If it was the Proton X50 R3 concept last year, this year Proton is bringing something even cooler to Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in the form of the Proton S70 R3 Concept. And it is cooler because this “concept” previews an actual racecar from Proton that will compete in the Sepang 1000km race.
Before we go on, it is important to note that this Proton S70 R3 Concept is a mere mockup, hence the super dark window tints that hide the lack of a roll cage or a race-prepped interior. It simply previews what the racecar may look like. It is no secret that Proton is developing a race car for the Sepang 1000km race as this was previously announced in February 2024.
While the real racecar has yet to be revealed, we can at least expect the same visual treatment seen on the S70 R3 concept. This includes the livery, rear wing, wheels, and body kit. The car is adorned with a yellow and black livery together with “sponsors” such as Proton Global Services (PGS), Proton Lifestyle, as well as DRB-HICOM.
The S70 R3 racecar will likely be developed according to the top-of-the-range M Production (MTC) category’s specification. That means a completely stripped-out interior for weight savings, roll cage, suspension and aerodynamic redesign, better brakes, and of course a revamped powertrain that will most definitely make more power, and more importantly, withstand its peak performance under high stress loads for over 1,000 km.
The exact MTC technical regulations have not been published yet, but according to last year’s rule books, the MTC class only allows for production vehicles with engines ranging from 1,401 to 1,600 cc, with all forms of forced induction (turbochargers, superchargers) specifically ruled out. This, of course, doesn’t bode well for the Proton S70, which comes as standard with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine.
Proton Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah said, “Proton has a long history in motorsports, starting with the original Proton Saga and our involvement was ramped up with the inception of Proton R3 in 2003. Since then, we have competed and won in various competitions up to a global level with models as varied as the Proton Satria, Waja, Suprima S, Iriz, and the latest version of the Saga. Now with the Proton S70 R3, we are adding another milestone to our legacy, marking not only the return of the Proton name to the S1K event but also the first racing car based on a model jointly developed by Proton and Geely.”
GALLERY
