Tricked up Mitsubishi Triton revealed

A tough new Mitsubishi Triton has been revealed as part of an announcement confirming Mitsubishi Motors will officially support an entry in the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR).

No, this tricked-up Triton rally racer doesn’t preview a tough new version of the popular dual-cab 4x4 ute that you’ll be able to test drive at your local dealer any time soon.

However, as we revealed exclusively last week, such a model is coming and it could be called the Triton Raider, and at the very least it’s the first tangible evidence Mitsubishi is serious about reviving its Ralliart performance brand.

Beyond the potential production version of the tough Outlander PHEV-based Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept, that could also spell a Ford Ranger Raptor-rivalling flagship version of the next-generation Triton due for launch next year.

For now, all we know is the rejuvenated Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will provide technical support to Thai-based privateer team TANT SPORTS for its assault on the 2022 AXCR to be held over August 6-12, under new team director and two-time Dakar Rally champion, Hiroshi Masuoka.

“For many years, Mitsubishi Motors competed in the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally, winning championships in both of them and improving the driving performance of Mitsubishi cars that can be enjoyed with peace of mind in any weather or road conditions,” said Masuoka-san.

“Mitsubishi Motors’ participation in the AXCR in the form of technical support will strengthen our product uniqueness, especially for ASEAN strategic models including pickup truck and SUVs. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will make preparations to meet the expectations of our fans, so please stay tuned.”

No technical details have been provided for the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Triton, but its high-ride suspension, chunky all-terrain tyres, recovery hooks and fully race-ready interior are clear to see.

The AXCR is a cross-country rally event certified by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Set predominantly in Thailand, the competition is held on grueling off-road courses in the mountains and jungles in Southeast Asia’s uniquely hot and humid climate.

Mitsubishi Motors, which revived its Ralliart brand at the Tokyo motor show in November 2021 when it revealed the Ralliart Vision Concept, said it “will leverage the feedback earned through this rally competition to further hone its strengths, especially in terms of body and chassis rigidity, vehicle control and off-road performance”.

“By participating in motor sport activities such as the AXCR with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, Mitsubishi Motors will showcase its engineering spirit and prove the excitement provided by Mitsubishi cars,” said the Japanese car-maker.