Proton R3 Archives

Proton Reveals Pricing for X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition Accessories Package

Proton has revealed the pricing details for the R3 20th Anniversary Edition accessories package for the Proton X50. This exclusive package was unveiled at the MARii Autoshow 2023 earlier this year and is designed to commemorate two decades of the R3 brand, renowned for its contribution to Proton’s success in motorsports and the development of high-performance models.

The R3 20th Anniversary Edition accessories package includes a range of specially crafted enhancements for the Proton X50. Limited to just 200 packages, it adds a touch of sportiness and style to this popular SUV. The package components consist of:

Satin Black Vinyl Wrap: A unique wrap that adds a touch of sophistication to the Proton X50’s exterior.
R3 Aerokit: Comprising front, rear, and side skirts, this aerodynamic kit enhances the car’s dynamic appeal.
R3 Bonnet Stripe: A striking stripe that adds a sporty touch to the vehicle’s front end.
Sporty Rear Roof Spoiler: A distinctive spoiler to boost the X50’s sporty appearance.
R3 18” Lightweight Alloy Wheels: Specially designed alloy wheels that are both stylish and performance-oriented.
R3 Front Grille Logo: A badge on the front grille showcasing the R3 brand.
R3 Limited Edition Rear Tailgate Nameplate and Interior Dash Nameplate: Exclusive insignias that denote the package’s uniqueness.
R3 Headrest Embroidery: Customized embroidery on the driver and front passenger seats’ headrests.
R3 Carpet Mats: High-quality mats that provide both protection and style.
Proton Window Tint: Tinting for the vehicle’s windows.

This comprehensive package is available to buyers of the Proton X50 1.5 TGDi in Jet Grey and is priced at RM12,000, including fitting. Customers can order the R3 20th Anniversary Edition accessories package from any Proton outlet. Deliveries will commence from mid-November 2023 onwards.

Incorporating these enhancements into the Proton X50 allows enthusiasts to elevate their driving experience with style and flair. As Proton celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, it’s an ideal moment to recognise milestones such as the R3 brand’s enduring legacy. The R3 accessories package is a token of appreciation to the dedicated Proton fans who have supported the brand over the years. Proton expresses gratitude for its unwavering enthusiasm by offering this unique package developed exclusively for its popular SUV model.

Proton R3 moves forward with new range of Premium Genuine Oils and new merchandise

R3 is well known among Malaysian motorsports enthusiasts, especially Proton fans. As the motorsport and performance division of Proton, it has been active in ‘Race, Rally and Research’, which is what R3 stands for. Almost 20 years old, R3 has made a name for itself in local and international motorsport events, particularly in rallying.

With R3 now ‘parked’ under Proton Global Services (PGS), a fully owned subsidiary of Proton Edar, there is new impetus going forward and while there will continue to be racing activities, R3 is also diversifying with the addition of a new range of lubricants that would be ideal for Proton cars.

The new R3 range of Premium Genuine Oils has been developed together with Petronas and is available in fully-synthetic (P1) and semi-synthetic (P2) formulations. Both genuine oils are formulated using Petronas’ latest Etro 6+ base oil and are designed to fight excessive heat to ensure better performance for the current generation of direct injection turbocharged engines. With SP and SN Plus ratings, they meet the latest levels of service certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

The R3 Premium Genuine Oil is priced at RM208 for the P1 fully-synthetic formulation and RM158 for the P2 semi-synthetic product. Until April 30, 2022, they will be offered at an introductory price of RM178 and RM128, respectively.

“The launch of our new R3 Premium Genuine Oil range is the first step in R3’s rebranding journey. They will be sold to the public via our Premium Merchandise Partners in 20 locations throughout Malaysia. There will be more product launches coming up in the future, including accessories for Proton car owners, which will help us build our connections with R3 fans,” said Lee Yeet Chuan, CEO of Proton Global Services.

