Proton make
a return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) next year with the Iriz R5,
developed by Mellors Elliot Motorsport (MEM).
The B-segment hatchback has been beefed up
significantly for competition use, with massive box arches bolted on to fit the
larger wheels and wider track. Also visible is a deep front splitter, a large
mesh lower grille with the Iriz script, bonnet vents, a roof scoop, a sizeable
rear wing and a large exhaust exit.
Built to compete in the WRC2 category as well as the
Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), the Iriz R5 is powered by a 4B11T
turbocharged four-cylinder engine from a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. To
comply with the R5 class regulations, the engine’s displacement has been
decreased from the stock 2.0 litres to 1.6 litres, which MEM claimed would make
the mill even stronger.
The car also comes with an Xtrac transmission,
Reiger dampers, Brembo brakes and Cosworth electronics, and will be available
in both left- and right-hand drive; homologation is set to kick off on January
1. “We started looking at this with Proton last year and straight away we were
excited by what we saw with the road car. The size and shape of the Iriz is
perfect for rallying,” team boss Chris Mellors told Autosport.
