Proton GEN-2

Proton GEN-2, 2008

Having acquired a majority share in Group Lotus Plc in 1996 and a full share in 2003, Proton have combined the sporting heritage of Lotus with its own strengths to create the Proton GEN-2 - a car that offers far more than the average family car.

Proton introduced the latest addition to the GEN-2 line-up in March 2008, with the launch of the Proton GEN-2 Persona saloon into the UK. The GEN-2 saloon combines the excellent performance, ride and handling of the GEN-2 hatchback, but with the added sophistication and functionality that comes with owning a 4-door family car.

The GEN-2 - a Proton through and through
Proton believes that driving should be fun and that every one of its cars should deliver superb ride and handling. Progressive technology is evident across the range - not just in performance but in safety measures and standard equipment. The Proton GEN-2 continues this tradition of offering everything motorists have come to expect from a Proton - and more.

Proton cars have always been reliable and good value for money and to maintain this Proton has added many additional features to the Proton GEN-2, making it even better value. But what sets the GEN-2 apart from the average family car is the influence of Lotus. The GEN-2 draws heavily on this, and marked a big step forward for Proton in terms of ride and handling, engine development and vehicle design.

The Proton GEN-2 hatchback and saloon are joined by three other cars in Proton range which are the five door city car the Savvy, the three door supermini the Satria Neo and the Impian four door saloon.

Exterior Design
The biggest challenge for the Malaysian designers at Proton's Styling Unit when they designed the Proton GEN-2, was not only to come up with the design for a new car, but more importantly a brand new identity that would shape Proton cars of the next generation.

Shaking off the existing Proton car image and appearance that car buyers have grown accustomed to over the last 15 years required the designers to embrace a bold and more daring approach in their designs. Equally important was to establish a presence that would disassociate future Proton cars from being perceived as rebadged variants belonging to Mitsubishi.

From the Proton GEN-2's conception there was a desire to create a family car which showed Proton was a manufacturer of exciting and passionate cars rather than conventional products. The GEN-2 was designed to have an aerodynamic and curvaceous styling not previously experienced in previous Proton vehicles, or generally found on family cars. This goal enabled designers and engineers to set a consistent and emerging styling direction for future products, giving Proton cars their own personality, character and presence.

Lotus influence in the Proton GEN-2 is strong compared to previous Proton vehicles, particularly in the exterior and interior styling, which has set out to create a more sporty and contemporary car both inside and out. The GEN-2 represents a harmonious blend of Proton and Lotus characteristics to produce a contemporary and much sportier car than previous models and set a standard which each of the current products now embodies.

Size
The Proton GEN-2 hatchback has an overall length of 4310mm, an overall width measuring 1725mm, a height of 1435mm and wheelbase of 2600mm. This compares very favourably with the competition, with the car being longer than many of its competitors and having improved vehicle dynamics. It has a 50 litre fuel tank and luggage area volume of 460 litres with the rear seats up and a volume of 850 litres with the seats folded down.

The GEN-2 saloon has an overall length of 4477mm, an overall width measuring 1725mm, a height of 1437mm and wheelbase of 2600mm. The saloon version has a luggage area volume of 430 litres with the seats up, which can be doubled with the seats folded down.

NVH suppression
The Proton GEN-2 aims for superior NVH characteristics which make the driving experience comfortable for occupants without eliminating the sporty engine noise. The aerodynamic profile means the GEN-2 delivers low wind resistance, good high speed manoeuvrability, vehicle stability and control.

Lighting
Sculptured headlights give a more aggressive appearance and the front bumper has been deliberately designed to appear lower for a more sporty presence. Clear fog lights have also been integrated into the front bumper for a more dynamic stature. All Proton GEN-2 models have halogen headlamps with semi-automatic levelling as standard.

Interior Design
When you step into the Proton GEN-2, you can't miss the influence of the Lotus Design Studio in the circular styling of the controls, cowled dash, subtle red LEDs and sporty dials.

Equipment
All GLS and saloon models are fitted with an air conditioning system with pollen filter, with GSX models having automatic climate control with pollen filter as standard. The familiar vertically stacked heating controls are situated conveniently by the gear lever and complement the simplistic, minimalist and sporty look and feel.

Engines and Transmissions
The Proton GEN-2 is available with a choice of either a 1.3 (hatchback only) or 1.6 litre 16v Lotus developed CamPro petrol engine. All manual transmission models have a five-speed gearbox and a four-speed automatic option is available on 1.6 models.