Mr. Lee said that there will also be a new range of merchandise to reconnect with fans and expand the reach of the brand as well as bring R3 heritage and products closer to the public. The new range of t-shirts and caps are priced between RM49 to RM60 and will also be available at all Premium Merchandise Partner locations.

Proton’s new Gallery of Inspiration shows carmaker’s past, present and future

FEATURE – Teamwork, cars and drivers are all important for success in motorsports

It’s a Sunday night and you’re out with friends at your friendly neighbourhood mamak stall and on the screen is a Formula 1 race. You then think to yourself: “It’s just a matter of driving fast. Anyone can do it.” Think again.

Like other intense sports, motorsports requires its athletes to undergo constant training and be in peak physical form in order to excel. Typically, a driver in a race will have to be able to cope with g-forces higher than those experienced in everyday driving when taking corners in excess of 100 km/h. He or she must be able to feel oversteering or understeering due to tyre grip and the setup of the car’s suspension. In addition to being fit, a race car driver will need to have an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of a car.

For Proton R3’s Mitchell Cheah, Fariqe Hairuman, Syafiq Ali, Admi Shahrul, Nurul Husna, Faye Kusairi and Leona Chin, racing came naturally – but only after they began preparing for the race several weeks beforehand. ‘Weekend racers’ may just go to the track and drive fast but for those who are serious about racing, there’s a strict exercise regime and they must follow a healthy and balanced diet. Trips to the mamak stall are definitely out of the question (at least until after the racing season is over).

One of the drivers (we won’t tell who) even spends some time playing Call of Duty in the name of improving hand-eye coordination. Those who spend time on Playstation4’s racing simulators also gain ‘experience’ that can be useful when they race in the real world. So yes, it’s easy to drive a car, but challenging to race in one.

Teamwork is imperative for success
Another crucial aspect about competitive motorsports is the fact that it isn’t a one-man show. Teamwork is imperative for success – engineers are required to analyse and make quick adjustments to the car; engine and tyre specialists have their self-explanatory roles; a pit crew must be quick and precise at refuelling and replacing tyres; a crew chief, who oversees the technical crew; and a team manager who keeps administrative duties in check.

Typically, a racing team begins preparations several days before the actual race day. The driver(s) will have to work closely with the rest of the crew to ensure that their cars are set up for the circuit – tuning to the suspension is critical as every track has its own characteristics.

You wouldn’t want to use a soft suspension set-up for a track with lots of corners, unless you enjoy being in a boat that’s constantly bobbing up and down. There’s also the fact that the engine and drivetrain have to be tuned properly to ensure the car is able to provide a good compromise between acceleration and top speed.

While a car’s set-up is important, there’s only so much that can be done to boost the reliability of the car itself. For the Proton R3 drivers this year, the availability of the improved 2019 Saga and 2019 Iriz made a difference and both achieved significant success in the annual Sepang 1,000km (S1K) race.

This is no easy feat because these cars are driven at an average speed of 110 km/h. Other than the brief moments they are in for pit stops, they are constantly pushed hard and this year, that was for 9 hours and over 181 laps. The strain placed on the cars and drivers is therefore intense and both must be in top form.

A successful endeavour
Both the Proton R3 drivers and cars rose to the occasion and dominated the S1K. The 2019 Iriz that was driven by Mitchell and Fariqe captured first place while the 2019 Saga that was driven by Syafiq and Admi came in second.

Also impressive was the all-ladies team which managed to blitz past the competition from 26^th on the grid, to seventh overall, ahead of all the other lady drivers. When interviewed, all Proton’s racers attributed the success to the handling and reliability of their Malaysian-made and engineered cars.

All said and done, participating in motorsports events like the S1K takes dedication, discipline and a strong level of focus from the entire team. While many are able to drive well on the roads, participating in a race like the S1K requires more than just good driving skills.

