Proton is really a very busy bee today – the Persona also gets into the mix in the flurry of sudden activity, though in this case there’s only the addition of an exterior shade to the available colour palette.

Joining the colour line-up for the Persona is a new signature solid white colour, available across all variant levels for the car – the 1.6 litre solid white Persona is available in both automatic and manual and is priced at RM59,049 for the High Line (automatic), RM55,549 for the Medium Line (automatic) and RM52,549 for the Medium Line (manual). The more the merrier, why not?

The new Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive has been announced by Proton today, carrying a price tag of RM46,549 in Peninsular Malaysia, a small premium over the previously range-topping 1.3 liter Executive model’s RM43,298 price tag.

This should be good news for those who have been asking for a high spec 1.6 litre Campro IAFM engined Proton Saga, as previously the 1.6 litre engine was only available for the B-Line in the pre-FL Saga model. This new Proton Saga FL 1.6 Executive is only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission and in a solid white color only.

Other differentiators for the 1.6 litre variant externally are new alloy wheels and the decorative body sticker that you see running across the shoulder line of the car. On the interior, Proton has added dark chrome finishing on the air conditioning outlets, the center panel, the door inner handle, and the steering wheel ring. Safety wise, the Saga FL 1.6 Executive comes with dual airbags for the driver and front passenger.

“The 1.6L Saga should provide car buyers, especially those from the younger generation of purchasers and car owners with an even more attractive, affordable, cost-effective and powerful alternative,” said Proton’s managing director Datuk Seri Haji Syed Zainal Abidin.

Proton currently sells an average of 6,700 units of the Saga every month. Proton expects the new 1.6L Executive variant to contribute an average of 300 units a month.

They are targeting to sell a total of 83,000 units of the Saga (and a total of 173,000 Protons) during the 2011/2012 financial year.

UPDATE: Team Proton R3′s Faidzil Alang is on pole position with a time of 2:41.941. Second fastest is Siah W Pyng (2:46.056) and Mark Darwin is third (2:51.897). Faidzil’s teammate Syafiq Ali is fourth with 2:53.342 after having engine misfiring problems.

Round 2 of the Malaysian Super Series 2011 happens this weekend in Sepang, and as we type, the teams are preparing for qualifying, which starts at 4pm. Team Proton R3′s aim this weekend is to extend its lead at the top of the MTC Class 2 standings.

In Round 1, which was a support race for the Formula 1 Malaysian GP, Team R3′s Faidzil Alang was second in Heat 1 and first in Heat 2. Faidzil is no stranger to the Malaysian motorsports scene and is widely regarded as one of the most successful circuit drivers around.

This weekend sees the addition of a second car in the form of a Proton R3 GEN.2, piloted by young driver Syafiq Ali. His achievements to-date include winning the 2008 Asian Touring Car Series Championship for the 1500Max class and a Class B win in the Merdeka Millenium Endurance race in the same year. Both were done in a Proton Satria Neo.

“In the short time Syafiq has been a racing driver, he has built up a reputation for being quick, disciplined and a team player. We are happy to have him aboard again as a driver for Team Proton R3. Together with Faidzil Alang, we can’t ask for a better team this weekend,” said Tengku Djan Ley, Head of Engineering, Proton Motorsports Division.

“The old adage, win on Sunday, sell on Monday still holds true today for Proton R3. Much of the lessons learnt on the race and rally tracks have found their way into our showroom limited edition R3 vehicles.

“Any Proton owner can also equip their vehicles with our accessories and parts that have been inspired and honed through rigorous testing and competition,” said Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood, Head of Proton Motorsports Division, who adds that the road going Proton R3 Satria Neo uses similar components found on the MSS race car.

PETALING JAYA: Proton has launched its second spare parts brand called “Proton AMP” which offers quality components at affordable prices.

Abbreviation of Proton After Market Parts, Proton AMP provides an alternative to customers who seek a lower cost of ownership of their Proton cars without resorting to cheap and unsafe imitation parts

In addition to monetary savings, Proton AMP parts also come with a three-month or 5,000km (whichever comes first) product warranty. However, this does not cover wear and tear.

Proton Edar chief executive officer Mohamad Shukor Ibrahim said a majority of Proton owners opted for low quality imitation parts to save money after the expiry of their vehicles’ warranty.

“Proton AMP will address this concern by providing Proton car owners with high quality parts that are not only affordable but more importantly endorsed and guaranteed by Proton,” he said.

The parts are available at all Proton authorised service centres and parts stockists. For details, call Proton i.care at tel: 1300 880 888.