Malaysia F1 season kicks off

Here are some pictures of the launch of the Formula One season in Malaysia this year. Tun Dr Mahathir helped to kick off the festivities, as he has always done since the first race.

To see the full album, please click HERE

P3-21A Specs leaked by Tun Mahathir, and they are impressive

The Proton P3-21A has been leaking out of Proton like there is a worn out gasket and it is now all over the internet. Not enough with the leaked photos, Proton adviser, Tun Dr Mahathir joined in the the fun and spilled the beans on the specifications of the new car.

Proton is expected to launch the model in March and they are either playing a great game of leak the car to stir up huge market excitement or doing a terrible job keeping a secret.

Given that car makers of today have developed a propensity of leaking their own industrial secrets as a way of easing a model into the market, I am of the opinion that Proton is playing the leak game, well done.

Interest in the P3 is now at fever pitch and more Malaysians are now waiting impatiently for the March date so they can finally clap their eyes on the car.

Our man inside Proton says that the specifications leaked by Tun Mahathir is spot on but there are still a few surprises left up their sleeve. He told me what they were and I can tell you that they are working in the right direction with the P3.

Here is what we know about the P3 so far, thanks to TDM and after that is a collection of spyshots, some more revealing than others

5. The other day I test drove their latest model on the test track at Shah Alam. I can verify and assure Proton customers and Malaysians generally that this new model can match any of the Japanese or European quality cars. It was such a pleasure to drive. A foreign friend who knows cars, tested the car and says it is up to the standard of the up-market cars from Europe.
6. This car uses hot press steel body which is stronger than cold press. It has a 1.6 liter turbocharged engine equal to a 2.0 liter engine power. The engine complies with Euro-five standards.
7. A whole list of feature has been incorporated. This includes Vehicle Seek Lamp, Wiper Auto Speed, Auto side door folding mirror, Push Button Start / Stop, Sensors for Automatic Wiper and Headlamp and GPS Antenna for Navigation System.
8. Additionally it has Impact Sensing Door Lock, Continuous Variable Transmission, Security Alarm System, Immobiliser and Central Locking.
9. The automatic version has Shift Lever with Tiptronic Mode and Paddle Shifter on Steering Wheel for seven gear changes. ABS to prevent skidding and BA (Brake Assist) to increase brake pedal force.
10. There are many others features which enhances the performance of the engine and driveability of the car.
11. There will be several models with less features than I describe. But they are all superior to the other Proton cars.
12. Naturally the price would be higher though probable cheaper than imports with similar features and quality.
13. I believe this is a great car and Proton can be proud of it. Malaysians can be proud of it too. The extra Ringgit you have to spend will be worth it.
14. The car will be available in three months time.

Profile is more fastback than pure saloon,
this will give it a more youthful appearance

Ideas from various contemporary design has permeated the
P3-21A's rear design, let's hope the front is coherent with
this modern clean styling.

Luckily, the front is also quite neat but is it too simple
when compared to the unique surfaces and lines of
modern Japanese and Korean cars?

BTW this appears to be the picture closest to the production model 

An earlier photograph, 

In the wild the P3's profile is quite unique

The dashboard seems to be cleanly designed and logically
laid out with the radio on top and air-cond controls lower down
An I am glad to see sensibly sized buttons on the stereo controls.

One friend was more impressed with the interior than exterior
of the P3-21A.