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Impressive performance in S1K by Team Proton R3’s all-ladies entry

Team Proton R3’s third consecutive win in the recent Sepang 1000km (S1K) race certainly grabbed headlines but also deserving praise was the was the impressive result for the team’s third car. This was a Saga with an all-ladies crew comprising Faye Kusairi, Nurul Husna and Leona Chin.

Unlike the other R3 drivers, Faye and Nurul did not have prior experience of competing in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS). They were selected via the team’s lady drivers search initiative. Leona, however, is a professional racer who has been competing in the MCS.

From 26^th to 7th
In the tough 9-hour race, the trio put in a fine effort after starting from 26^th position to finish a respectable seventh. A demonstration of team spirit and skill, the 2019 S1K was in fact the first time all three shared the same car.

2019 Sepang 100km Proton R3 (4) — *Ready to battle in the 2019 S1K!*

Despite their unfamiliarity with each other, the inherent speed of all three was evident during practice sessions for the race. They were consistently setting times that put them in the top eight. Their qualifying session however was compromised by a small technical issue, consigning them to start from the back of the M-Production class grid. Nevertheless starting 26th did not dampen their spirit and during the race, they drove with great skill and patience, methodically working their way up through the field.

“The S1K was extremely memorable and surreal for me. I am amazed we finished seventh from 26th on the grid but it proves how quick the Proton Saga and our trio of drivers really is. To be honest, I really feel that if we were given another chance, I think we can make it up on to the podium,” said Faye.

“Our lady race drivers performed admirably and drove really well to mount a great comeback from their low grid position. To finish seventh in what is one of the toughest S1K races in recent memory is a great achievement and the best finish ever achieved at the race for an all-ladies driving crew,” said a delighted Gary Lee, Head of Team Proton R3.

Proton Saga proves racing prowess
Despite being R3’s newest car, the 2019 Proton Saga has already proven its ability to be a quick track car. The short development cycle (the model was launched in August this year) meant the team faced a tremendous challenge to get it ready on time, but the results have proven how suitable the Saga is for motorsports.

“The Proton Saga is a model synonymous with Proton and was the very first model the company used for motorsports. In more recent times, we favoured other models but last year we started using it again for the MCS and S1K in 2018. This year’s car is brand new and despite the very short timelines, the results have been very impressive. This therefore proves the Proton Saga is capable of performing in a variety of environments, from daily commuting to family outings and competing in Malaysia’s biggest race, making it truly a Malaysian favourite,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO Of Proton.

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Team Proton R3 (R3) capped a successful 2019 season yesterday by winning the Sepang 1000km (S1K) race for a third consecutive time. The impressive achievement was led by Mitchell Cheah and Fariqe Hairuman in the latest Proton Iriz which dominated the proceedings in a tough 9-hour race. There was double joy for the team as the 2019 Proton Saga driven by Syafiq Ali and Admi Shahrul crossed the finish line in second place.

Most successful manufacturer in S1K
With a third consecutive and fifth overall S1K victory, Proton has stretched its lead as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the event. It not only reflects on the capabilities of the cars but also the skill, professionalism and teamwork of R3, arguably the leading racing team in Malaysia.

“Being successful in motor racing requires a combination of factors. A manufacturer, for instance, would firstly need the correct models in its range that would be suitable for the job. Even if a suitable model is available, it is difficult to achieve success as the car needs to be developed while the skills of the racing team, from the technicians to the drivers, needs to be finely honed. This requires an investment in time and money and Proton’s success in motorsports is proof our investment in R3, our in-house racing division, is a wise one,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Lady drivers impress too
There were three Team Proton R3 entrants for the S1K this year with the third car crewed by an all-female driving team. Nurul Husna and Faye Kusairi were selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search that gave aspiring female racers a chance to compete in the S1K race. The lead driver for the team was Leona Chin, Malaysia’s fastest female racer.

