Mitsubishi’s generation six Triton is looming closer.
The company’s XRT Concept for the Bangkok International Motor Show strongly previews the coming next-generation Triton which will be released globally before March 2024.
Mitsubishi says the new Triton – like its outgoing version – will be a vehicle of global strategic importance and is likely to be exported to around 150 countries around the world.
The sixth-generation Triton will introduce the first full redesign for the 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”.
Hinting that Mitsubishi will move its Triton into Ranger Raptor territory are the aggressive front and rear wheel arch mouldings and mud-terrain tyres.
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 motorsport heritage.
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 won numerous desert race titles with versions of its Pajero.
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,” said Mitsubishi Motors president and chief executive officer Takao Kato.
“The Triton is going through final preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from our off-road rally activities.”
Mitsubishi is yet to confirm powertrain offerings for the forthcoming model, the current turbo-diesel ‘four’ offered locally has long been rumoured to be eventually replaced by a plug-in hybrid unit, a further development of that powering the current Outlander.
Development of an EV powertrain for Triton and Pajero Sport is already in its “advanced engineering” stage. That suggests the company’s first electrically augmented ute could hit showrooms by as early as 2025.
Mitsubishi says it is still evaluating hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric options.
The dual cab looks somewhat similar to the Nissan Navara. That’s because the two nameplates are sharing the same ladder-frame chassis thanks to Mitsubishi’s partnership with Renault and Nissan.
Mitsubishi says the next-generation Triton will launch in Thailand later this year and will later be sequentially launched across South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and other global markets.
