Proton S70 R3 race car: five things you need to know
Proton through its motorsports division Proton R3, has just announced the lineup of drivers who will pilot the latest S70 R3 vehicle at the Sepang 1000KM (S1K) race next month.
At the same time, media representatives were introduced to the new race car that will be used by the Proton R3 team.
Here are five things you should know about the Proton S70 R3:
- Still using the Campro engine
As previously reported, the Proton S70 R3 will not compete with the 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo engine.
Instead, it will utilize the long-standing Campro S4PH 1.6-liter engine, which has been in use since Proton R3’s involvement in the S1K with vehicles like the Preve, Suprima S, Iriz, Saga, and Satria Neo.
While Proton has not disclosed the exact specifications of this vehicle, earlier reports suggest that the S4PH engine fitted in the Saga and Iriz can produce over 200 hp!
- Why not use the original S70 engine or removing the turbo?
Proton is participating in the S1K race in the MTC category, which allows the use of different engines from the same manufacturer.
This means that Proton can save on development costs by referring to data obtained from previous races for this new vehicle.
If they were to use the original engine, Proton would require more time to gather the necessary data. The decision to remove the turbo from the original S70 engine was also deemed inefficient; thus, it is better for Proton to stick with the proven Campro engine, which has already won five S1K championships.
For S70 fans, there’s no need to worry, as Proton has revealed plans to join the race next year using a street-spec Proton S70.
- What’s different about the S70 R3?
Proton has added a front splitter, a rear spoiler, and 15-inch rims wrapped in 195/55 R15 tires.
Essentially, the suspension configuration of the S70 remains the same as the street model, compliant with regulations, but it has been enhanced with a set of dampers more suitable for racing.
- A cabin loaded with racing equipments
In the cabin area, all unnecessary equipment has been removed, and even the door panels have been replaced.
What remains are Recaro racing seats, an AP Racing pedal box, a Motec display screen, a manual gear knob, and the mandatory safety cage.
- Will there be a street version of the S70 R3?
Proton has previously revealed plans to produce a road version of the S70 R3, equipped with high-performance upgrades for public sale.
While it may not be available in the near future, the image gallery below allows you to imagine what the R3 variant of the S70 might look like on the road.
Will it have specifications similar to the S70 race car? As a Proton fan, we hope it’s not just a cosmetic change.
