At the upcoming Proton Tech Showcase, the Malaysian Tiger presented a number of slides, amongst which hinted at the future and possibilities with the AMA platform.
What is the AMA platform?
As the name suggests, AMA stands for Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA), with the Proton Saga MC3 being the first of many (AMA01).
This modular platform, according to Proton, is all about being modular. For example, the wheelbase can be stretched by up to 290 mm, with the track (distance between front wheels or rear wheels) can be stretched up to 43 mm.
The AMA platform also offers 25% increased torsional rigidity, which in turn improves handling performance as well as improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels. This modular platform also offers high commonality of 70% to 80%.
What other AMA models can we expect?
Per the presentation slides, Proton has at least another three more AMA-based models in the pipeline – AMA02, AMA05, and AMA06.
Proton has yet to reveal what these codenames represent, though word on the street is that we can expect a crossover, hatchback, and MPV variation of the Saga.
After all, Proton’s family of PIES models (Persona, Iriz, Exora, and Saga) are slowly being updated. The Iriz and Exora were recently discontinued, with their respective successors likely to arrive in the near future.
Furthermore, with SUVs being all the rage these days, there is a possibility that Proton may introduce a crossover version of the Saga too. Who knows, Proton may even introduce a hatchback version of the Saga and call it the Iswara?
Will the AMA platform offer more engines?
According to Proton, there are plans to fit petrol-electric hybrid powertrains to the AMA platform, though exact model to receive this hybrid powertrain remains to be seen.
What Proton did mention was that the series-parallel hybrid would get a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (1 DHT) that’s developed by Horse Powertrain. This single-speed DHT transmission will be locally-assembled at Proton’s facility in Tanjong Malim and is compatible with both PHEV and HEV applications.
What about safety?
Proton also highlighted that the AMA platform can accommodate more safety features than the current Saga AMA01.
By incorporating a monocular camera as well as front and rear radar system, the AMA platform can support Level 2 ADAS with 14 key functions, including:
- Door Opening Warning (DOW)
- Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Rear Collision Traffic Braking (RCTB)
- Lane Change Assist (LCA)
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Front Collision Warning (FCW)
- Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Stop n Go
- Front Departure Alert (FDA)
- Emergency Lake Keep Assist (ELKA)
Will Proton export more?
The AMA platform will also be Proton’s ticket for even more exports. Both left-hand drive (LHD) and right-hand drive (RHD) models will be developed concurrently for 50+ markets, meeting Euro 4 to Euro 6 emission standards, as well as 4-5 star safety ratings.
Markets that Proton plan to introduce the AMA-based models include Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Qatar, Guyana, Chile, Panama, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
Catch the Proton Tech Showcase at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam from 5-December to 7-December.
