Launched: Proton X50 R3 20th Anniversary Edition – 200 Units Only!

National automaker Proton celebrates its performance arm, the Proton R3 20th anniversary today at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 by launching the limited-edition Proton X50 R3. Based on the X50 1.5 T-GDI Flagship variant, this special model is primed with a slew of special R3 parts, with only 200 units up for grabs globally.

The X50 R3 is draped in exclusive satin black colourway, with several exterior parts finished in contrasting bright yellow hue. For starters, the car sports an exclusive R3 bodykit, consisting of the front lip, side skirts, rear ‘diffuser’, as well as the roof-mounted spoiler – all finished in bright yellow hue, with the exception of the spoiler, which finished in carbon fibre weave instead.

Elsewhere, the X50 R3 rocks some yellow trim on the side mirror, while the brake callipers are all painted in the same shade of yellow. Said brake callipers are shodded behind the stylish 18-inch R3 flow-formed lightweight wheels finished in gloss black with yellow text that spells out the R3’s abbreviation – Race, Research, Rally.

On board, the X50 R3 is primed with special R3 customised 3D floor mats that matches the car’s black-and-yellow exterior hue. Apart from that, standard equipment found in the range-topping X50 variant like the 10.25-inch infotainment display can also be found in this special model.

On the performance front, the X50 R3 still employs the same 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbocharged TGDi engine as the Flagship trim level, outputting 175 HP and 255 NM to boot. However, at the time of writing, full specifications of the car are yet to be released by Proton, but we suspect the X50 R3 might sport a few mechanical upgrades, especially for the brakes and suspensions. We’ll confirm nor deny this later once we get official updates from Proton.

As we mentioned earlier, Proton R3 only plans to build 200 units of this special model – denoting the 20th anniversary of the motorsporting arm. With that being said, the Proton X50 R3 is now available booking exclusively at Proton’s booth for the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, located in Hall A. As for the pricing, Proton has yet to announce them as of writing time, but just like the rest of the specs, we’ll update on them later once we get the details.

The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is taking place at MAEPS, Selangor, starting from May 4 to 7, 2023, opening from 10AM to 10PM. Tickets are priced at RM 15 for Malaysians and RM25 for non-Malaysias – available for purchase via Malaysia Autoshow’s official website or at the tickets counter located nearby the entrance of the motor show.