MITSUBISHI just lately debuted its sixth technology Triton in Bangkok, Thailand, introducing a wider cab, new appears to be like, and extra know-how and security gear.
Nevertheless it did so whereas persevering with to extol the virtues of its acquainted 2.4-litre turbo-diesel ‘4’, and with no V6-powered rival to the likes of Ford and Volkswagen, not to mention a challenger to the all-conquering Ranger Raptor.
However in response to senior executives at each Mitsubishi Motors Company (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors Australia Restricted (MMAL), a extra highly effective future lies in await Triton, with a probable Ralliart mannequin sure to supply greater than only a “wheel-and-sticker” tune up.
Talking to journalists on the international debut of the Mitsubishi Triton, MMC chief product specialist, Yoshiko Masuda, mentioned Mitsubishi is contemplating a extra highly effective Triton, however has but to start engineering or analysis.
“In fact (we have an interest) in a pick-up truck that’s greater and extra highly effective … it’s on the plan, however I don’t know after we will resolve,” he mentioned.
“At this second, we begin with the two.4 (litre engine) as a result of we even have to consider effectivity, CAFE (gasoline consumption and emissions rules), these sorts of issues.
“For now, given the character of the torque (produced by the upgraded twin-turbocharged engine), we’re very assured the 470 Newton metre (unit) will supply the torque and acceleration feeling equal to the 500Nm or extra (supplied by our rivals).
“And possibly later within the life cycle, we will even take into consideration an incremental elevate in torque and energy (for that engine).
“(However what we’re exhibiting first) is the bottom mannequin. We’ve got totally different variations based mostly on buyer expectations, after which (we might supply) a sports activities model, or a rally model, a Ralliart possibly? I don’t know.”
Other than a sporting flagship, Mr Masuda mentioned the probabilities of a V6 diesel have been into consideration, although from the place within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance is unclear.
Assuming an appropriate unit may very well be discovered, the Triton would lastly have the facility and torque to tackle the likes of the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok in providing prospects a package deal higher suited to towing and hauling greater capability hundreds with relative ease.
“We elevated the observe together with the gap of the ladder body (width between the rails) and in addition the axle mass capability is critical, so it ought to be suitable with a much bigger engine, a V6 if doable. However we haven’t examined something but,” he mentioned.
“We aren’t certain in regards to the powertrain conversion (inside) the Alliance.”
Certainly, there appears to be nothing on the forecast relating to a diesel V6. Mitsubishi has by no means supplied a vee-configuration six-cylinder diesel and Nissan’s unit, final used within the earlier technology Navara, is now nicely outdated.
Whether or not the event of a unit to be used particularly in gentle industrial utility and lightweight industrial based mostly SUV fashions is a realisitic possibility stays to be seen, even when Mitsubishi is in a greater monetary place than it has been for a while.
Talking on the potential arrival of a V6-powered Triton or potential Triton Ralliart, MMAL chief government officer, Shaun Westcott, was extra decisive than his Japanese colleague.
Pulling no punches, Mr Westcott instructed journalists {that a} Ralliart enhanced mannequin would wish to supply greater than sporty appears to be like alone, insisting that he wouldn’t take a Ralliart-plated car that doesn’t supply extra efficiency.
“I do consider that there’s a possibility on the prime finish of the vary to do one thing like Walkinshaw have finished, however whether or not we do it ourselves or whether or not we do in partnership, these are the issues which can be underneath dialogue inside the firm, as a result of we do suppose there’s area out there for that product,” he mentioned.
“I did reject the sticker packs after they have been beforehand out there. I used to be underneath stress, and I mentioned ‘no, I’m not going to do it’.
“I’m a believer that Ralliart ought to be a real efficiency car, and I don’t need to breakdown the worth of the nameplate by providing a sticker-pack Ralliart.
“I’m a proponent of, and I’m pushing laborious for, a efficiency model … and it’s nonetheless on the playing cards.
“Our monetary outcomes are extraordinarily good, the corporate is basically robust … and we’re investing our cash in R&D, and you’ll see issues occur, and Ralliart could also be a kind of,” he concluded.