A technical issue during qualifying meant the team’s 2019 Proton Saga started the race from 26th on the grid. Despite the early setback, the ladies showed amazing skill and fighting spirit as they carved their way up to seventh overall and first among all lady drivers by the end of the race.

“Our lady drivers performed very well and we are proud of their achievement. By finishing seventh, they have proven their capability to compete in the male dominated arena of motorsports and Proton are proud to have given Malaysian women an opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Dr. Li.

“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday”
The marketing phrase refers to an age-old ethos for car manufacturers who compete in motorsports. By being successful on the track, their products gain an image boost thus helping to improve their performance in the showroom. Additionally, owners also get to feel a sense of pride to be driving a car from the winning brand – especially if it is the same model.

“By winning the S1K for the fifth time in 11 editions, Proton has proven its mastery of the event. A 1,000-km race requires speed as well as reliability and our models have both. What we learn in the heat of competition we then engineer into our products to create better cars. The success of both the 2019 Iriz and 2019 Saga in motorsports helped boost the image of each model and as a result, Iriz sales have increased three-fold while the Saga has achieved over 35,000 bookings since its launch,” Dr. Li revealed.

Want to experience the performance of the latest Proton Iriz and Saga? Visit www.proton.com to locate a showroom near your for a test-drive.

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Team Proton R3 (R3) drivers Fariqe Hairuman and Syafiq Ali have clinched the M-Production Class Championship for the 2019 Malaysia Championship Series (MCS). Driving a Proton Iriz, the pair finished second in Round 5, a gruelling 300-km race offering double points to those who finished in the Top 10.

For Fariqe, the 2019 title is his second MCS championship as he also won it in 2015 while driving for R3. His co-driver Syafiq, a 3-time Sepang 1000km (S1K) winner, collected his first MCS title to add to the impressive list of racing accolades he has already won.

Aiming for S1K win
After winning the MCS championship, R3 is aiming for a S1K win in November. By winning the MCS championship, R3 have achieved one of their main goals for 2019 and can now focus on defending their S1K title to deliver Proton a record-breaking fifth title in the race. They have a good chance of doing so as the team will be fielding cars with proven track records.

Aside from the Iriz, R3 will race two units of the 2019 Proton Saga, the newest car in their stable. During Round 5 of the MCS, the veteran driven pairing of Admi Shahrul and Faidzil Alang defended their title chasing teammates from attacks by other cars but still managed to drive their Saga to a third-place finish. It was the second podium for the Saga in the last three MCS races, which bodes well for the S1K.

The second Proton Saga will be piloted by drivers selected from the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search. The initiative offers an opportunity to lady racers to undergo a development programme with R3, culminating in a race seat in the 2019 S1K race.

Competent road cars add competitiveness on track
“R3 set out to win the MCS in 2019 and we won 6 consecutive races to go into Round 5 as championship leaders. Having racked up 5 wins, the Iriz was carrying 60 kgs of success ballast so our competitors had an advantage during the race. Still, we tried our best to overcome the weight penalty and win the race but, in the end, we finished with two podium places in second and third. The results worked out well for us though and thanks to the skill of our drivers and the handling and reliability of our cars we easily clinched the MCS championship,” said Gary Lee, Team Principal of Proton R3.

“The team is using the newest versions of the Iriz and Saga and both have proven to be very competitive, thanks to the excellent handling capabilities of road-going versions of all Proton cars. This provides R3 with a good base from which to build a racing machine and as the season has progressed our development programme has managed to deliver two cars with race-winning potential,” he added.

Click here for other news and articles about Proton in PISTON.MY

Click here to find out more about accessories available from Proton R3

Proton R3 announces Lady Racers Search and Mentor Programmes

Team Proton R3 (R3), Proton’s racing and rallying division, has announced a lady racers search and mentorship programme for teams competing in the Malaysia Speed Festival (MSF) series. The programmes are in partnership with MSF, the largest grassroots motorsports event in the country. Both programmes aim to develop motorsports at grassroots level by leveraging on R3’s experience built up over many years of competition.

