Our little hardworking secret project for 2010 team was having a short break and discussion at the Petronas near the Sepang International Circuit a few weeks ago and it so happened that a lightly disguised facelifted Proton Persona was being refueled there
We wasted no time and snapped away to bring you a closer look to what we’ll soon be able to buy next year. Look after the jump for all four photos in high resolution goodness.
Developed in partnership with Lotus Engineering, this engine grants PROTON complete vehicle design independence. Its breakthrough engine technology produces low fuel consumption, yet gives rapid, high power response, and can even be produced to run on alternative fuels.
Its represents true world class powertrain engineering, and a revolutionary step forward in engine manufacture, with low toxic emissions, low noise levels and above all, highly economical maintenance of long service intervals.
Major design objectives :
-
Space-saving transverse east-west direction engine installation
-
Designed for long life of at least 10 years or 250,000 km
-
Best performance in class
-
Flexibility to use future technology (CPS & NGV)
-
80% recyclable to meet 2005 requirements
-
comply to future exhaust emission legislation requirement
In the last few days of the 2009, Proton styling department chief Azlan Othman revealed that an announcement would be made soon on the showcase of a new design direction and language for Proton Design. He mentioned that it would be a ‘worldwide announcement’, and I think Proton MD Datuk Syed Zainal has just given us a clue as to when this announcement is going to happen!
He revealed at Proton’s 2010 Family Day celebrations that Proton would be participating in the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March this year. Geneva is probably one of the most important non-American market motorshows out there along with the Frankfurt show, which is just a wee bit strange considering there are no Swiss automotive manufacturers.
A Geneva exhibit usually warrants something big to showcase to make it worth it so maybe… just maybe… perhaps what Azlan meant was that Proton could be showing an interesting concept car featuring future design language elements in it? Peugeot is also taking the same route, showcasing its Peugeot SR1 Concept there.
Other than that, DSZ also said that the Exora is due for a Middle Eastern market debut soon, and a consolidation process of its Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim plants are underway and scheduled to complete by the end of this year. No details have been revealed but in Proton’s current overcapacity state we might see Proton consolidate all manufacturing in one plant?
Until March then!
