Proton Inspira
| Proton Inspira | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Proton |
| Production | 2010-present |
| Model years | 2010-present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style | 4-door saloon/sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8 L DOHC 4B10 I4 2.0 L DOHC 4B11 I4 |
| Transmission | 1.8 M/T, 1.8 CVT, 2.0 CVT |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,635 mm (103.7 in) |
| Length | 4,570 mm (179.9 in) (Overall), 2,030 mm (79.9 in) (Interior) |
| Width | 1,760 mm (69.3 in) (Overall), 1,421 mm (55.9 in) (Interior) |
| Height | 1,490 mm (58.7 in) (Overall), 1,190 mm (46.9 in) (Interior) |
| Curb weight | 1,300 kg (2,866.0 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Proton Waja |
The Proton Inspira,[1] or previously referred to as Proton New Sedan,[2] or codenamed P3-90A[3] is an automobile produced by Malaysian carmaker Proton as the successor to the Proton Waja. The sedan car is essentially a rebadged 9th generation (and current) Mitsubishi Lancer. Initially, Proton's inaugural model in September 1985, the Proton Saga, was based largely on the 4th generation, and then-current, Mitsubishi Lancer.
Specifications
| Powertrain Engine & Performance | |
|---|---|
| Engine | MIVEC, 4 Cylinder, DOHC 16V |
| Maximum Speed (km/h) | 202 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100km/h (sec) | 10 seconds |
| Maximum Output hp(kW)/rpm | 103/6000 |
| Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm) | 177/4250 |
| Full tank capacity (Litre) | 59 |
| Tyres & Rims | 205/60 R16 92H & Alloy – 16" x 6.5JJ |
| Chassis | |
| Power Steering | Hydraulic Power Steering |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | Macpherson strut with Stabiliser Bar/Multilink Coil Spring with Stabiliser Bar |
| Brake (Front/Rear) | Vent Disc 15"/Solid Disc 14 |
Three variants of the Inspira are produced at Proton’s Shah Alam plant: 1.8-litre Manual, 1.8-litre CVT Automatic and 2.0-litre CVT Automatic. The price starts with RM78,999 for the 1.8-litre and up to RM93,549 for the 2.0CVT Premium in East Malaysia. The car comes with 4 colours; Plum Red, Genetic Silver, Tranquillity Black and Solid White.
Collaboration With Mitsubishi Motors Corp
Proton renewed a technological transfer agreement with Mitsubishi Motors, an agreement that in the mid-1980s was fundamental to Proton’s origins. Mitsubishi would get the Exora for rebadge in Japan under them as fair technology sharing.
With the coming of Inspira, many were delighted that they could buy a Japanese model at a cheaper price. To prove this, 1,100 orders were received within the first 10 days after dealers began accepting bookings for the Inspira. Price-wise, the Inspira costs significantly less than the Lancer in Malaysia because it is made locally, whereas the Mitsubishi is imported as a CBU from Japan. Not only are import duties lower, but the investment Proton made to produce the model locally entitles it to financial incentives that allow it to bring down retail prices. Such incentives are offered to any company that makes its vehicles in Malaysia, but Proton gets a big chunk because it has the biggest investments, including R&D.
However, Proton has been criticised because taking advantage of their relationship with Mitsubishi Motors. This is because Proton has added Lotus handling and auto-cruise to the Proton Inspira that makes it more value for money. The Inspira has a Mitsubishi powertrain with a 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre MIVEC engines paired with CVTs. The Malaysian-market Lancer is only offered in 2.0-litre model mated with CVT, making it heads on with Inspira 2.0. However, based on data in both Mitsubishi Malaysia and Proton, Inspira engine gets 110kW power (contrary to 114kW on Lancer's), as well as 197Nm torque (slightly less then Lancer's 199Nm), both in the same engine rpm of 6,000 and 4,250 respectively. Furthermore, Inspira gets 16 inch alloy wheels mated with 205/60 tyres while Lancer received larger and wider 18 inch wheels on 215/45 tyres.
Proton group managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir has reportedly said that it would cost Proton as much as RM700mil (USD230mil) to develop a new car from the ground up but only half the amount via its collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors. This enables the Proton Inspira to be marketed at a cheaper price.[4]
Proton Jebat
"Jebat" - Inspira Concept Car was revealed at the 2010 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show at the Putra World Trade Centre in Malaysia. This is where Proton, revealed a host of concept models including a sporty prototype of the recently launched Inspira called the Jebat. Needless to say, it's clearly inspired from the Mitsubishi Lancer.
The Jebat study features a wide body kit with blistered wheel arches and splashes of matte black paint all around the car. Power is provided by a turbocharged 4-cylinder MiVEC engine producing 237HP (177kW) at 6,000rpm and 343Nm of peak torque at 3,000rpm.
Proton has announced that the Jebat completes the standard 0–100km/h (62mph) sprint in 5.6 seconds and tops out at 232km/h or 144mph.
Awards
- 2nd Place (Family Cars Category) at the Asian Auto Fuel Efficiency Award 2010
References
- ^ "Enter the Inspira". The Star. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- ^ "Gambaran awal Waja Replacement aka Lancer Rebadge!!". funtasticko design. December 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2009.
- ^ Tan, Paul. "Proton P3-90A based on Mitsubishi Lancer preview drive". Paultan.org. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- ^ "Sales target for car manufacturers". The Star. 8 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
- 5 ^ "Enter the Inspira". The Star. 15 October 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
- 6 ^ "Gambaran awal Waja Replacement aka Lancer Rebadge!!". funtasticko design. December 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2009.
- 7 ^ Tan, Paul. "Proton P3-90A based on Mitsubishi Lancer preview drive". Paultan.org. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- 8 ^ "PROTON ENTERS INTO PRODUCT COLLABORATION WITH MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION, JAPAN.". Bursa Malaysia. December 12, 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2009.
- 9 ^ Tan, Paul (2010-11-20). "Proton Inspira launched – full details and photos". Paultan.org. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
- 10 ^ "Sales target for car manufacturers". The Star. 8 February 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2011.
- 11 ^ Tan, Paul. "Proton P3-90A based on Mitsubishi Lancer preview drive". Paultan.org. Retrieved 2011-01-27.
Official Websites
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