BERNAMA - Proton's High Performance Engine To Be Ready By 2011

Proton's High Performance Engine To Be Ready By 2011

By Mahanum Abdul Aziz

NORWIRCH (United Kingdom), Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd expects its new high-torque pressure-charged performance engine to be ready by 2011.

Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd's Engineering Division Director Tajul Zahari Abu Bakar said Proton was developing the engine in collaboration with Lotus Engineering with the active involvement of Malaysian engineers and vendors.

" Fifty per cent of the special components of the engine is supplied and developed together with Malaysian suppliers," he told Malaysian reporters in Norwirch today.

He added that the objective of this engine development was basically to improve its capability as well as facilitate the transfer of technology to Proton and Malaysian suppliers.

Saying that 70 engineers were involved in the engine development, Tajul Zahari added the performance of the 1,600 cc engine was equivalent to that of a 2,000 cc engine.

The engine promises a high torque for enhanced driveability with improved economy, performance and emissions, he added.

Tajul Zahari said the engine, which was launched by Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin here on Friday, has been tested under all weather conditions and is compatible with the RON 95 and RON 97 fuel.

He said the engine, designed to have reduced emission level, low maintenance as well as better service ability, would be fitted in Proton's export models.

-- BERNAMA