PROTON in December 2007 stepped into the era of variable valve timing technology with the launch of its face lifted GEN.2 model in Thailand that is
powered by an all-new CAMPRO CPS engine. Cam Profile Switching or
CPS technology is a variable valve timing system that works similar to variable valve technologies found in other vehicles namely Toyota and Honda.

The all-new CAMPRO CPS engine features a new trilobe camshaft, variable intake manifold and cylinder head, in addition to being fitted with an oil cooler system and the CPS technology. The CAMPRO CPS delivers a maximum power of 93kw at 6500 rpm with a maximum torque of 150Nm at 4500rpm, as opposed to the base engine that has 82kw at 6000rpm and 148nm at 4000 rpm. Enhanced power and a more linear torque delivery throughout the rpm range enhance not only overall performance in the GEN.2 but provide greater drivability.

“The CAMPRO CPS addresses the requirements for greater delivery in torque at the lower to mid engine range,” said PROTON Holdings Berhad Managing Director Dato’ Haji Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir.“Effortless overtaking ability and more readily available and accessible torque throughout the
engine range are propositions that the customers will welcome and find most relevant when it comes to everyday driving conditions.”

CPS technology gives variable valve lift, for optimised airflow into the engine. A high lift cam profile improves maximum power, whilst the low profile cam offers fuel efficiency and low emissions.Combined, the CPS and variable intake manifold
technology, gives high power and rapid response, whilst maintaining low fuel consumption. Although the base 1600cc DOHC engine can be revved very high, its performance at lower revs resulted in a torque dip in the mid operating range,
before picking up back to the maximum torque at 4,000 rpm.This usual reduction in peak torque caused by high lift cams is corrected by the long runner in the CAMPRO CPS. The short runner works with the high lift cams to re-tune the engine and generate more power at high speed.

Air is supplied to the valves by the engine’s intake manifold. Variable intake manifold technology intelligently changes the rate of “breathing” according to the
engine speed. At low speed, air will drawn through the long runner manifold. The resulting slower air flow allows more efficient, thorough mixing of air with fuel.
At high speeds, the short runner takes over to supply more air for combustion, faster.Like the base engine, the CAMPRO CPS also incorporates drive-by-wire or electronic throttle control for better response.

The CAMPRO engine was originally jointly developed by PROTON and Lotus and was first introduced into the GEN.2 in 2004. It subsequently replaced the
Mitsubishi engine in the Waja, and today also powers the sporty three-door compact Satria NEO and the all new Persona.Unlike the tradition of introducing the GEN.2 facelift model and the CAMPRO CPS engine domestically, Syed Zainal Abidin said the decision to market both the vehicle and the engine in Thailand first was in line with PROTON’s strategy to grow its export market. Both the vehicle and engine will be made available in Malaysia in 2008.