The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 opens its door today with a special preview day for media members and among the big names that are participating at the event is the national automaker, Proton. While the company’s new X90 was nowhere to be found at the booth – not exactly surprising as the mild hybrid SUV is most probably being saved for the grand launch on 7 May, it still has a star attraction though: the X50 R3 Concept.
As per its name, this limited-edition release is the brainchild of Proton’s motorsports division, R3 and is being produced to celebrate the outfit’s 20th anniversary this year. Do note that the unit being shown is not yet the definitive version of the vehicle though, which is why there is the word “Concept” attached to its name while the final outcome will only be revealed at a later date.
Nevertheless, Proton insists that the grand vision of the X50 R3 20th Anniversary Limited Edition (the model’s actual official name) is being represented in full force by the X50 R3 Concept. Here is the list of items that will be making their way to the model in order to differentiate it from the non-R3 version:
- Exclusive Black Body Colour
- R3 Aerokit for front, sides, rear, and roof spoiler
- R3 Bonnet Stripe
- R3 Radiator Grill Logo
- R3 20th Anniversary Tailgate Name Plate
- R3 20th Anniversary Interior Name Plate
- R3 Customised 3D Floormats
- R3 Number Plate Holder for front and rear
- R3 18-inch Flow Formed Lightweight Wheels.
As you might be able to guess from the list above, the changes that R3 has done to the special X50 model are just cosmetics. Proton did not reveal the pricing for the model but since it is based on the 1.5 TGDi Flagship variant which currently starts at RM113,300, expect the price tag to be slightly higher.
Proton is planning to roll out the X50 R3 20th Anniversary Limited Edition to customers by the end of Q3 this year but bookings can be made immediately and only 200 units will be available up for grabs. The X50 R3 Concept will be on display at the automaker’s booth in Malaysia Autoshow 2023 at MAEPS Serdang which is open to the public until this Sunday, 7 May although do note that the event has a daily admission fee of RM15 (RM25 for non-Malaysian).
