Proton Works On F1 Engine.
Malaysian auto company Proton is building an F1-spec powerplant, according to the country's prime minister, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
According to the minister, the engine would not be seen in the back of a grand prix car for several years but, when completed, would have been entirely designed and built by the local population.
"Proton is working on its own engine, which I hope will be fully designed and produced by Malaysians, " Dr Mahathir said, "It will, however, take maybe three years before it can start actual production."
Malaysian auto company Proton is building an F1-spec powerplant, according to the country's prime minister, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
According to the minister, the engine would not be seen in the back of a grand prix car for several years but, when completed, would have been entirely designed and built by the local population.
"Proton is working on its own engine, which I hope will be fully designed and produced by Malaysians, " Dr Mahathir said, "It will, however, take maybe three years before it can start actual production."
When questioned about the potential of the Sauber-developed engine appearing in Proton's range of road cars, Dr Mahathir explained that the project was merely one for competition - at present.
"The engine is basically a racing engine," he admitted, "It may be used in some high-end Protons in the future, but I doubt whether you could use it for ordinary cars."
