MITSUBISHI has revealed its XRT Idea forward of the Bangkok Worldwide Motor Present, the mannequin previewing its next-generation Triton which might be launched globally earlier than the top of the Asian fiscal yr (March 2024).
To once more be produced at Laemchabang, Thailand, Mitsubishi says the Triton (offered as L200 in some markets) is a car of world strategic significance and is exported to round 150 nations all over the world.
Mitsubishis’ sixth-generation Triton will introduce the primary full redesign for its mid-size utility in additional than 9 years, characterised by a “fierce expression on the entrance” and a “sturdy” bonnet that contributes to the mannequin’s “horizontally-themed styling”.
Maybe hinting that Mitsubishi will transfer its Triton into Ranger Raptor territory is the aggressive entrance and rear wheel arch mouldings and mud-terrain tyres which might be mentioned to supply the type of “highly effective drive to compete in gruelling rallies and the dynamism to sprint throughout the terrain”.
Mitsubishi says the camouflage design of the XRT Idea is impressed by volcanic rock and is “full of condensed power”. The car’s aspect graphics hark to the model’s Ralliart heritage and are mentioned to exude a “ardour for driving”.
A prototype of the mannequin will participate within the Asia Cross Nation Rally later this yr with former Dakar Rally champion (2002 and 2003) Hiroshi Masuoka as workforce director.
Mitsubishi says its engineers will accompany the workforce to offer help and carry out pre-testing on the mannequin forward of its world launch, and that the participation in such occasions is important to making sure the manufacturing car is protected, comfy and pleasing in any climate or highway situations.
“Fiscal (yr) 2023 is a vital yr for Mitsubishi Motors to speed up our enterprise within the ASEAN area, with the launch of a completely revamped Triton and an all-new compact SUV,” mentioned Mitsubishi Motors president and chief government officer Takao Kato, hinting that the corporate could lastly exchange its long-serving ASX.
“The all-new Triton goes by way of remaining touch-ups in preparation for its launch, as we’ve carried out rigorous endurance exams all over the world whereas additionally incorporating the know-how gained from rally actions.
“With the brand new car launches because the centrepiece, we are going to proceed our drive towards additional progress.”
Neither Kato-san nor Mitsubishi is but to substantiate powertrain choices for the forthcoming mannequin, the present turbo-diesel ‘4’ supplied regionally lengthy rumoured to be ultimately changed by a plug-in hybrid unit, an extra growth of that powering the present Outlander.
Talking to GoAuto in October final yr, Mitsubishi Motors common supervisor of EV powertrain engineering, Takashi Shirakawa, mentioned the event of such a powertrain for Triton and Pajero Sport is already in its “superior engineering” stage, hinting that the corporate’s first electrically augmented ute might hit showrooms by as early as 2025.
“We’re occupied with whether or not hybrid is best, plug-in hybrid is best or pure electrical is best, and we’ve these merchandise in prototypes and we’re evaluating them, however our headache is all the time, all the time value,” Mr Shirakawa informed GoAuto beforehand.
“Electrification provides a buyer profit like manoeuvring in tough situations – electrification can allow some additional driving (capabilities). So, we’re occupied with tips on how to make electrified bigger autos, however it’s nonetheless below superior engineering.”
Extra info referring to specification and pricing of the forthcoming Mitsubishi Triton is anticipated quickly.
