises of an upgraded audio (2x50w) DVD player 7 inch WVGA touch screen,portable navigation unit,cruise control,rear parking sensors,tire pressure monitoring system as well as Bluetooth,USB and I pod connectivities.
There is also Alpine reverse camera,Furtherup the scale is the Sport & Tech edition which combines the equipment list available with the models above.
The range topping spot is taken up by the Lauch Spec Edition.It has all of the above upholstery and a choice of four seat colours including Oysters,Charcoal,Chestnut or Paprika.
On top of the above trim levels,buyers can also optionally add a close ratio sports gear box,premium paint or choose between two wheel options such as Y type 5 silver or gloss anthracite.
The base sport spec will set you back RM 443,480.00 while the Tech Spec and Sport & Tech versions are priced at RM 463,650.00 and RM 472,110.00 respectively.The top of the line can be yours at RM 490,210.00.

What The Experts Say:The New Proton Persona

We just got back from the launch of the facelifted Proton Pesona,which is officially called the Proton Pesona Elegance.Available in three trim levels-Base Line,Medium Line and High Line-the Pesona Elegance is powered by the familiar 1.6 litre Campro IAFM engine at 110 bhp at 6500 rpm and 148 Nm of torque from 4000 rpm.Buyers can choose between a 4 speed automatic or 5 speed manual,but the high line model comes with the auto box.
Although output remains, the Campro IAFM in the Pesona Elegance comes with a new 32 bit ECU from Continental,which also supplied the previous 16 bit version.According to a Proton Source, the new 32 bit ECU has more capabilities compared to the older 16 bit version-capable of more inputs,you can configure more parammeters,and it can also interconnect with more systems such as "talking" to a Body Control Module such as the one in the Exora.
It is more of a future proofing and cost effectiveness move.Torque and power output remains the same as before.Firstly,Siemens VDO have been moving their global ECU manufacturing to 32 bitbeing the minimum,so it is not feasible for Proton to continue ordering 16 bit ECUs when the 32 bit version can be had at a far more competitive price.This move is also in preparation for the new project Phoenix engine that we will soon see in Protons,which will require the capabilities of the new ECU.
The changes go beyond just an aesthetic make over.We already know theres a new bodykit,front grille,bumpers and new LED tail lamps.But beyond that here's whats different:
:the seat back rest has been changed to offer better comfort
:Extra Sound Proofing material added to pillars to improve interior NVH
:Despite power output and torque being the same,a source has indicated that the engine should feel livelier and more responsive.
As for the exterior,there are a couple of notable changes. From previous reveals,Proton Elegance comes with a new lamp cluster,now with LED brake lights.The 9 LEDs are arranged in 2 rows:4 up and 5 down.All trims except for the Base Line come with a bodykit,slim rear spoiler and foglamps,although the turning lamps on the side mirrors(illuminates in a cool lighy bar form)and chrome door handles are standard across the board.
Up front,the face lifted Persona uses the same nose as the Gen2 CPS along with it's "black out" headlamp housing,but with a different grille design.The Proton logo and it's wings is pushed up to the top of the grille while the Gen 2 CPS has a central emblem.The 15 inch rim design is also new,akthough the 195/60 size of the tyres are also unchanged.As before,the Base Line makes do with steel rims and hubcaps.Inside,the most apparent change is the replacement of the previous custom designed audio head unit for a conventional single DIN unit,once again by Blaupunkt.The USB compatible unit should be easier to operate than before with minimal and larger buttons,and all trims but the Base Line get steering wheel controls.The meter cluster graphics are also "new", now with white nimbering and red needles plis a red inner ring ,much more "premium" looking than the plain orange dials used before.Proton also says that the angle of rear seat jas been changed for improved comfort.
Medium and High Line cars get a GPS navigation set stuck on the windscreen, the driver's seat height adjuster and electric side mirrors.Only the High Line gets leather seats and trim(Base and Medium Line Sports a new fabric material) cruise control and remote release for the trunk.
Safety kit wise,the High Line comes with ABS and EBD, 2 airbags and 2 pretensioner seatbelt,while the Base Line gets none of the above.
The prices are as follows:
Base Line (M): RM 46,499
Base Line(A): RM 49,499
Medium Line (M): RM 52,999
Medium Line(A): RM 55,999
High Line (A): RM 59,499

