Hidden in a corner of Proton’s big display area at KLIMS 2010 is this, the Satria Neo R3 Concept. This mean looking Neo is powered by a Campro CPS engine tweaked by R3 to make 200 hp and 250 Nm of torque! The concept has a sole objective – ultimate performance.
In R3’s hands, the 1.6L Campro CPS gets a turbocharger, R3 forged pistons, steel conrod, performance camshafts, reworked cylinder heads, carbon airbox, a new exhaust system and management computer. The results are 200 hp and 250 Nm (170 hp and 200 Nm on wheel), which is a huge 75 hp/100 Nm jump over the stock engine. The manual gearbox is a close ratio unit.
Like the Satria Neo R3 Lotus Racing, the R3 uses a complete AP Racing brake kit comprising 4-pot calipers, 295 mm floating discs and performance brake pads. The fancy Ohlins coil over suspension also make an appearance here. The show car wears 15-inch wheels with 195/50 Bridgestone Potenza RE55S semi slicks.
Looks wise, the Neo R3 is in black with a yellow stripe running the length of the body, like the Saga R3 Concept we showed you from Bangkok. The sides also come with a yellow chequered flag patterned stripe. The carbon fibre bonnet, body kit and add ons are similar to that of the limited edition RM115,000 Lotus Racing Neo, with bronze coloured lower front/rear bumpers.
Inside the Nappa and Alcantara covered cabin, you’ll find Recaro seats with Sparco harness, a Sparco R323 wheel with 60 mm spacer and a bolt on 4-point half roll-cage in yellow. The base of the gear lever (shiny knob) and door cards are in yellow too. A 2-DIN touch screen ICE system with GPS takes its place in the centre stack and analog instruments have been replaced by a single digital panel.
Sounds tasty, doesn’t it? Unfortunately there are no plans to put this to market, although R3 won’t say no to a Neo owner that hands them a big bag of cash! Live gallery from KLIMS after the jump.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the Proton Satria Neo R3 Concept mostly express excitement and admiration for its performance potential, with some wishing it could be put into production. Enthusiasts highlight its turbocharged engine, sporty design, and track-ready features like semi-slick tires and reinforced chassis, comparing it favorably to international cars and rally vehicles. There is also optimism that this concept showcases Proton’s engineering capabilities, though some skeptics question its practicality and cost, especially regarding the chassis strength and real-world drivability. Several comments emphasize the car’s appeal as a high-performance, Malaysian-made hot hatch that could challenge foreign brands if marketed properly. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with hopes for the car to move from concept to reality, reflecting pride in Malaysian engineering and a desire for more affordable performance cars.