Testing of the engine was conducted on both engine rigs and dynamometers as well as on the road with running prototypes already having completed rigorous tests all around the globe and accumulating more than 27,000 hours.

Chassis
The Proton GEN-2 inherits a more rigid platform and body, and Lotus-tweaked suspension for more agility, stability, precision and control as Proton engineers pursued to provide greater active safety.

Proton and Lotus engineers reached the perfect balance between performance excellence and ride comfort in the set-up of the GEN-2, delivering a car with a sporty personality and spirited drive yet managing to attain a high degree of comfort. The goal was to create a car big on performance, and equally generous in terms of on road comfort. In essence, Proton engineers targeted the car for a specific audience - those who are in the market for a practical family car yet desire the performance and personality of a sports car.

The sporty character of the car is translated into creating a more responsive, predictable and controllable package, giving the Proton GEN-2 not only greater agility but stability. The driver registers this in the form of greater precision in terms of lane changing behaviour through an even more immediate and instantaneous response to steering movements.

Safety
Safety is a priority for Proton, who provide drivers with a range of equipment to help to prevent an accident and protect in the event of a collision. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBS) deliver controlled, safer braking in adverse weather conditions. EBD distributes optimum braking force to the area of the vehicle that needs it the most, ensuring stability and confidence under heavy braking.

Security
The Proton GEN-2 comes with an integrated alarm system and an engine immobiliser with a unique encoded transponder. The three stage security system minimises the risk of vehicle theft by means of hot wire or duplication of keys, providing protection from theft. The door locking system is fitted with a free rolling key cylinder as a theft deterrent. If an intruder uses an unmatched key or attempts a forced entry on the key cylinder with a foreign object, the lock will rotate freely to prevent opening. Should a window be broken, the combination of the immobiliser and ignition lock protection will ensure that the ignition system is protected and the car cannot be driven.

The central locking cables are hidden to prevent tampering and the locks are less likely to be broken if foreign objects are inserted. To further reduce the risk of kerb-side break-ins there is only one exposed lock, on the driver's door, and no external boot release.

Proton Impian

Proton Impian, 2006

Malaysia's primary national car manufacturer has come a long way since the first Mitsubishi-based car rolled off the production line in 1985 and the Proton Impian personifies a new ambition to produce products that are technically advanced, great value and satisfying to drive.

A range of derivative models is currently under development at the R & D Centre, and Proton is also planning the launch of a mid-engined 2+2 sports car based on the Lotus M250 chassis in two years time.

Inner Strength
Thicker steel has been used to reinforce the entire body structure of the new car for maximum rigidity and reduced deformation in collisions. This has also helped to minimise road vibrations and noise transmitted through the suspension mountings.

A recyclable plastic fuel tank module is 15 per cent lighter than in previous Proton models and is designed to withstand a 30 mph rear impact from another vehicle. Modular construction is also used for the doors, front suspension assembly, strut and shock absorber mountings and for brake mountings.

Longer, wider and taller than the Proton Wira, the Proton Impian is also crucially 100 mm longer in the wheelbase. This adds up to more leg, head and shoulder room for added comfort. Spacious accommodation for up to five adults is supported by a wide, easy to load 15.5 cubic feet luggage compartment, which houses a space saving spare wheel and storage tray.

Safe and sure footed
Coil-sprung MacPherson strut front suspension and coil-sprung multilink rear suspension are enhanced by stabiliser bars to create the right balance between precise handling responses transmitted through rack and pinion progressive power steering and ride comfort.

In tuning the spring rates and dampers to achieve this goal, Lotus Engineering conducted exhaustive development work on steering effort and response, linearity, straight-line handling, cornering, lane changing, body control, wheel control and smoothness of ride before the Proton Impian was brought to market. The result is a car that scores eight A's in every facet of ride and handling.

In benchmark tests against such established and acclaimed D sector models as the Audi A4, Honda Accord and Vauxhall Vectra, the Proton Impian established a clear lead in overall ride and handling. With just 2.8 turns from lock to lock, steering response from the alloy wheels shod with 195/55R 15 tyres is direct and positive.

The driver's control of vehicle dynamics is further enhanced by the fitting of traction control as standard equipment to UK-spec cars. Dependable braking over all road surfaces is assured by 10in diameter disc brakes all round, ventilated at the front, plus four-wheel electronic ABS.

