BANGKOK MOTOR SHOW: Mitsubishi Triton Absolute revealed

Mitsubishi’s answer to the Ford Ranger Raptor was previewed by a tantalising teaser image a week ago and now the hard-core Mitsubishi Triton Absolute concept has been revealed at the 40th Bangkok motor show today.

As expected, the tasty looking pick-up concept brings a host of cosmetic and mechanical extras to the facelifted 2019 Mitsubishi Triton released in February, further increasing the appeal and off-road ability of Australia’s third best selling ute.

Partially developed in Australia – the world’s biggest Triton market after Thailand -- in direct response to market demand for tough-trucks like the Raptor, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute show car rides on longer-travel suspension that brings 50mm more ground clearance.

The two-inch lift kit also brings wider wheel tracks to accommodate heavy-duty off-road tyres (Falken Wildpeak light-truck rubber measuring 285/65 R18), and Mitsubishi says it’s accompanied by superior ride and handling.

Mitsubishi has provided no details on the Triton concept’s design upgrades but we can clearly see more aggressive front and rear ‘bash plates’ with red and silver inserts, and what appear to be carbon-fibre wheel-arch flares.

The tastefully executed off-road body kit extends to chunky body-side mouldings and a unique hard tonneau cover that’s integrated with a bulky rear sports bar and full-length roof-mounted LED light bar assembly.

No interior images have been revealed and it remains to be seen whether any potential production version would offer any more performance than the 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in the current Triton, which was tested extensively in South Australia.

Indeed, it’s unclear if the Absolute concept has any future in showrooms, where the dual-cab GLS Premium 4x4 auto currently tops the range at $51,990 plus ORCs.

However, Mitsubishi Motors says the concept “will be showcased over the coming 12 months to gauge public interest and feedback” and its Australian arm is so keen for such a model that it commissioned a locally designed Triton concept, some design elements of which we understand appear on the Absolute.

If a tougher Triton ‘Raptor’ (more likely ‘Ralliart’) does eventuate, it’s unlikely to appear until early in the life of the next-generation model, which is due in 2022 and expected to be paired with the new Nissan Navara.

Comments by Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO John Signoriello today indicate an Absolute-style Triton is unlikely to materialise within the life of the current model.

“The Triton Absolute concept is more robust, dynamic and powerful,” said Signoriello.

“It demonstrates our commitment to exploring a vision of the future Triton that will deliver on our ‘engineered beyond tough’ commitment to the Triton series -- bold enough to be taken on even more adventurous treks to explore Australia's rugged outback, which is one of Mitsubishi’s defining strengths.

“While only a concept at this stage, we will assess the feedback from customers in Australia and overseas towards a more aggressive Triton which will guide the brand’s future product development.”