Bolder MME Waja and Gen.2 launched

PROTON Holdings Bhd's motorsports division research arm Race.Rally.Research (R3) has launched its souped-up special edition Waja MME and Gen.2 MME variants.

Both come with more aggressive looks and better performance over the standard Wajas and Gen.2s.

The MME edition cars are produced to commemorate Proton's Class O and Overall Champion victory at the 2005 Merdeka Millennium Endurance (MME) race.

The MME Waja and Gen.2 are based on the standard M-Line manual transmission variants powered by the 1.6-litre Campro engine that has been enhanced by R3 performance parts to improve braking, handling and engine performance.

The 1.6-litre Campro in the MME cars has additional power and torque of 10bhp and 10Nm respectively through the installation of high performance spark plug cables and performance cat-black exhaust system.

The R3 performance springs which lowers the cars by 25mm to give a low-slung profile, also promise to return better handling and cornering stability compared with stock Wajas and Gen.2s.

Besides a five-piece bodykit to give a powerful stance and better aerodynamics, other standard equipment in the MME models include slotted fade-resistant brake discs, 16-inch alloy wheels, alloy engine valley cover, aluminium front strut tower bar, aluminium gear shifter knob, high quality R3 floor mat set and Bluetooth wireless integration for iPod MP3 players.

To preserve the sporty nature of the MME cars, they are available only with the five-speed manual transmission and fitted with the Continental Sport Contact-1 tyres.

The Waja MME has the additional high intensity discharge headlights that emit a brighter beam for wider and longer light spread during night driving.

Only 200 units of Waja MME and 200 units of the Gen.2 MME will be built. Each car will also have individual numbering.

The Waja MME is produced at Proton's plant in Shah Alam and the Gen.2 MME at the Tanjung Malim facility.

To ensure consistent quality, each unit will be hand finished by specialist R3 technicians with the R3 production team producing two units of each MME model per day.

The Waja MME is priced at RM66,671 and in burgundy, while the Gen.2 MME is sold at RM59,798 and in Midnight Blue.

Owners of standard Waja and Gen.2 can also purchase the R3 performance parts separately for their vehicles.

Speaking at the launch of the MME vehicles at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, R3 head Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel said the motorsports division's objective was to create a sporty and desirable product that encapsulates its triumph in last year’s MME.

"It has to appeal to today’s young, discerning and style conscious performance enthusiasts. Through the extensive list of R3 Performance Parts and Accessories fitted as standard, these cars will provide great appeal to our targeted market segment," he said.

Proton managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said the national car maker's focus was not solely aimed at selling more cars but to build an emotive brand that delivers total customer satisfaction through innovative and relevant product line-up.

The MME vehicles are available for booking on-line through www.racerallyresearch.com and www.proton-edar.com.my. For details, contact the Proton i.Care customer centre at 1 300 880 888.