Mitsubishi XRT concept previews new-gen Triton

MITSUBISHI has revealed its XRT Concept ahead of the Bangkok International Motor Show, the model previewing its next-generation Triton which will be released globally before the end of the Asian fiscal year (March 2024).

To again be produced at Laemchabang, Thailand, Mitsubishi says the Triton (sold as L200 in some markets) is a vehicle of global strategic importance and is exported to around 150 countries around the world.

Mitsubishis’ sixth-generation Triton will introduce the first full redesign for its mid-size utility in more than nine years, characterised by a “fierce expression on the front” and a “robust” bonnet that contributes to the model’s “horizontally-themed styling”.

Perhaps hinting that Mitsubishi will move its Triton into Ranger Raptor territory is the aggressive front and rear wheel arch mouldings and mud-terrain tyres that are said to offer the kind of “powerful drive to compete in gruelling rallies and the dynamism to dash across the terrain”.

Mitsubishi says the camouflage design of the XRT Concept is inspired by volcanic rock and is “packed with condensed energy”. The vehicle’s side graphics hark to the brand’s Ralliart heritage and are said to exude a “passion for driving”.

A prototype of the model will take part in the Asia Cross Country Rally later this year with former Dakar Rally champion (2002 and 2003) Hiroshi Masuoka as team director.

Mitsubishi says its engineers will accompany the team to provide support and perform pre-testing on the model ahead of its global launch, and that the participation in such events is critical to ensuring the production vehicle is safe, comfortable and enjoyable in any weather or road conditions.

“Fiscal (year) 2023 is an important year for Mitsubishi Motors to accelerate our business in the ASEAN region, with the launch of a fully revamped Triton and an all-new compact SUV,” said Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer Takao Kato, hinting that the company may finally replace its long-serving ASX.

“The all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities.

“With the new vehicle launches as the centrepiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth.”

Neither Kato-san nor Mitsubishi is yet to confirm powertrain offerings for the forthcoming model, the current turbo-diesel ‘four’ offered locally long rumoured to be eventually replaced by a plug-in hybrid unit, a further development of that powering the current Outlander.

Speaking to GoAuto in October last year, Mitsubishi Motors general manager of EV powertrain engineering, Takashi Shirakawa, said the development of such a powertrain for Triton and Pajero Sport is already in its “advanced engineering” stage, hinting that the company’s first electrically augmented ute could hit showrooms by as early as 2025.

“We are thinking about whether hybrid is better, plug-in hybrid is better or pure electric is better, and we have those products in prototypes and we are comparing them, but our headache is always, always cost,” Mr Shirakawa told GoAuto previously.

“Electrification gives a customer benefit like manoeuvring in difficult conditions – electrification can enable some extra driving (capabilities). So, we are thinking about how to make electrified larger vehicles, but it is still under advanced engineering.”

More information relating to specification and pricing of the forthcoming Mitsubishi Triton is expected soon.