Proton Perdana (second generation)

Pre-launch

The Proton Perdana was first introduced in 1995 to serve the niche Malaysian luxury market segment which consisted of vehicles with engine displacement of 2,000cc and above. Proton considered a replacement for the Perdana in 2004 under a tie-up with German automotive conglomerate, Volkswagen and again in 2005 with Mitsubishi Motors Australia for its 380. However, both ventures were unfruitful and the Perdana continued in production up until 2010. Proton signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nissan in 2011 with the intention of rebadging the Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M for exclusive sale to Malaysian government officials, but no further developments occurred and the venture was abandoned.^[2][3]

On 29 October 2012, Proton entered a collaboration with Honda Motor Company, Ltd.^[4] Both companies have agreed to explore collaboration opportunities in the areas of technology enhancement, new product line up and the sharing of vehicle platforms and facilities.^[5] In April 2013, it was revealed that the Proton Perdana Replacement Model (PRM) would most likely be based on a Honda Accord chassis, and be powered by Proton's newly acquired range of Petronas E01e 1.8, 2.0 and 2.2 litre engines.^[6] Furthermore, it will not be limited to government officials, and will also serve as an instrument to Honda's expansion into the Malaysian market. Additionally, the name Proton Suprima was filed for trademark status under the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) in January 2013, where the name Suprima has its roots in the English word Supreme, widely speculated and deemed fitting for the Proton PRM's official product name.^[7] However, on 14 August 2013, a spyshot of a Proton P3-22A test drive unit confirmed the name Proton Suprima S as the final and official product name of the hatchback complement of the Proton Prevé instead.^[8]

On 7 November 2013, spyshots revealed that the PRM would indeed be based on the North American eighth generation Honda Accord.^[9] It is not known whether the PRM would be exported to other countries, although such plans are highly unlikely judging from the Proton Inspira's marketing strategy. Unlike the Inspira, which was sold alongside the Mitsubishi Lancer which it was based on, the PRM will present no marketing conflicts to its sister car, as Honda Malaysia has already launched the new ninth generation Honda Accord on 4 September 2013.^[10]

The development of the earlier first phase, second generation Perdana spanned from late-2012 to late-2013, or from the announcement of the collaboration between Proton and Honda Motor Company, Ltd to the eight-month product development phase and lastly, the début.^[11]

The second generation Perdana commenced production in late-2013 at the Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (HMSB) plant in Alor Gajah, Malacca.^[12]

Post-launch

On 11 December 2013, the long anticipated third generation Proton Perdana was unveiled at an official ceremony in Putrajaya.^[13] It was officially badged simply as the Proton Perdana, but it has also been dubbed the New-look Proton Perdana by local media. The second generation Perdana has thus become the second Proton car after the Saga to use an existing nameplate.

Two versions of the Perdana were unveiled, namely 2.0 and 2.4 litre models. Additionally, three bespoke long-wheelbase editions have been produced for the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin and the Prime Minister of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the latter of which is a left-hand drive unit and a celebratory gift in view of the 50th anniversary of Malaysia–Turkey relations.^[11][14] Only two long-wheelbase editions have been produced for exclusive use by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak and former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Muhyiddin Yassin. Second generation Proton Perdanas are powered by either Honda's 2.0L R20A3 I4 and 2.4L K24Z2 I4 engines.^[15][11][14]

On 2 March 2014 at 00:01 MST, a convoy of third generation Proton Perdanas fitted with national and state flags were driven across the Penang Second Bridge during its opening ceremony, cueing the national anthem.

On 18 April 2014, during a two-day bilateral visit to Turkey, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak presented a new Proton Perdana limousine to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a celebratory gift marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia–Turkey relations.^[16] Uniquely, this specific Perdana is a left-hand drive (LHD) example, and is thus far the only known all-new Proton Perdana to be exported out of Malaysia. Additionally, Turkey has historically been a strong market for Proton, and the company plans to introduce the new Prevé and Suprima S models in the country by 2014.

Around 3,000 units of the first phase, second generation Perdana was produced to replace the ageing first generation Perdana fleet in use by civil servants and government officials.^[17]

At around mid-2015, at least one prototype of the P4-90B had been completed.^[18] Mahathir Mohamad, the chairman of Proton, has made mention that an unnamed aircraft company with the capacity to design cars has also been enlisted in the P4-90B's development.^[1] Additionally, it is speculated that Mahathir has in his possession a P4-90B prototype, which he has been evaluating personally.^[19]

2016 Facelift

The second phase Perdana

A heavily remodelled exterior Proton Perdana based on the 8th Generation Honda Accord was launched to the Malaysian public on 14 June 2016.^[20] The pricing for the facelifted Proton Perdana was revealed on its launching day to be RM113,888 for the 2.0 litre model, and RM138,888 for the 2.4 litre model (both are "on-the-road prices" for West Malaysia).^[21]

Standard safety features includes dual front SRS airbags, dual side airbags, ABS with EBD, front active head rest and seatbelts with pre-tensioner and load limiter system. The 2.4 litre model added adds ESC.^[22]

Exterior colour choices includes midnight black, sterling silver, cotton white, graphite grey, ruby red, citrine gold and silver moon dust.^[22]