Gen2 R3 Version Released at Dreamcars Asia Motorshow 2005
Race · Rally · Research (R3) today unveiled the prototype concept of the eagerly anticipated Gen.2 R3 at the Dreamcars Asia Motorshow 2005. The close to production concept was developed to gauge public response to its styling and performance.
The limited edition track day special was developed with much of the same principles and ideologies as the highly acclaimed Satria R3 but is designed to cater to a totally different market segment. The Gen.2 R3 is expected to appeal to young executives who’ve just settled down with one or two children
The inspiration for the Gen.2 R3 came from the boys at R3 themselves, realising that although the Satria R3 is a capable performance oriented track day toy there is still a gap in the four door family car market for a true performance vehicle.
“Our project team was tremendously satisfied with the Satria R3, but we realised that as capable as the Satria is, it’s not really a practical everyday family car. We wanted to have a car for people like ourselves: young, executive-types that are married with a kid or two, but who enjoy enthusiastic driving and track days. The project brief we finalised was Track Day Family Car. The Gen.2 R3 redefine the rules of a family car by being a capable track day car for true driving purists that is equally at home being driven to the corner store for some groceries.” said R3’s Head of Special Projects Adian Yein Khalid.
Having gained valuable experience during the research and production of the Satria R3 while taking into account customer feedback and response from after-sales service, R3 has further improve on the build and material quality of the Gen.2. As a commitment to exclusivity and individuality, the Gen.2 R3 will see a strictly limited number of units being built. R3 has indicated that 500 units will be just enough to satisfy the targeted market segment but this may change by the time the car is rolled-out.
The Gen.2 R3 was also developed to deliver the total performance package. From its styling to the materials used, every detail is taken into account to provide the best in every aspect. Carbon fibre and aluminium parts are used effectively in specific areas to reduce weight and increase performance as well as enhance styling. The use of performance parts from Recaro and Momo was also deliberate to create the best driving position in any car.
“All R3 vehicle’s non-conformity is a strong reflection of its the owner. These people want to stand out from the crowd and are constantly redefining their limits. They know what they want and the never compromise and this vehicle fulfils that want,” said R3’s Head of Marketing Khaidi Kamaruddin.
He added that the car’s styling and look is done in such a way that it strikes a delicate and difficult balance between menacing and stylish.
“On the Satria R3 the bodykit was just a carry over from the Satria GTi but for the Gen.2 R3 we wanted to create something special. We wanted to create a look that is unique yet immediately recognisable as R3, we wanted a look that is both alluring and menacing at the same time, and this car captures exactly that. From every angle, the Gen.R3 portrays speed, motion, energy and audacity. It’s not just about presence and pose – it’s about doing it the way you want to do it!” said Khaidi.
