MITSUBISHI has all however confirmed the arrival of a spread topping Triton variant based mostly on the present MR-series dual-cab ute.
Prone to be named the Triton Ralliart, and with tools and look components resembling idea fashions together with the Triton Absolute and AXCR, the variant is anticipated to sit down atop the present Triton vary, rivalling such opponents because the Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rugged-X.
Chatting with GoAuto on the launch of the brand new Outlander PHEV vary in Adelaide this week, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Restricted (MMAL) CEO Shaun Westcott gave credence to rumours surrounding the arrival of a Triton Ralliart, saying it’s a matter of when, and never if, the range-topping variant will seem in native showrooms.
“True to our heritage and our roots in Ralliart, we’ve deliberate to reintroduce just a little spice and a bit of pleasure to the model – and we’ve already signalled that with the Triton Asia Cross Nation Rally (AXCR) and Absolute idea fashions have been proven at occasions together with the Tokyo Motor Present,” defined Mr Westcott.
“We’ve a really shut and important relationship with our Japanese compatriots from MMS and we even have an R&D group right here in Australia, and whereas there may be already lots of hypothesis concerning the new Triton – and I do know there have been some images leaked out of Europe – I can say that there’s nonetheless some life left within the current Triton, and there may be rather more to return in that area.”
The allusion to a “spicy” MR-series Triton variant was additional supported by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Restricted (MMAL) senior supervisor of product technique, Owen Thomson.
Mr Thomson stated the enterprise case was being mentioned with a third-party provider, which means MMAL will possible produce the sportier Triton by way of a enterprise like that between Nissan and Premcar with their Navara Warrior vary.
“A 3rd-party has expressed curiosity in doing one thing like this with the present era Triton, however it’s too early to stipulate explicit particulars round specification and timing,” stated Mr Thomson.
“Planning is within the early levels, the very early levels, however the system will give attention to the potential of our driveline at its core.”
Mr Thomson advised GoAuto that the range-topping utility will possible rival opponents such because the Nissan Navara PRO4X Warrior and Toyota HiLux Rugged-X, with out providing an enhanced or high-performance driveline corresponding to that discovered beneath the bonnet of the V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor.
He indicated that the Ralliart variant would sit atop the present Triton GSR, doubtlessly providing prolonged capabilities, tools and look inclusions not beforehand out there from the showroom flooring.
“That’s the place the early conversations are going, and we may have extra to say about it quickly,” he stated.
It’s understood that the Triton Ralliart won’t supply any extra energy than its by-product vary – which is powered solely by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo-diesel unit creating 133kW/430Nm.
It should possible journey on upgraded suspension – doubtlessly Outdated Man Emu’s BP51 twin bypass setup already out there optionally by means of ARB – and obtain extra underbody and frontal safety in addition to rollover safety, off-road biased tyres, widened fender flares and distinctive physique cladding.
When realised, it’s understood the Triton Ralliart will possible showcase most of the attributes proven on Mitsubishi’s Triton Absolute dual-cab idea which debuted in the course of the 2019 Bangkok Motor Present.
That mannequin was decked out with an all-black physique package with purple and silver highlights, extra LED lighting, underbody safety and roof-mounted LEDs for off-road use. It additionally featured customized rear bar work, Absolute badging, M-I-T-S-U-B-I-S-H-I lettering throughout the tailgate, a tailgate spoiler, tub rails and a black sports activities bar.
Mitsubishi additional adorned the Triton Absolute with an built-in roof rack, carbon-fibre-look physique cladding, widened fender flares, 18-inch bead-locked alloys with Falken Wildpeak AT3 all-terrain rubber, and a 50mm suspension elevate.
The Mitsubishi Triton – which was final up to date in 2018 – is presently one in all Australia’s best-selling four-wheel drive utilities with year-to-date gross sales of 15,028 models inserting it in third place throughout the fashionable Choose-Up/Cab-Chassis 4×4 phase.
The Triton is outsold solely by the phase main Toyota HiLux (with 23,852 unit gross sales to the top of June 2022) and Ford Ranger (18,285).