Protons latest is available in two new colours -Chifon Green and Bronze Garnet-in addition to silver and black.Brilliant Red is a colour exclusive to the High Line.Now in showrooms and ready for booking,the Personna Elegance comes with a 2 year programme / 50,000 km extended warranty programme-thats a total of 5 years.

Latest Happening:Super Auto Mix..234 July..BJ..

Whether it is a break from the roller coaster ride of the South Africa Edition 2010 and really,most of the players in the tournament are much better off nominated for Academy Awards than for being involved at the greatest show on earth,or maybe it is just the need for us to do some branding,please feel free to join us or just gaze at our products,even participate in our games as to win fabulous prizes,all that at the Super Auto Mix Show BJ..
Your Questions Answered, We'd Like To Think...or as ye ol fella used to say..be there or be square...

Pro Ride Lubricants

We see ourselves being different.While we agree that product differentiation adds value to our business,we just dont simply cut corners to become diversified.
Our Motor Oil has been carefully processed in liquid engineering blended by the only premium brand petroleum in the country garnishing the best additives for your engines' protection,with it,complying to the highest grades,SG, SJ,SL and SM ..within the contexts of motor oil technology.
While Pro Ride lubricants also meet the American Petroleum Institute Standards,our semi synthetic and Mineral engine oil has proven to save fuel and increase engine performance.
In it all...Pro Ride and Sapura has brought the best of our engineering to your lives again....For all other intentions...please feel free to contact yazli_yahya@sapuraindustrial.com.my...

Brake Technology

The brake technology was one of the recent activities included in the group.While we initiated with supply of only singular brake caliper parts ,Sapura Brakes Technology then evolved to become an integral part of the first tier vendor with involvements in modular supply like the corner module,ABS,discs then eventually as axle fabricator for Proton, the latest being that complete brake system for Proton Saga.International Autopart caters for all Proton and Perodua cars, all enquiries to tmats@sapuraindustrial.com.my.

Springs and Stabilizer bars

Sapura Industrial or the then Sapura Motors has been making springs and stabilizer bars since the days of the inaugural Proton Saga in the eighties,needless to say,a proton vendor that had our technology repeatedly modified, tested,scrutinized,improved,costings and otherwise,through it all has made the grades of renowned car companies like Volvo,BMW,Mercedes to the current ones like GM,Smartcar -Norway, Toyota,Naza,Honda.
The competitive edge here is that we are the only parts manufacturer in Asia that uses Automotive Steel from Thailand,Korea and Japan,our methods,man,are the least of your worries as we continue to achieve all ISO standards in the market,the latest 14001,18001,9002.
For all models we manufacture in standards or racing type,please feel free to contact tmats@sapuraindustrial.com.my..that race feeling has just begun...

Shock Absorbers.

Assembled at our plant in Pandamaran,Klang,under the manufacturing unit of Sapura Automotive Industries S/B, the gas filled absorbers categorically fit all National cars,ie,Proton and Perodua and respectively come with a six month warranty period.
We also do customize fittings for Nissan and Honda cars. Main man here is pang@sapuraindustrial.com.my, we welcome all b2b and b2c inquiries.

A corporate brief.

International Autoparts Sdn Bhd was created to cater for the RE or replacement market automotive sales within the Sapura Industrial Group of companies , in it all focussed on a few key parts like shock absorbers,springs,stabilizer bars,brake components,now in its gestation period,our motor oil.
The brand that they represent is called Pro Ride, mainly catered to a few distributors around the Klang Valley to a growing widespread market within the country.. and so...as the story goes..the heat is on....