Japanese brand shows off its next-gen ute’s new underpinnings and engine less than three weeks out from its global debut
The all-new Mitsubishi Triton has been teased again ahead of its global reveal later this month, and this time the Japanese brand has confirmed it will be based on an all-new ladder frame and powered by a new ‘clean diesel turbo’ engine, making it more capable and almost certainly more powerful than any of its predecessors.
The enhanced capabilities – both off-road and in terms of utilitarianism – are claimed to go hand in hand with improved road manners courtesy of the newly developed platform and new powertrain.
Today’s teaser was accompanied by an image of the “newly developed” chassis, which features “newly designed” independent double-wishbone front and leaf-sprung rear suspension, and an image of the Triton’s new turbo-diesel.
Not much can be extrapolated from the image, but it appears to again be a four-cylinder turbo-diesel, although there are reports that premium versions of the new Triton will offer twin-turbo power.
It’s unclear how much extra power and torque the new engine will produce in any form – compared to the existing Triton’s 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel.
Thanks to the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, the segment standard for four-cylinder pick-ups is now 150kW/500Nm, however, the LDV T60 Max sets the benchmark at 160kW/500Nm from its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel and models like the Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50 remain popular despite offering just 140kW/450Nm.
While there won’t be a V6 turbo-diesel to match the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre unit in the Ranger and VW Amarok, odds are the new Triton will at least match the Isuzu and Mazda.
But we wouldn’t be surprised if it ends outstripping them given the Mitsubishi will spawn the next-generation Nissan Navara, the current version of which outputs 140kW/450Nm from its 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel.
“The newly developed clean diesel turbo engine has improved environmental performance by significantly reducing friction loss, while achieving higher output,” Mitsubishi said.
“The newly developed ladder frame and newly designed double wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension provide both excellent driving performance and good ride comfort at a high level.
“Having the full model change of all-new Triton for the first time in about nine years, we have newly developed the engine, suspension, interior and exterior, which has resulted in significant improvements in driving performance, comfort and safety,” said Mitsubishi chief product specialist Yoshiki Masuda.
“In addition, we have interviewed various customers about their usages and needs, and have repeatedly conducted development tests to meet the demands of a vehicle that works in a harsh environment.
“We are confident that this model will satisfy all customers around the world, from leisure use to commercial use.”
As we’ve seen in a previous teaser, the new Triton’s interior will be heavily inspired by that of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV’s, with a heavy focus on comfort and technology.
Australia will be a key market for the new Triton, which will replace a model that was routinely the third most popular ute here, and so much of the new ute’s development was carried out on Aussie outback roads not far from Mitsubishi’s local HQ in Adelaide.
Stand by for more teasers and all the details when the new Mitsubishi Triton makes its world debut in Bangkok at 1:00pm AEST on Wednesday, July 26.
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: New engine and chassis engine revealed for all-new Mitsubishi Triton