Proton sets to shut down R3 division?

There's a rumours circulating from Inspira tuners facebook that the R3 division is set for a closure after Raya.  While there's no further information available, the most sensible reason must the rationalisation of Proton's overall business under DRB-Hicom care. In a bid to cut cost (& loss), the non-core division or business must go. Make no mistake about it, motorsport is costly.

Anyway, this kind of move is really a typical one. Especially when the company has new owner or more so a new leader. And the consequences is, well, the intelligent working level that suffers. Those who works passionately and giving their all to deliver the product will now have to do something else, which might not be their interest. But this is the danger of sticking to the non-core business in any type of organisation. The niche department only exists during the good time. They will be shed away in no time at all in the difficult moment.

Many years ago, Proton axed major project with Lotus. The results, some aspiring young engineers gone out of job. In a foreign country some more. In the recent years, an oil and gas company shed its automotive powertrain division due to the desire to stick to the core business. As a results of that, many of the not-so-young engineers again have to look or job. Some decide to sell their soul to the money promised by some industry, some stay stubborn while some just don't care.

However, in light of all this, despite the appears on the losing side, it is actually a character building. Be it for the company, or be it for the person. It inculcates resilient. Top gun will always stay top gun. If DRB-Hicom thinks this move will make Proton earns better, just do it then!

R3 kit introduced for Proton Preve & other models

Proton has showcased the latest R3 product, mainly for the Proton Preve and Satria Neo at the event of APRC in Johor. The models are being on show at Plaza Angsana. The R3 kit for the Preve is the first in line for this particular model, comprising of a new front bumper extension with lower lip and side duct, side skirting and rear valence. While there is no mentioned about the rims, it looks as if it is at least 17" in diameter.

There's no mentioned about the drivetrain enhancement, so it is very likely this is the cosmetic updates only. As depicted from the product description, the package does not include the rims, suspension or engine tweak and currently limited to the faster-looking body addenda. The indicative pricing is RM3k++.

Also on show at the Plaza Angsana is the ageing Proton Satria Neo with S2000 Concept. While it lacks the flaring wide-body outlook from the successful rally car, the R3 kit does include an aggressively styled front bumper with massive radiator grille intake, side skirt, new rear bumper and big rear spoiler. Larger rims are available too. The indicative pricing is RM4k++. 

R3 kit for the rest of Proton range is available too. There will also be package for Saga BLM that resemble the R3 show car in Thailand Auto Expo back in 2010, priced tentatively for RM3k++. There special price on offer during the APRC event too for selected R3 kits. For Proton Persona, the bodykit package (minus the rims and tyres) is RM3113.60 (normal RM3,892), Satria Neo CPS package for RM1,000 (from RM1,250), Proton Gen2 kit RM2,530 (usual RM3,891), Proton Satria Neo kit at RM2,570 (normal RM3,953) and finally an Inspira kit for RM2,388 instead of usual RM3,674. Please note that the price quoted are all without rims and tyres.

The photos of the Preve R3 and the brochures for the model mentioned above can be seen after the jump.

Proton Inspira R3 - open for booking at RM78,999

Proton Inspira R3 is now open for booking, and it is limited to 100 units only. The R3-ed Inspira is available only as 1.8l engine with 5 speed manual transmission. The price remain unchanged at RM78,999. Could this be a ploy to clear the unsellable 1.8 litre with manual transmission? However, looking at the bright side, a manual geared is the proper R3 version, so it is perhaps justifiable after all to be offered in this single variant, the sole manual among Inspira range.

R3 touch include new skirting all around, ducktail spoiler (from Inspira 2.0?, no photo from the rear yet so the jury is still out), 18" x 7.5" Advanti Racing M8501 rims wrapped in 225/40 R18 Yokohama AR01 and a standard engine tune. These items are estimated to be RM9,000 worth.

Bookings open now and run till the end of December, or until 100 units are sold out. Colour choice are Solid White, Genetic Silver, Tranquility Black and Plum Red with certain units only for certain color. So if you fancy a racy looking Inspira, head to your nearest Proton dealer now.