Mitsubishi is looking to inject more zing into its product line-up with the return of Ralliart as the brand eyes the success of Hyundai’s N and Toyota’s Gazoo Racing.
Don’t expect just a sticker pack though, like Ralliart is in some international markets like Thailand, Mitsubishi Australia’s Ralliart will offer more robust changes to augment vehicle performance.
“That [cosmetic changes] is only a very small part of what Ralliart is and should be,” Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott told CarsGuide.
“Those packs probably appeal more to the market they’ve been launched in [Thailand], than for the Australian market.
“You’ll notice we haven’t launched them in Australia yet because we believe Ralliart is a lot more than a sticker pack.
“The sticker pack is part of the package, but we’re waiting for some more fundamental [changes].”
As for what to expect, Mr Westcott pointed to the Vision Ralliart concept based on the Outlander revealed earlier this year at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but hinted that the go-fast treatment could be applied to more nameplates.
“You would have probably seen at the Tokyo, we launched a concept car, which is the Outlander, that doesn’t mean it is limited to Outlander, but a concept car for Ralliart,” he said.
Powertrain details for the Vision Ralliart were not revealed, but in a release, Mitsubishi claims a “higher motor output”.
To stand itself apart, the concept sports wider wheelarches, 22-inch wheels, a sportier bodykit, black paintwork and larger brakes.
Also revealed at the event were Ralliart Syle versions of the Outlander and Eclipse Cross, which adds options like new wheels, a rear spoiler, mud flaps and contrasting bumper elements.
Overseas, the Ralliart packs are also available on the Pajero Sport large SUV, Triton ute, ASX crossover and Delica people mover, adding cosmetic changes like a blacked-out grille and side decals.
However, a proper go-fast version of the ASX could give Mitsubishi a rival to the likes of the Volkswagen T-Cross R and Hyundai Kona N.
The Triton is also an obvious contender for the full-fat Ralliart treatment, and Mitsubishi has already confirmed it will build a hardcore Ford Ranger Raptor before the current generation ute is retired in the next few years, but Mr Westcott stopped short of an official confirmation.
“We are participating in the Asian cross-country rally, AXCR, we have Triton entered into that, we have a Mitsubishi race team supporting that,” he said.
“We’re taking learnings out of that.
“We will continue to develop and evolve in that space absolutely, watch this space.”
Keyword: The return of Ralliart! Mitsubishi Australia spills its plans for the future of its performance heroes, and promises it will be more than just a sticker pack