Iriz_R3_front Click to enlarge.

Yes, we know. It may be a tad overdone but we can bet for every one person who thinks the hype around the new Proton Iriz is getting out of hand, there are five who are keen on knowing more and more about it and possible future variations of the car.

So here it is, exclusive renderings of what a Proton Iriz R3 could look like. Dressed up in R3's 'Fire Red', the car does convey its sporting intentions quite well. In front, a new grille with R3 badging - and without the 'Proton Wings' design cue, plus a gaping air intake are sure to catch anyone's attention.

Further changes include the addition of LED daytime running lights (DRL) which are now in conjunction with added air intakes. Darkened headlight assemblies carry on the more aggressive aesthetic upgrades. Profile wise, darkened alloys - 16-inch designs, are featured.

Iriz_R3_rear Click to enlarge.

Black sideblades à la Porsche Macan-style provide a nice offset while there is a more pronounced side skirt design. The side mirrors are now finished in black, along with the roof which should help to further accentuate the 'floating roof' design.

Moving on to the rear, a new diffuser with a single, central exhaust pipe take centre stage. The NEXLIDE lighting system from the Proton Iriz Active concept makes its way here, along with a new darkened spoiler. The most telling detail would be the 'Turbo' badging in place of the 'VVT' one.

That should probably hint at what the potential powerplant could be, should Proton actually choose to put this into production. What do you guys think of a hotter version of the Iriz? This writer is certainly looking forward to it. Let us know your opinions in the comments below.

Proton Iriz

Proton Iriz Active concept