Proton Satria R3

Infobox Automobile


name = 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 Satria hatchback made by R3 (Race Rally Research) or Proton Motorsports Division. It was born out of the success of R3's Satria Street Shoot Out (SSO) racing vehicle. R3 is an abbreviation of Race, Rally, Research. Only 150 units were ever produced.

Model Information

The Satria R3, based on the original Satria (which itself is based on the Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg), 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 168 Newton meters 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 bring the weight down to just 995kg. Suspension improvements included uprated springs and dampers, thicker anti-roll bars and lower ride height.

The brakes were also modified to have Anti-lock braking system removed as well as the original ventilated front discs and solid rear discs and replaced by cross-drilled and slotted DBA (Disc Brake Australia) discs all round. M1144 series brake pads were supplied by Mintex Racing.

Externally, the R3 is differentiated from the GTi by its lightweight 16-inch Advanti alloy wheels. Although they are the same size as those on the GTi, they have 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.

Modification

uspension changes include

*Front: Performance-tuned MacPherson struts, uprated coilsprings, revised static ride height and camber and 19mm anti-roll bar
*Rear: Multilink system with performance-tuned dampers, uprated coil springs and revised static ride height

Brakes

*Front: Ventilated disc, cross-drilled & slotted with Mintex M1144 pads
*Rear: Disc, cross-drilled & slotted with Mintex M1144 pads

Extra features included

*Signature R3 red/white stripes
*Satria GTi bodykit
*Body colour: Incognito Black
*Interior colour: R3 Red and R3 Dark Titanium
*Front Seats Race-style recaro SR4 trimmed in black Avus and red Zada material
*Light weight floor carpet
*Seat belts: Red coloured seat belts
*Momo Tuner steering wheel
*Floor mat: R3 floor mat set with red stitching and embroidered R3 logo
*Stereo radio/CD Clarion, removable control panel, 4 speakers
*Exterior mirrors: Remote activated
*Rear spoiler: carbon fibre rear wing
*Carbon Fibre gear knob
*Lightweight aluminium pedals

pecification

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

Performance

Although the performance figures provided from R3 showed that the Satria R3 was actually "slower" than the Satria GTi (0-100km/h in 8.5 seconds, 205km/h top speed), it should be noted that Proton's original performance figures for the Satria GTI were optimistic.

*0-100km/h - 8.5 seconds
*Top speed - 205km/h

Stage Hop-up Kits

*R3 Stage 2 Performance cams (135whp)
*R3 Stage 2 Performance Pulleys
*R3 Stage 2 Spark Plug cables
*R3 Bumpsteer Kit
*R3 Stage 2 Engine Mounts
*R3 Stage 2 Front Splitter
*R3 Stage 3 4-1 Performance Header
*R3 Stage 2 Performance Bushes
*R3 Stage 3 Engine upgrade

External links

* [http://www.scratchdisk.biz/r3gister/forum/ The R3gister - Race Rally Research Forum]
* [http://www.r3gister.org The R3gister - Ultimate Resource for Everything R3]