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By Feann Torr, carsales.com.au
Mitsubishi is set to introduce a high-performance pick-up that could be powered by a hybrid powertrain.
The Japanese brand is plotting a factory-built, flagship tough-truck version of the next-generation Triton ute that will go head-to-head with the ground breaking Ford Ranger Raptor.
It is expected to launch soon after production of mainstream models, which are due to be revealed sometime next year, have fully ramped-up to meet initial demand for the volume-seller variants. And it is likely to wear the company’s iconic Ralliart badge as part of a growing line-up of sporty, dressed-up models across the Mitsubishi line-up.
The brand first confirmed the revival of the Ralliart brand back in May 2021, and versions of the Triton and Pajero Sport wagon were launched in Thailand six months later. But, unlike the heroic motorsport-inspired Lancer and Pajero Evo models that forged a cult-like following among performance car enthusiasts, the Thai-only Triton and Pajero Sport Ralliart versions are little more than fancy sticker packs.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is working closely with its parent company in Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, to make sure the first proper Triton Ralliart is a genuine competitor to hard-core off-road utes like the monstrous new 292kW twin-turbo V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor, the locally engineered Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and the upcoming ‘apex’ Toyota HiLux Rugged X replacement.
“We have been in discussion with MMC about this [Triton Ralliart] as a core market, absolutely,” said Mitsubishi Australia’s senior manager of product strategy, Owen Thomson.
“We want to do it properly. It’s not a sticker pack for our market.”
The new-generation Triton is set be revealed in the first half of 2023, followed by Aussie sales later in the year. Mitsubishi Australia is confident the new ute will bring vast improvements over the current vehicle, in part due to local development and considerably higher levels of technology.
The Triton Ralliart would provide a much-needed hero model for Australia’s third most popular ute that would shine a halo over the rest of the range.
It’s understood Mitsubishi Australia is pushing for both powertrain and chassis upgrades for the Triton Ralliart, but it may only get one or the other, not both.
“Internally there is a lot of passion for Ralliart. The challenge is how to make it happen, and that’s still a work in progress,” said Thomson.
“Whatever it is, from MMAL’s point of view, we would like to see it have some kind of tangible performance benefit. Whether that’s in vehicle dynamics or some other area, that’s yet to be worked through.”
One possible powertrain option is an upgraded version of the new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s 185kW/450Nm petrol-electric powertrain, potentially producing more than 200kW and 500Nm and giving Mitsubishi a clear point of difference to its competitors.
It’s understood Mitsubishi will reveal more information about the future of the Vision Ralliart Concept later this year, which may include details around the beefed-up hybrid powertrain and confirmation of its intended showroom reveal in 2023 as the Mitsubishi Outlander Ralliart Evolution.
Disclaimer: Images supplied by Mitsubishi Motors Australia.
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