Proton has formally unveiled the S70 R3 that will probably be competing at this 12 months’s Sepang 1000KM (S1K) endurance race set to happen on November 22-24. This comes after the carmaker first teased the race automobile in Could, which was when adopted by a growth video shared on its social media channels earlier this month.
Pictured right here earlier than its racing livery has been utilized, the S70 R3 will look so as to add to Proton’s report variety of producer wins on the occasion, which presently stands at six. As a workforce, Proton R3 has secured 5 wins, together with in 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The S70 R3 joins an extended line of Proton fashions developed for motorsports, together with these earlier than the formation of the R3 division in 2003. These embrace the unique Saga, Wira, Satria, Waja, Satria Neo, Preve, Suprima S, Iriz in addition to the present model of the Saga.
Although the corporate didn’t present specs, it’s understood that the S70 R3 gained’t be utilizing the 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine discovered within the street automobile. As an alternative, it will likely be powered by the confirmed S4PH 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder CamPro unit that was additionally utilized in racing variations of the Satria Neo, Preve, Suprima S, Iriz and Saga. The S4PH reportedly sends 200 hp to the entrance wheels via a canine field handbook transmission.
Based on Proton, the S70 R3 was co-developed with Geely, and the images reveal some notable variations from the idea we noticed in Could. For starters, the physique package is now restricted to a bigger entrance splitter and the facet skirts have been eliminated, though the rear wing seems to be related. There’s additionally a beefier racing braking system, extra adverse camber on the entrance and built-in pneumatic jacks.
As for the inside, it has been stripped out and put in with racing necessities like a Motec digital sprint show, a Recaro seat, a rollcage, an AP Racing pedal field in addition to an ATL racing gasoline cell with quick-fill functionality. These adjustments, together with others, permits the S70 R3 to fulfill M Manufacturing (MTC) class laws, which is relevant not only for the S1K, but additionally the Malaysian Championship Sequence (MCS).
“Having not competed within the final three Sepang 1000KM races, Proton is happy to be again on the beginning grid in 2024. The Proton S70 R3 marks a brand new milestone for the model as we take a mannequin developed along with Geely into the warmth of competitors for the very first time. Quite a lot of challenges needed to be overcome to get thus far with plenty of modifications made to the usual automobile to make sure it met the laws set, however because of our devoted workforce at R3, we’ve managed to fulfill our aim of being prepared for the race in November,” stated Roslan Abdullah, Proton’s deputy CEO.
“Regardless of being a brand new automobile, Proton is taking the problem to subject two models of the S70 R3 within the race as a substitute of utilizing a confirmed older mannequin as a backup. We’re decided to show the skills of the most recent Proton sedan mannequin within the racetrack and whereas we anticipate competitors from groups who’ve actively competed the final three years, it’s our perception the teachings learnt in racing will translate to us constructing higher automobiles for our clients sooner or later,” he added.
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