“At Proton, we value our competition heritage and acknowledge our cars remain a popular choice at all levels of racing and rallying. We invest to compete in local and international events because we believe motorsports is a fertile environment to develop the best engineers. The lady drivers search and mentor programmes are just the starting point and we hope our efforts will spur more involvement from other automotive companies to develop the local racing scene,” added Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Giving back to Malaysia’s racing community
R3 is the only manufacturer-supported racing team in Malaysia and in over 15 years of experience, Proton’s performance arm has collected a string of accolades to its name. Their resume is highlighted by wins in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and class victories at the World Rally Championship (WRC) level.

Domestically, the team has two overall Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) wins to its name as well as four Sepang 1000km (S1K) victories, a record unmatched by any other automotive brand.

Sharing wealth of experience
With such a long list of accolades, R3 now aims to share its wealth of experience via the MSF-R3 Lady Racers Search and MSF-R3 Mentor Programme. This will allow Malaysian racing drivers and teams access to information, team management and car development techniques that will help to elevate their performance and lead them to success at national level events.

It is also an opportunity to discover talented lady racers and nurture their careers, giving them a good head start in a male dominated arena. Putting women behind the wheel and mentoring racing teams. While many Malaysian racing drivers have competed in regional and international events, almost all of them have been male-dominated. Proton and R3 would like to change the narrative and give lady drivers a chance to shine in motorsports.

Starting off with three
From an initial pool of participants, three will be offered an opportunity to develop as racing drivers and participate in the 2019 edition of the S1K race, driving a Team Proton R3-prepared car. Selections will be based on how contestants perform in a series of on and off-track activities and will include being judged on criteria such as discipline, teamwork and commitment aside from their skill behind the wheel.

As for the mentor programme, selected drivers and teams competing in the MSF SuperTurismo races using Proton vehicles will be supported by Team Proton R3 personnel for the remaining 3 events this year. Though each team will be independently managed, R3 will provide technical and set-up know-how before and during the race, with the specific aim to improve their performance and inculcate best industry practices.

“Our long history of competing means there is a wealth of knowledge at Team Proton R3’s disposal. At the same time, we want to get more involved at the grassroots level as we feel Proton and R3 should play a bigger role in the development of motorsports in Malaysia. These two separate programmes will allow us to be involved on two fronts simultaneously while also showcasing the ability of Proton cars to compete in races” said Gary Lee, Head of Team Proton R3.

Drivers and teams for MSF-R3 Racers Mentor Programme:
Mohd Hafiz Saad #248
Nik Shahrul Fadli Nik Mansor #141
Alban Raymond De Sauza #16
Muhammad Faishal Othman #180
Md. Shah Hashim #387

Contestants for the MSF-R3 Lady Drivers Search:
Ng Aik Sha
Samanda Lee
Nurul Husna Nasharuddin
Nursharina Nor Ramlle
Dayangku Faratiwan Adnil
Rozana Rahmat
Umi Nasirah Sulaiman
Zaidah Mohd Ishak
Nor Azirah Mohd Azhar

Click here to know more about Proton’s motorsports activities

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Proton R3

Proton Reveals Pricing for X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition Accessories Package

Proton R3 moves forward with new range of Premium Genuine Oils and new merchandise

FEATURE – Teamwork, cars and drivers are all important for success in motorsports

Impressive performance in S1K by Team Proton R3’s all-ladies entry

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Proton R3 announces Lady Racers Search and Mentor Programmes

Proton Reveals Pricing for X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition Accessories Package

Proton R3 moves forward with new range of Premium Genuine Oils and new merchandise

FEATURE – Teamwork, cars and drivers are all important for success in motorsports

Impressive performance in S1K by Team Proton R3’s all-ladies entry

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!

Team Proton R3 takes Malaysian Championship Series title

Proton R3 announces Lady Racers Search and Mentor Programmes

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