Mitsubishi Motors Teases New Ralliart Concept

Back in May 2020, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance shared some plans with the industry about what’s next for Alliance 2022, the proverbial roadmap for the Alliance. In short, while Renault and Nissan focused on new electric vehicles (EV) and autonomous car tech, Mitsubishi Motors was the first in line to release a new vehicle. It’s been almost two years since that little announcement, and aside from some rumors, we haven’t seen anything about this new vehicle. The return of Ralliart excited everyone, but if Mitsubishi Motors has something to share, the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show was the time to do it. Instead, Mitsubishi Electric had an exhibit during 2022 CES to show off all the tech they’ve been working on. Overseas, however, Mitsubishi Motors did tease a new concept during the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Vision Ralliart.

Ralliart is a special name for anyone who was a fan of Mitsubishi Motors rally racing days. When the automaker first came to America to make a name for itself, Mitsubishi rally cars were the highlight. These could be called the ancestors of the Mitsubishi Lancer, and once Ralliart got to fiddle with the model, the legendary Lancer Evolution was born. Becoming a legend when Rally ace Tommi Makinen won the WRC Driver’s Championship from 1996 – 1999 in the sixth-generation of the Lancer EVO, anything “Ralliart” spurs a chance for the return of this vehicle.

Instead, Mitsubishi Motors assured the market that EV development is still the main focus for the automaker. It’s true, we have seen some new all-electric vehicles from Mitsubishi since the Alliance meeting. The first was a new EV minicar by Mitsubishi that is solely being sold overseas at this time. Called a “kei car” in Japan, they can be used as commercial vehicles by taxi services and sold as retail for consumers. Mitsubishi also announced that its current flagship vehicle, the Mitsubishi Outlander will soon be replaced with the Eclipse Cross PHEV to highlight the future EV-focused lineup.

Coming back to the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mitsubishi Motors teased a new concept vehicle. Rumor has it that the concept is based on the Outlander PHEV, and with little detail shared about the powertrain, it could be anything. Still, with the Ralliart name attached to the concept of a completely new vehicle, could this be the new car promised by the Alliance? Based on what the automaker shared with the public during the auto show, the Vision Ralliart Concept comes equipped with large brake rotors and six-piston brake calipers for more stopping power, 22-inch wheels with bigger tires, unique front and rear bumpers, wider fenders in the front and rear for more rugged looks, a new front grille, and a large rear diffuser. During its presentation, a Mitsubishi spokesperson claimed that this car “embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ vision for the new Ralliart and brings together the company’s engineering and passion for Monozukuri challenges (craftsmanship).”

It sure sounds like a new vehicle on the horizon. On top of this, the automaker shared several models only known overseas, plus the Mitsubishi Outlander and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in Ralliart Style. Meant to be future appearance packages during production or aftermarket, the major changes we can see are new red accents and parts, plus new white and black stickers and badges. The other concept, the Outlander Wild Adventure Style based off of the Outlander PHEV, shows us a bunch of accessories for those that like to spend their weekends in the woods. This concept came equipped with all-terrain tires, bumper protectors, mud guards, a roof carrier, and a trailer hitch.

Whether a new vehicle or just a preview of what Ralliart can do, Mitsubishi gave us a glimpse at what’s new for Mitsubishi Motors in 2022. Follow along with us to learn more on University Mitsubishi social media. You can check out the new Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross at University Mitsubishi as well.

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