The much-anticipated 2011 R3 Satria Neo was officially launched by PROTON yesterday. The ‘RS’ moniker has been dropped, though. As speculated, the R3 Satria Neo is powered by the same 145bhp (@ 7,000rpm) with 168Nm @ 5,000rpm torque Stage 2 CAMPRO powerplant that’s also featured in the R3 Satria Neo Lotus Racing. The all-new Fire Red R3 Satria Neo is priced at MYR79,797.00 and is available for immediate booking.
Sporting re-profiled camshafts with tuned ECU fuel mapping for enhanced performance, it also features a custom carbon fibre air intake system, a high flow 4-2-1 performance exhaust system as well as lightweight adjustable aluminium camshaft pulleys. The tuned CAMPRO lump is mated to a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox which we assume is donated from a 1.3 Satria Neo. Weighing in at a scant 1,200kg, performance figures should be in the low 9s range for 0-100km/h sprint with a top speed of 205km/h. In addition to that, the R3 Satria Neo is fitted with high performance 500-degree rated brake pads for optimum braking power.
Red is the new black
The new R3 hot hatch comes only in Fire Red metallic finish with a black painted roof, together with a full CPS bodykit and redesigned rear spoiler. Its also fitted with R3 16” inch gunmetal lightweight alloys wrapped in sticky soft-compound Bridgestone Potenza RE001R 205/45 series profile tyres.
R3, as you know, pride themselves not just for their styling and engine performance capabilities, but also for their well-respected prowess in the ride and handling department. The R3 Satria Neo is fitted with tuned R3 performance springs paired with standard absorbers, that drop the car 10mm lower to reduce body roll. R3 also did their magic by calibrating alignment, toe and camber settings to increase grip and steering precision.
To complement its fiery exterior, R3 has fitted limited edition front bucket seats wrapped in Nappa leather with micro fiber finish and carbon effect PVC, detailed in red stitching. The racy interior continues with matte red dashboard trims, gear console and handbrake handle, two-tone door trims and R3 floor carpets.
Modern comforts
Like the R3 Satria Neo Lotus Racing, the car features an engine start button. Aluminium foot pedals and gear knob completes the driver-centric interior. All cars come with solar and security protection. For those who insist on listening to the stereo instead of the throaty intake or growling exhaust will be happy to know that a 2-DIN audio head unit with 3D GPS navigation is included as standard. Active and passive safety features include dual front airbags, and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD).
Pricing and availability
The R3 Satria Neo is priced at RM79,797.00 (MT Metallic) and is available for immediate booking at all PROTON Edar showrooms in Peninsular Malaysia. Booking fee is RM2,000 and lucky early birds will be invited to the launch event and get photographed with star drivers, R3 Head and champion drifter Tengku Djan Ley and chassis engineer and race driver Faidzil Alang.
Features at a glance
Performance
- Power: 145bhp @ 7,000rpm
- Torque: 168Nm @ 5,000rpm
- Weight: 1200kg
Engine
- Carbon Fiber Intake System
- Reprofiled Cams
- Recalibrated ECU
- High Flow 4-2-1 Extractor
- Tuned exhaust system
- Lightweight Adjustable Aluminium pulleys
Chassis
- 16 Lightweight R3 Gunmetal Wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE001R in 205/45 rubber
- 500-degree Celcius rated brake pads
- R3 Springs with tuned suspension settings
Exterior
- Fire Red metallic paint with black roof
- Full CPS Bodykit
- New R3 Front splitter
- New R3 Rear wing
Interior
- R3 Limited Edition seats in Nappa Leather
- 2-Tone black interior detailed in red stitching
- Matt-red dashboard trims
- R3 floor mats
- Engine start button
- Aluminium foot pedals and gear knob
- Solar and security protection
- 2-DIN audio head unit with 3D GPS navigation
So what are you waiting for? Book! Call 1-300-880-888 or log on to www.r3.proton.com
