Compromised Internals

Overview Specs Highlights Characteristics

Overview

The Proton Wira was Malaysia’s primary rally contender throughout the 1990s, built on a licensed Mitsubishi Lancer platform and prepared to Group A specifications. Designed for use in the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), the Wira was fielded by Proton R3 (Race Rally Research) and local teams, delivering strong performances on the demanding mixed-surface events typical of the region. While it never contended at the global WRC level, the Wira was a regular class winner and a symbol of Proton’s growing motorsport ambition during the decade.

Technical Specs & Innovations

The Wira shared much of its mechanical DNA with the Mitsubishi Lancer, giving it proven rally hardware in a more cost-effective shell. Proton adapted the car for regional conditions, prioritizing ruggedness, simplicity, and ease of repair.

🏆 Competitive Highlights

Asia-Pacific Rally Championship — Class wins and podiums in Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Australia.
1990s National Dominance — Regular winner in Malaysian Rally Championship and surrounding nations.
While not a global WRC car, the Wira built Proton’s rallying credibility in Asia and helped train future international drivers.

Driven by names like Karamjit Singh, the Wira proved fast, dependable, and highly adaptable to the harsh terrain and extreme conditions of Southeast Asian rallying.

Driving Characteristics

The Wira was stable, easy to control, and ruggedly built. Its balance and torque made it well-suited to slippery jungle stages and high-speed gravel sections. In front-wheel-drive spec, it was forgiving and responsive, while AWD variants offered better traction in deep mud or loose gravel.

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