Proton Satria R3

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Proton Satria R3
Manufacturer	Proton
Production	2004-2006
Class	Hot hatch
Body style	3-door hatchback
Platform	FF
Related	Mitsubishi Mirage
Similar	Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg Honda Civic Si

The Proton Satria R3 is a limited edition, track-focused version of Proton's popular Satria hatchback made by R3, Proton's in-house tuning company. It was bourne out of the success of R3's Satria Street Shoot Out (SSO) racing vehicle. R3 is an abbreviation of Race, Rally, Research.

1 Model Information
2 Specification
3 Performance
4 External links

[edit] Model Information

The Satria R3, based on the original Satria (which itself is based on the Mitsubishi Mirage), was introduced in late 2004. It was conceived as a run-out model of the successful Satria GTi, and was positioned at the top of the Satria range.

Original Stage 1 R3s utilises the same Mitsubishi-sourced 1.8-litre, inline-4 engine as the Satria GTi (albeit with a new free-flow exhaust system), producing 140bhp (105kW) and 168Nm of torque. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, also sourced from the GTi.

The main modification that separated the R3 from the GTi was its double stitch welded chassis, which meant the car was welded twice for increased structural rigidity, aided by the inclusion of front and rear suspension strut braces. The R3 was also stripped of its sound-deadening material and driver's airbag, which helped brought the weight down to just 995kg. Suspension improvements included uprated springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and lower ride height.

The brakes have also been modified. The ABS has been removed and the original ventilated front discs and solid rear discs have been replaced by cross-drilled and slotted DBA discs all round. Brake pads are superior endurance-based M1144 series supplied by Mintex Racing.

Externally, the R3 can be differentiated from the GTi by its lightweight 16-inch Advanti alloy wheels. Although they are the same size as those on the GTi, they are now of a five-spoke design with a gunmetal finish and wrapped in Yokohama Advan AD07 tyres. Also, the headlamps are smoked and the roof spoiler is now made of carbon fibre.

Inside, the R3 has a three-spoke MOMO Tuner steering wheel, carbon fibre gearknob, titanium-effect trim and Recaro SR4 seats.

All R3s came in Incognito Black with R3's signature red and silver stripes on the sides, while the interiors of all cars were trimmed in black and red fabric. Only 150 units were ever produced.

Later, R3 introduced staged hop-ups for the Satria R3. The two stages (Stage 2 and 3) included a plethora of more hardcore upgrades for the powertrain and chassis.

The carbon fibre parts on the R3 are prone to theft. Many owners resorted to removing these lightweight parts and replacing them with those from the GTi, refitting them only during special events.

[edit] Specification

4G93P 1.8L 16-valve inline-4
140bhp/105kW @ 6100rpm
168Nm @ 5600rpm

[edit] Performance

Although the performance figures provided from R3 showed that the Satria R3 was actually slower than the Satria GTi (0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds, 210km/h top speed), it is noted that Proton's performance figures for the GTi is optimistic.