No Ralliart Pajero… ‘at this time’

Mitsubishi has ruled out a hot Ralliart version of the reborn Pajero – for now. But the way its executives are talking, the door to a performance-flavoured flagship isn’t just ajar, it’s been purposely chocked open.

Speaking ahead of the Pajero’s global reveal in Japan, Mitsubishi chief product specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki was refreshingly candid when carsales quizzed him on a possible Ralliart-badged version of the returning 4x4.

“So, actually, to be honest, we have no specific project or Ralliart model to announce at this time,” Itagaki said.

Three words doing an awful lot of heavy lifting – ‘at this time’. The fact he didn’t rule it out and provide a flat ‘no’ sounds a whole lot more like ‘watch this space’.

His follow-up comments seemed to back up this theory.

“But actually, our heritage in Ralliart is really important for us. So we will continue to study the opportunity to deliver performance and an experience worthy of the Ralliart name,” he continued.

“But there’s no confirmed plan to disclose. This is my honest answer,” he finished with, careful not to give away the brand’s future product plan.

It’s worth remembering Mitsubishi revived its hallowed Ralliart performance sub-brand back in 2021 – coincidentally, right about the time this new-generation Pajero entered development in earnest. Make of that what you will.

There’s certainly plenty to build on too. The reborn Pajero already packs a 150kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, an eight-speed auto and Mitsubishi’s benchmark Super Select II 4x4 system, all wrapped around a beefy ladder frame with a rear diff lock, low-range gearing and 3.5-tonne braked towing.

It’s also got solid off-road geometry – 230mm of ground clearance, 30.4 degree approach and 25.8 degree departure angles. Those could improved with new Ralliart specific bumpers and body work.

A Ralliart-fettled version would go well beyond a styling exercise, shaping instead as a proper Ford Everest Tremor slayer – think meatier suspension, chunkier rubber and genuine extra hardware, perhaps even a new engine to give it some real bite.

The chances of a fire-breathing six-cylinder monster are unlikely. Mitsubishi has no intention of slotting a six-pot under the Pajero’s sculpted ‘Dakar’ bonnet. And a hybrid? That’s still a way off, with any electrified version needing to preserve the Pajero’s towing and off-road chops before it gets the green light.

Even so, the Ralliart Pajero remains a tantalising proposition. With the heritage, the hardware and that very telling turn of phrase from Itagaki-san, we wouldn’t bet against it.

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