Petronas launches prototype engine

Petronas Launches High Performance Motorcycle Prototype Engine

Suzuka, Japan - April 7, 2001 - 12am : Petronas unveiled today its first high performance motorcycle prototype engine, one day before the opening season of the 2001 FIM World Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The prototype was launched by PETRONAS President and Chief Executive Tan Sri Dato'Mohd Hassan Marican. Also present was the Malaysian Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Dato. Marzuki Mohammad Noor.

The launching of the 4-stroke three-cylinder 989 cc prototype, derived from the latest Formula One engine technology, marks another milestone in the national automotive industry as a result of PETRONAS' involvement in the Formula One motorsports. The prototype engine was designed and developed by a group of Malaysian engineers attached to the Sauber PETRONAS Engineering (SPE) AG, a 60:40 joint venture company set up as an extension of PETRONAS's partnership with Sauber, a Swiss automotive engineering technology company based in HINWIL (near ZH).

The prototype which is a manifestation of PETRONAS' involvement in the highest level of engine technology once again proves Malaysia's capability of developing indigenous skills in automotive engine design and development. Two years ago, on 9 November 1998, Petronas launched Malaysia's first prototype commercial automotive engine, which is currently in the production intent phase.

Apart from the advantages gained from the technology transfer, PETRONAS will also own the intellectual property rights in the motorcycle prototype engine. This will provide the Company with a platform to undertake product development for its fuel and lubricants such as SPRINTA 5000, thus enriching Malaysians with leading edge knowledge, similar to PETRONAS SYNTIUM which is now being used int the RED BULL SAUBER PETRONAS Formula One racing cars - a better product development would of course lead to more benefits for the consumers.

The concept for the engine project was completed early last year before work on the prototype startedtowards theend of July. Component assembly took place at the end of September and this was followed by development work in early December. The team successfully conducted the first firing of the prototype on 17 December 2000, in Switzerland.

- Sauber