Mitsubishi Motors Unveils New Triton XRT Concept

Mitsubishi Motors has seen some real success since its release of the new generation of the Outlander SUV. Sales are up, plans for upcoming battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are going into production, and the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 will be entering a new generation in 2024. The sixth generation of the Triton is also the Launchpad of a new unknown truck called the “XRT Concept”. Made for off-road performance, the XRT Concept is on display at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (March 22 – April 2, 2023) to preview the sixth generation of the Triton. In addition, the XRT Concept will be entering the 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally.

There is some history with Mitsubishi and the Asia Cross Country Rally. In 2022, Mitsubishi entered the Asia Cross Country Rally with the Ralliart-inspired Triton mid-size pickup truck. Starting in Thailand and travelling 637 km to Cambodia, the rally is made up of high-speed stages on rocky roads in Thailand, muddy roads and puddles, and ends with five time trials in Cambodia. It requires some skilled driving to get through all of that, but it’s no huge gamble for Mitsubishi Motors, champions of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for four years in a row from 1996 – 1999, driven by rally driver Tommi Maikinen.

We’re sure the Triton had some major upgrades to conquer the 2022 Asia Cross Country Rally to come in first place, driven by Chayapon Yotha (Thailand), and finishing the race in 8 hours, 22 minutes, and 42 seconds. To dominate the race once more, the XRT Concept has an increased ground clearance and comes with a snorkel, rock sliders, a custom headache rack, a pair of full-sized spares housed in a one-off bed-mounted carrier, and fender flares. An improved suspension for durability and long travel, probably some skid plates, and new off-road wheels and tires complete the look.

Talking about looks, the XRT Concept has a pretty interesting design. Based off of lava rock, the design has been customized to mimic the appearance. In addition, the XRT Concept comes with Ralliart-inspired graphics. Ralliart was once a well-known name in the world of sports cars. A group owned by Mitsubishi, Ralliart was responsible for the Lancer Evolution. Revived in recent years, Mitsubishi debuted a new Ralliart Concept, the Mitsubishi Vision, set for release in 2024, and has some Ralliart special edition trims joining the current lineup. The first to make its appearance is the Mitsubishi Mirage Ralliart, also covered in Ralliart graphics.

Taking place in August, the Asia Cross Country Rally is far off. Until then, Mitsubishi Motors should be plenty busy with their new business strategy, “Challenge 2025”. Following the Alliance 2030 business strategy announced by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Mitsubishi has plans to release 16 new BEVs in its lineup over the next few years. That’s about half of the 35 models the Alliance promised, so the next few years should be interesting.

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Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Motors