Mitsubishi re-boots its motorsport brand
The Ralliart sub-brand has been Mitsubishi’s tag for high performance for decades. In rallying, racing and epic off-road endurance events like Dakar, the Ralliart name has massive credibility.
In New Zealand Ralliart has been synonymous with rallying since the 1990s and all through the years when the Evo Lancers were dominant. There is still a Ralliart New Zealand, based in Pukekohe, which is the sole importer of Ralliart components.
Now the name is getting a re-boot as Mitsubishi hints at a new focus on performance.
The Vision Ralliart Concept shown at the Tokyo Auto Show in mid-January embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ vision for the new Ralliart. The official media release says it brings together the company’s engineering and passion for Monozukuri (craftsmanship).
It is not a rally car. Mitsubishi says the concept “expresses the possibilities of the new Ralliart, with elevated acceleration, cornering and braking in all road and weather conditions.”
Vision is a plug-in hybrid based around the Outlander medium SUV. It features increased motor output, “four-wheel control tuning” and enhanced battery capacity. The concept shows off a wider track than the company’s current SUV offerings.
It has 22-inch aluminium alloy wheels and tyres, vented disc brakes with six-pot brake calipers to manage its enhanced performance.
The exterior features bold new front and rear bumpers and flared wheel-arches; its front grille has a radiator shutter and at the rear there is a large ‘diffuser’ under-tray.
Mitsubishi says the Vision is intended to gather customer feedback to be used in development of future Mitsubishi vehicles. It looks pretty close to production for a pure concept.