Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept unveiled

The future of Mitsubishi’s Ralliart performance division has been showcased in Japan via the reveal of the Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept.

As suggested when it was officially teased in December, Mitsubishi's first Ralliart-badged vehicle since the Lancer Ralliart sedan was axed in late 2015 combines SUV practicality and versatility with genuine electrified performance.

Based on the upcoming new-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Vision Ralliart concept is said to offer “elevated acceleration, cornering and braking in all road and weather conditions” courtesy of higher engine and motor outputs, enhanced all-wheel drive tuning and beefier brakes.

Said brakes are centred around a set of six-piston callipers which lurk behind black 22-inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres.

Mitsubishi’s long-awaited Ralliart concept emerges with a full Darth Vader kit-out including matt-black paint and an aggressive black body kit including an enclosed ‘grille’, plus smoked headlights and dark window tinting.

While cool-looking and indicative of the electrified powertrain lurking under the bonnet, that closed-in grille would hinder engine cooling which is why the front bumper has been extended down and now serves almost solely as one big air intake.

The black-ops look is complemented at the rear by a massive diffuser.

“The front grille with a radiator shutter and the large rear diffuser emphasise the sportiness of the model,” said Mitsubishi in its media statement.

“The matte black body colour shows blue highlights when hit by light, creating a deep, multidimensional expression that enhances the vehicle’s high-quality feel.

“The Vision Ralliart Concept embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ vision for the new Ralliart and brings together the company’s engineering and passion for Monozukuri (craftsmanship).”

Many people may be reading this and thinking that performance SUVs are nothing new; premium German brands have been making them for years and that may be true, but the idea of a heavily stylised, driver’s Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also has a bit of a backstory…

Enter the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GSR; a high-riding electrified family hauler fitted with Bilstein dampers, stiffer springs, micro-suede and leather upholstery and a host of blacked-out body features to help give it a sportier vibe.

Crucially though – and perhaps the biggest difference between it and the new Ralliart poster vehicle – the limited-run GSR didn’t pack any extra punch or stopping power compared to the rest of the PHEV range.

Back in the present, Mitsubishi says that despite its close ties to the new Outlander, which arrived Down Under in late 2021, and in particular the PHEV version, which is due on sale here later this year, the Vision Ralliart concept is exactly that – a concept.

But the Japanese car-maker also said that customer feedback on the show car would be employed in the development of future production models.

Watch this space for more details when the Vision Ralliart concept makes its public debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon this Friday (January 14).