PROTON has achieved another milestone in the motorsports industry when it unveiled its first PROTON NEO Super 2000 Rally Car which was developed by UK-based motorsport preparation company Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM). The launch, which had taken place in the Proton Cars UK headquarters here, was unveiled by PROTON Chairman, Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Hashim and Chris Mellors, owner of Mellors Elliot Motorsport.
The car, named Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 Rally Car, was constructed based on the Proton Satria Neo model to conform with the latest FIA homologation specifications. The car was constructed following an agreement signed between PROTON and MEM to collaborate in the development and production of a World Super 2000 Rally Car to meet all technical specifications as set by the goveming body for world motorsports, the Federation Intematlonale de I’Automobile (FIA).
Super 2000 Rally car is a new category of World Rallying which aimed at controlling and reducing costs of preparation and participation by manufacturers in the world, regional, and national championships. The Super 2000 Rally regulations are similar with the Super 2000 Touring Car regulations for the European Touring Car Championship. The three main differences being the increased width of bodywork, 4×4 wheel transmission system, and minimum production car length of 3.9 meters.
The Proton Satria Neo Super 2000 Rally Car can be supplied to both tarmac and gravel specification as required. The existing Satria Neo bodyshell has been extensively modified to accept the S2000 components including the 4 wheel drive system. lt is also strengthened considerably to comply with FIA regulations by fitting a safety roll cage using 35 metres of ChroMo Steel Tube.
The car is fitted with a Waja 1.8 engine with racing internals, increasing the capacity to 1998cc. The engine is positioned transversely and produces a power output of 280bhp at 7800 rpm. Transmission of the car is a four wheel drive system specifically developed by Xtrac for S2000, using a 6 speed sequential gearbox with 3 plated limited slip differentials, and handbrake release system.
The car features a GEMS integral engine ECU and power management system with data logging and glass dash display. Also fitted inthe oar is a MacPherson strut and wishbone suspension designed by MEM using Dynamics dampers with anti Roll bars at the front and rear. The car weighs at 1150 kg for the tarmac version and 1200 Kg for the gravel version.
For more information on ways to purchase the Satria Neo Super 2000 Rally car , kindly contact Zuber Ismail of Mellor Elliot Motorsports (M) Sdn Bhd at +60 12-2007401 or email Neo2000@streamyx.com .