Flexible performance
Lower fuel consumption, noise and vibration levels, plus improved flexibility and response are delivered by the latest version of the lightweight Mitsubishi 1.6 litre 4G18 S4 petrol engine fitted to the new model.A plastic intake manifold and redesigned pistons, fuel injectors and distributor have saved space and reduced weight, while a new cooling system, engine stay and cylinder block reinforcement contribute to quieter running.

The four cylinder engine's design features improved cooling and lubrication of the cylinder block. A metal head gasket and wider timing belt ensure even better reliability and consumables such as transmission and engine oil, filters and spark plugs boast extended service intervals.

The new engine delivers increased power and torque than previous 1.6 engines used by Proton for enhanced driveability and economy, while emissions comply with European Step III regulations. Drive is either through a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed electronic automatic transmission.

Safety and comfort
Ergonomic layout of all controls coupled with use of high quality materials in harmonious shades have dictated the design of the new model's passenger compartment. Fascia and seat styling reflects the latest thinking on interior design, with all functions within easy reach and view to help the driver maintain concentration on the road at all times.

Speedometer, tachometer and ancillary gauges monitoring water temperature and fuel level are positioned alongside a warning light panel directly ahead of the driver. Face level fresh air vents are positioned either side of the instrument panel and the driver's view ahead is protected from instrument glare by a stylish curved hood. Below the vents in the strategically-angled centre console are push button controls for secondary functions and a built-in stereo system, which has been ergonomically designed and acoustically tuned by Clarion specially for the Proton Impian.

Controls for the sound system are high mounted in the driver's field of vision to avoid driver distraction and push button controls for volume and station search are incorporated in the 14in. three spoke height adjustable steering wheel, which also houses an electronic driver's airbag.

Primary controls such as headlamps, indicators and wipers/mist washers are mounted on steering column stalks and Proton has even reversed the traditional right side indicator position found on most Pacific rim vehicles to suit European tastes.

Easy to use controls for the standard air conditioning are also to be found in the centre console, which sweeps down to incorporate an ashtray, cigarette lighter, cubby hole, gear shift, handbrake, cup holders and centre armrest concealing a storage bin. Ahead of the front passenger is a fascia-mounted airbag above the large glove compartment and both front seat occupants gain addition impact protection from side airbags.

Body hugging, reclining front seats with adjustable head restraints have 240 mm of fore and aft adjustment, while the driver's seat has hand controls to adjust seat height and lumbar support. Velour upholstery and deep pile carpeting is standard fitment, while the 1.6X is trimmed with Connolly leather upholstery.

Rear seats incorporating vertically adjustable head restraints and a folding central armrest feature 60/40 split and a child seat restraint anchorage. Moulded interior door trim conceals six-piece impact protection that complies with EU side impact safety requirements and windows are electrically powered front and rear.Finger-tip safety-touch controls for all four windows plus child-proof security lock are conveniently located for the driver in the front door armrest, while grab handles above each door and sun visors flush-fold into the moulded headlining.

Proton GEN-2

Proton GEN-2, 2004

Following Proton Berhad's acquisition of a 100 per cent controlling interest in Group Lotus Plc, personnel from the British sports car manufacturer's engineering division have been closely involved in the development programme of GEN-2; both at the Lotus headquarters in Hethel and at Proton's £62 million vehicle design and development centre in Malaysia.

The Proton GEN-2 has been styled to attract a wider customer base; the Lotus Design Studio has had a major influence on the design of the curvy muscular bodywork that looks simply sensational in a range of new colours. From the bee sting aerial to the dashboard instrument panel, reminiscent of the Lotus roundel, the GEN-2's sporting pedigree is undeniable.

The 1.6 litre CAMPRO engine, designed in collaboration with Lotus, delivers exceptional torque output. The double overhead-camshaft engine produces 110bhp.

Power is matched by agility, with handling developed by Lotus. The Proton GEN-2 has outstanding stability when cornering and changing lanes, making it an exciting, responsive drive while maximising passenger comfort.

Sleek, sporty lines continue throughout the interior. The design combines ergonomic comfort with classic minimalism, while exclusive touches from Blaupunkt have brought fingertip controls to life.

Optimal protection is provided by increased body rigidity and strategic crumple zones. Four-wheel ABS on the GSX model ensures stability and good braking performance, whilst the Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) system prevents wheel lock up as the driver makes avoidance manoeuvers whilst braking.