AS MITSUBISHI Motors (MMC) will get able to peel the covers off its new-generation Triton utility subsequent yr, senior workers counsel the model is contemplating pushing the Triton and its Pajero Sport SUV spin-off somewhat additional aside – not less than so far as their showroom positioning is worried.
With the Pajero Sport having taken over from the Challenger as Mitsubishi’s wagon-bodied Triton variant, the timelines of each merchandise are inextricably linked and the present method of great under-the-skin platform and part sharing is predicted to proceed.
Nonetheless, MMC vice chairman and chief of auto engineering growth, Hiroshi Masuoka, revealed to GoAuto that Mitsubishi may introduce higher exterior differentiation to provide the subsequent Pajero Sport its personal distinct flavour, and doubtlessly place it because the successor to the discontinued Pajero wagon.
“The unhappy information is that we don’t have Pajero for now, however now we have Pajero Sport in some markets. How will we develop the Pajero Sport globally?” mentioned Mr Masuoka.
When requested if Mitsubishi’s plan was to have the Pajero Sport change or take over the position of the fourth-generation Pajero that was discontinued in 2021 after 15 years of manufacturing, Mr Masuoka nodded.
“Pajero Sport has the potential to be stretched, to develop extra. Efficiency, consolation, the bodywork, and the powertrain itself. We consider the Pajero Sport has that potential,” he continued.
If MMC chooses to go down that pathway with the subsequent Pajero Sport, we will anticipate an off-road wagon that greater than a three-row SUV physique grafted onto a Triton’s ladder body chassis and front-end.
Mr Masuoka’s suggestion that consolation and efficiency could be focused as a part of a Pajero Sport reinvention signifies that there could also be a extra road-friendly bias launched into the brand new car’s suspension.
Whereas the present Pajero Sport makes use of the identical unbiased entrance suspension because the Triton, its rear axle bypasses the Triton’s leaf springs in favour of coil springs for a extra passenger-friendly experience – although the numerous unsprung weight of a dwell axle nonetheless introduces a experience high quality compromise.
Would MMC transfer away from that setup in favour of a real unbiased rear suspension, just like the final-generation Pajero boasted?
That car utilised a monocoque structure and all-independent suspension quite than the extra typical ladder-frame and dwell rear axle mixture favoured by different 4×4 wagons like Toyota’s 300 Collection Landcruiser and Prado, and received many followers for its car-like composure.
Nonetheless, deviating too removed from a Triton-based structure would introduce higher growth and manufacturing prices. As a substitute, anticipate the Triton’s subsequent wagon-bodied offshoot to function a well-recognized suspension configuration, albeit one with tarmac-friendly spring and damper tuning.
As for powertrains, Mr Masuoka wouldn’t elaborate on exactly how totally different the Pajero Sport may get from the Triton.
The subsequent-generation Triton is predicted to proceed to supply four-cylinder turbo-diesel energy by way of a new-generation engine, with a plug-in hybrid anticipated to ultimately be part of the vary later within the decade.
Nonetheless the Pajero Sport’s give attention to carrying passengers means it may debut an electrified powertrain for that platform, with shifts in SUV purchaser sentiment and better transaction costs for SUV merchandise in contrast with mild business autos doubtlessly strengthening the enterprise case for a plug-in choice to be provided ahead of the Triton.
However it’s styling that’s anticipated to actually set the subsequent Pajero Sport other than its Triton sibling. Whereas sharing front-end bodywork, door skins and dashboard furnishings is nice for preserving manufacturing prices low, it’s additionally one thing that reminds SUV house owners concerning the business origins of their car.
By giving the subsequent Pajero Sport a singular look each inside and outside, its driveway – and showroom – attraction could be magnified.
Simply how a lot scope there may be for visible separation will not be clear, although essential constructions like door apertures, A-, B- and C-pillar positions and the roofline are anticipated to be shared.
If Mitsubishi needed to use Pajero cues to its current design language, the Grand Cruiser PHEV idea of 2015 (pictured) could be a great start line due to its upright physique, near-vertical tailgate and customarily rugged demeanor – although its paltry 40km EV vary and space-inefficient four-seater inside are in all probability greatest left within the design studio.
A timeline for the brand new Pajero Sport – or doubtlessly simply ‘Pajero’ if MMC decides to resuscitate the nameplate – has but to be introduced, however with the Japanese car-maker dedicated to launching one all-new mannequin yearly till the top of this decade and the Triton successfully locked in for a 2023 debut, that places 2024 because the earliest ETA for the model’s subsequent ladder-framed wagon.
