Mitsubishi confirms it will resurrect Ralliart sub-brand

Mitsubishi has announced it plans to bring back its Ralliart high-performance division and make a comeback in the world of motorsport in a brief announcement contained in its 2020 financial results.

In a statement to the markets, Mitsubishi's CEO Takao Kato said: “For customers who wish to experience our Mitsubishi-ness, we will launch custom-made accessories for our model line-up as well as re-entering motorsport events around the world.”

No further details have been provided but the brand is keen to return to rally racing and the car-maker is believed to be preparing a specially modified version of the Mitsubishi Triton for the Dakar Rally.

This, in turn, is expected to see a Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart developed for the road, taking on the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor and incoming Toyota GR HiLux.

Mitsubishi is also preparing to introduce Ralliart-branded parts right across its car, SUV and pick-up range.

These are likely to include styling kits, mud flaps, roof racks, decals and spoilers that pay tribute to its racing past.

Tuning kits and suspension upgrades could also potentially be offered in some markets.

Originally founded in 1983, Ralliart became synonymous with rallying in the late 1980s with the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 and then again in the late '90s with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the WRC.

During its peak years, Mitsubishi and Ralliart won four consecutive WRC titles and claimed an incredible 12 wins in the Dakar Rally.

In 2010, Mitsubishi was forced to pull the plug on its motorsport arm, citing financial difficulties.

The surprise announcement Ralliart will return comes in the same report the latest member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance reported loss of 312 billion yen ($A3.7bn).