Proton Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC (1996)

There were many variants of the Proton Wira, adapted from the fourth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer, during its production run from 1993 to 2009. Some 950,000 units were produced and among those units, 2,500 were a special variant specially developed to enable the model to be homologated to make it eligible to compete in the FIA events.

The Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC was created to allow the public to essentially buy a road-goingsedan which could be used in motorsports. In order to be competitive (at least in the Group N category), the Wira was given a powerful Mitsubishi 1.8-litre DOHC engine (4G93P) that produced 140 ps/167 Nm, with a 5-speed manual transmission for power delivery to only the front wheels.

While the Wira 1.8 EXi DOHC provided privateers with a rally-ready car that could be entered in any FIA event, Karamjit Singh used a the Proton PERT rallycar developed from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6. With this car, he (and Allen Oh as co-driver) won the 2002 FIA Production Car World Rally Championship, and also finished within the top 10 in the Safari Rally.

Designated the ‘C99’, this limited edition ‘homologation special’ also received additional engineering work to toughen it for rally use. A huge rear spoiler was installed on the bootlid, nicknamed ‘tiang gol’ as it resembled a goal post.

The WIRA 1.8 EXi DOHC was offered for sale to the public at a price of around RM73,000. Some units remain in existence today, appearing at events like Art of Speed.

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