PROTON'S HIGH PERFORMANCE ENGINE TO BE READY BY 2011

From 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.

Malaysia's national car company 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 Friday.

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