Mitsubishi Motors Updating Its Lineup
Mitsubishi Motors seems to be on some shaky ground as of late, mainly overseas when the automaker decided to remove its lineup from the European market completely before making a deal with Renault to supply new models under the Mitsubishi name. Back in 2020, the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance had plans to bounce back after the Coronavirus pandemic struck the auto industry and announced a new business strategy that put Mitsubishi Motors at the forefront for releasing a new model lineup. If they succeed, then Renault and Nissan would release their own variation of the model in their respective regions. However, for the last few years, Mitsubishi seems to be focused on releasing new versions of models already in the lineup.
The automaker made a real splash with the new generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander. Changing the game with an industry first, the new Outlander was debuted to a global audience via Amazon Live. Following the initial debut, Mitsubishi released its new Thunderstruck campaign, a flash ad showing highlights of the new SUV to the soundtrack of “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. Catchy, and if you haven’t seen it before, check out the video below.
There was the small announcement of the new flagship model taking over the Outlander PHEV was to be an upcoming Eclipse Cross PHEV, but after the success of the fourth-generation Outlander PHEV, it doesn’t seem like any model is going to replace it as the face of electric vehicles (EVs) by Mitsubishi Motors. Not even the Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer stood a chance. Powered by a larger 20 kWh battery and a 221-hp 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, the twin electric motor makes it easy to an all-electric range of at least 30 if not 45 miles. Impressive, and the newest look at the Outlander buffed by Ralliart doesn’t look half bad.
Although the revival of Ralliart isn’t what we all expected – the return of the Lancer Evolution – Mitsubishi Motors did tease what the new group can do to enhance current models. Appearance packages seem a little slim, with a Ralliart Outlander and Ralliart Eclipse Cross sporting not much more than red accents, but the Outlander PHEV Ralliart came equipped with all-terrain tires, bumper protectors, mud guards, a roof carrier, and a trailer hitch. There was also a tease for an all-new Ralliart concept, but rumor has it that the model is based off of the Outlander PHEV. Still, 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, and a new front grille suggest maybe a new model.
Before we get anything new, however, it would seem Mitsubishi Motors is hedging its bets before releasing the mystery model mentioned in 2020. With many automakers shifting towards electric vehicle (EV) development, Mitsubishi included, a lot of automakers are also releasing the last of the gasoline models they can to buffer sales in case the first EV model doesn’t go well. Does anyone remember the i-MiEV? So, before we get anything new, the last money maker on the lineup is the Outlander Sport, teased during a recent Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Conference alongside, again, a new model under wraps.
There are also the Mirage and Mirage G4 still doing well in the lineup, but the automaker doesn’t seem to be paying much attention to anything that isn’t larger than a hatchback. It’s a shame, because people love the Mitsubishi Mirage. Want to learn more? Follow along with us on University Mitsubishi social media.