Mellors Elliot Motorsport launched their new Proton S2000 at Proton UK's Bristol Headquarters, the presence of Proton Chairman Datuk Azlan Mohammed Hashim raised speculation that factory backing will be possible, with Alister Mcrae being connected to a deal to develop the car and an Asia Pacific Championship Assault.

Chris Mellors also commented that the plan was to sell the Satria Neo based cars to customer teams on championships such as the BRC and IRC, providing support during their efforts. Testing is expected to start during August.

The MEM Satria Neo S2000 complies to these specifications, measuring 3905mm long, 1800mm wide with a 2440mm wheelbase and a weight of 1150kg. Its chassis is based on the road-going Neo and has been strengthened to comply with FIA regulations and the components of a S2000 rally car. It is fitted with a rollcage built from 35 meters of Chrome-Moly Steel Tubing.

Its 4-cylinder 1998cc DOHC normally aspirated engine is based on the 1.8 liter Renault engine in the Waja. It produces 280hp at 7,800rpm and a massive 271Nm of torque at 7,000rpm, and is installed transversely at the front of the car. This engine is mated to an Xtrac 6-speed sequential transmission with Alcon clutch and 3 player LSD.

Brakes are also from Alcon, with 300mm discs with 4 piston calipers at the front and 300mm discs at the rear on gravel. For asphalt, the front brake discs are uprated to 350mm. Wheels are 18 inch alloys for tarmac and 15 inch alloys for gravel. The car’s electronics system runs on the GEMS Multiplex System with Power Management, Data Logging and a Glass Dash Display