Proton Iriz R5 gets homologation; to take part in FIA events

KUALA LUMPUR: The Proton Iriz R5 gets the FIA homologation, and now it can compete in the FIA-sanctioned rally events. Moreover, it can now take part in the races, which are included in the WRC (World Rally Championship) calendar. The car has been developed by the MEM (Mellors Elliot Motorsport) team.

Since its debut at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Proton Iriz R5 achieved a lot of rally victories. The car won at the Grizedale Rally held in December 2017, which was its first victory. Prior to this in November 2017 it achieved a podium finish. Recently, the Proton Iriz R5 claimed the first spot in the Cambrian Rally.

The Mellors Elliot Motorsport started to work on the Proton Iriz R5 back in 2016. Under the hood, the car comes with the 4B11T turbocharged, inline-four engine, which resembles the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. To meet the R5 and WRC2 regulations, the car only gets an engine displacement of 1.6-litres.

It comes with a Xtrac transmission and features Xtrac all-wheel-drive system. The Proton Iriz R5 is suspended by the Reiger dampers, and the Brembo units takes care of braking. The Cosworth developed the electronics for the car.

Oliver Mellors, son of Chris Mellors, MEM’s team principal, performed all the test as well as the competitive drivings for Proton Iriz R5. Also, two-time WRC winner, Marcus Grönholm tested the car and provided positive feedback for the team and Iriz R5.

Also, Proton Malaysia is soon going to launch the facelifted Iriz in the country, check out its variants details.