Modified rally ute hints at suspension, braking, diff and power upgrades for expected Triton tough-truck hero
There’s now less than a month to go until the next-generation 2023 Mitsubishi Triton makes its global debut in Bangkok and yet the triple-diamond brand is continuing to tease its upcoming pick-up, this time via a preview of the all-new Triton-based Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) racer.
The existence and development of the modified racer, this time for the 2023 AXCR season and based on the new Triton, adds more weight to speculation that Mitsubishi is readying its first direct rival for the Nissan Navara Warrior and upcoming Toyota HiLux GR Sport.
“Based on the original strength of the all-new Triton, the handling performance, stability on rough roads and ride comfort are further improved as a rally competition car,” Team Mitsubishi Ralliart director Hiroshi Masuoka said.
“In addition, the turbocharger has been improved to increase engine response throughout the entire rally range from low to high rpm, resulting in a powerful rally car that can handle any road conditions.”
Reading between the lines then, it seems Mitsubishi’s expected Ralliart-badged Triton flagship will bring uprated suspension, more aggressive rolling stock and some sort of power bump compared to the standard ute – all of which aligns with what Toyota’s done with the HiLux GR Sport.
Other modifications to the racer include the fitment of front and rear limited-slip differentials, a high-performance Endless Project braking package, HKS engine tuning and a new in-house-developed turbocharger.
It’s unlikely all these exact components will make it across to the production Ralliart ute, but there’s no reason why beefier brakes, twin lockers and or a new turbo (and supporting mods) couldn’t be included in the showroom version.
Neither Toyota nor Nissan have taken their respective hero utes racing in near-production guise as yet, which means the Mitsubishi will be one of just two motorsport-bred mid-size pick-ups on the market – the other of course being the Ford Ranger Raptor.
There’s very little difference in the appearance of the AXCR Triton compared to the Mitsubishi XRT Concept shown earlier this year, save for the camo wrap, spare wheels, rear-facing snorkel and the lacks of sail-plane sports bars.
Mitsubishi is putting plenty of energy into talking up the significance of its AXCR participation and the involvement it has in the development of its off-roaders, despite this season being just the second time it’s taking part in the Asian off-road race series.
“We will continue to provide technical data obtained through such rallies to enhance vehicle development, and further refine Mitsubishi Motors’ strengths, such as a robust body and chassis, handling characteristics, stability, and drivability over rough roads,” said the brand.
The Japanese marque won its category last year with a race ute based on the current Triton, so it’s keen to replicate this success with the all-new and apparently much more capable model.
The 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally will run over August 14-19, while the new Triton will make its global debut on July 26.
Keyword: All-new Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart previewed by AXCR racer