Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Ralliart to debut next year
Resurgence of Ralliart brand to be headlined by electrified mid-size SUVA new report out of Japan claims Ralliart’s long-awaited return will happen next year when Mitsubishi releases the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Ralliart – the production derivative of the 2022 Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept.
The intel comes courtesy of Best Car, which also claims the hotter plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV will offer a combined system output of 213kW.
A peak power figure like that marks a 28kW gain on the standard Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (184kW), which complements its kiloWatts with a segment-leading 450Nm of torque, thanks primarily to its dual electric motors – and a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that the plug-in hybrid system is built around.
Mitsubishi is believed to be working on a more powerful version of the PHEV powertrain in preparation for its deployment under the bonnet of the next-generation Triton workhorse, so it would make sense if a performance-oriented SUV application is also in the pipeline.
Whether or not the final power figure ends up being 213kW remains to be seen, but Best Car also claims the extra shove will be matched by an overhauled chassis set-up designed for more dynamic driving and the obligatory go-faster cosmetic makeover.
Hopefully they don’t forget about that penultimate aspect of the performance equation like they did with the old Ralliart Lancer, which paired a detuned Evo X engine with all-wheel drive and standard VRX suspension.
Mitsubishi said at the Ralliart Vision concept’s reveal that it would offer “elevated acceleration, cornering and braking in all road and weather conditions” courtesy of increased outputs, enhanced all-wheel drive tuning and beefier six-piston brakes – but there was no mention of suspension changes…
Hopefully the old Outlander PHEV GSR and its Bilstein dampers and stiffer springs are still front of mind for the engineers.
The resemblance between the Outlander PHEV and the Ralliart Vision concept was plain for all to see from the get-go, so we wouldn’t be too surprised if the eventual production version is relatively unchanged from the concept in terms of styling, albeit with some smaller and more attractive wheels.
“The Vision Ralliart Concept embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ vision for the new Ralliart and brings together the company’s engineering and passion for Monozukuri [craftsmanship],” executives said at the time.
Odds are the solid front grille will be replaced by a traditional mesh version while the rear diffuser will probably be toned down and restyled to be more aerodynamic and look less tacked-on.
The final bit of data Best Car claims to have seen is a 2180kg kerb weight, which would make the Outlander PHEV Ralliart 35kg heavier than the current Exceed Tourer flagship that is dripping with leather, extra toys and a panoramic glass roof.
Possible rivals for the Outlander PHEV Ralliart are few and far between at this stage given high-performance mid-size SUVs are yet to really take off, but the most obvious competitor would be the significantly lighter but unelectrified Volkswagen Tiguan R.
Related: Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV 2022 Review
Related: Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept unveiled
Related: Mitsubishi Outlander Evolution rendered
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