Clock ticking for Walkinshaw-fettled Triton Xtreme launch as next-gen Mitsi ute nears
MITSUBISHI is making a belated run at the ‘hero’ ute brigade with a tough-looking Triton Xtreme variant to be assembled from aftermarket parts by Walkinshaw Automotive in Australia and potentially due to launch around the middle of the year.
Information on the limited-edition Xtreme – a swansong for the current-generation Triton that will soon be replaced – has surfaced from the federal government’s Australian Design Rules (ADR) homologation program.
A Triton Xtreme already exists in South Africa and the proposed Australian version is expected to offer a local twist on its specification, which apart from beefier wheels and tyres, offers little in the way of off-road upgrades.
South African Triton Xtreme upgrades include A-Line Hazard alloy wheels with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tyres, fender flares, black sports bar with sailplane, tailgate damper and lock, tow bar, roof rails, tonneau cover and an appearance package comprising black bumper and grille, decals and window visors plus and protectors for the bonnet, headlights and door handles.
However, given its proximity to a new-generation Triton due here late this year or early next, availability of the dual-cab 4×4 Triton Xtreme will likely be strictly limited. It is also unlikely to bear Ralliart branding, something Mitsubishi tends to reserve for factory performance variants.
Pricing will be well north of the current Triton GSR flagship on which it is based ($56,940 before on-road costs) due to the extensive aftermarket accessories fitted and the local production work involved.
The Xtreme might be shopped against ‘hero’ models from other brands like Toyota’s forthcoming GR Hilux (no price but expected to be more than $75,000 + ORC), the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior ($67,515 + ORC) and Mazda’s BT 50 Thunder ($73,410 + ORC).
Walkinshaw Automotive has a track record for such projects having been responsible for the VW Amarok W580 Series and various right-hand-drive conversions for North American Ram, Chevrolet and Toyota pick-up trucks.
Driven by sharp pricing, Mitsubishi has had a lot of success with the current-generation Triton, dating from 2015, regularly making it into a top-three sales position in Australia’s ute market behind Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
The company’s dealer body has pressured head office to release the Xtreme so that sales keep ticking over in the run up to the ageing Triton’s successor.
Some Mitsubishi dealers have said they are fielding enquiries about the Xtreme at the same time as a Mitsubishi Australia is rolling out 400 units of the Triton Sport limited edition with minor upgrades to the seat upholstery, a 360-degree camera and specific badging.
However, the Xtreme looks to be a goer at this point given the advanced stage of ADR documentation.
No details are available from Mitsubishi Australia’s head office but GoAuto has been able to glean some information on the vehicle, which steps up from the GSR with specific 265/60 R18 all-terrain tyres, 18 x 8.5 inch wheels and a suspension package designed to improve on- and off-road performance.
The toughened Triton also scores an LED high-beam light bar, a sump guard, wider flared guards, a sports bar, and ‘Xtreme’ decals.
It is an upgrade formula regularly used by other brand utes and is popular with buyers as the vehicle is fully covered by the manufacturer warranty and costs less than having the same components fitted by aftermarket suppliers.
As no engine or transmission mods are listed for the Triton Xtreme, its 133kW and 430Nm output from a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine will be shared with the rest of the Mitsubishi ute range.
Keyword: Mitsubishi prepares Triton for Xtreme path