Mitsubishi Triton tough-truck locked in

The long-rumoured Mitsubishi Triton tough-truck project has been given the green light and should be on track to launch sometime next year.

That’s the latest word from carsales sources who not only revealed the more capable Triton hero model was going ahead, but that Mitsubishi’s answer to the Toyota HiLux Rogue and Nissan Navara Warrior will be developed and built right here in Australia.

We don’t have an exact timeline for the project but with the new-generation Triton expected to arrive in late 2023, the pumped-up load-hauler is likely to be revealed and released sooner rather than later.

No changes to the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powertrain are expected, meaning Mitsubishi’s new Triton flagship will follow in the tyre tracks of the established Nissan Navara Warrior project and focus on chassis and cosmetic upgrades.

That means you can expect mechanical upgrades including lifted suspension offering more ground clearance, off-road wheels with all-terrain tyres and perhaps a winch-compatible bulbar and under-body protection, offering buyers a competitively-priced bush-ready Triton 4x4 dual-cab with a factory-backed warranty and recalibrated safety systems.

In terms of production, carsales understands Walkinshaw Automotive Group is in pole position to be named as Mitsubishi’s development and manufacturing partner, in a set-up that would be similar to Nissan’s arrangement with Premcar.

The timing certainly lines up for Walkinshaw as supply of the outgoing Volkswagen Amarok – which Walkinshaw develops into the enhanced W580 twins – dwindles in the lead-up to the launch of the new-generation Ford Ranger-based model in early 2023.

Volkswagen itself has said the new Amarok will form the basis of another homegrown W-Series tough-truck, but that’s unlikely to materialise until later in the model’s life cycle, thereby freeing up time and space for a temporary Triton enhancement project that could run for less than a year.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which is currently campaigning its own Triton tough-truck in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally series as part of the Japanese brand’s revival of the Ralliart brand, could also be involved in vehicle development.

In terms of the tougher Triton’s name, our sources have indicated that despite previous local comments, intel leaks and trademark evidence, the top-spec Triton will most likely not wear a ‘Raider’ badge as reported by carsales back in March, even though Mitsubishi now holds the rights for the fitting nameplate.

‘Destinator’ is another possible name that’s surfaced recently via the IP Australia database, however, neither Mitsubishi Australia, its parent company nor our sources say they know anything about the mystery trademark application that was filed exclusively under Class 12 (vehicles and parts thereof) on September 12 by Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha – the head office of Mitsubishi Motors Japan.

It should only be a matter of time now before the locally-developed Triton tough-truck is formally announced, revealed and launched, so we’re standing by to give you all the relevant information.

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