Does the name Ralliart ring a bell? In 2010 Mitsubishi shut the doors to its performance division citing a “sudden change of economic situation”. Essentially, the 2008 Great Recession culled the business of building fast Mitsubishis, motorsport programmes, as well as merchandise of its sub-brand.
The good news is that 11 years later the Japanese automaker’s 2020 financial year results have propelled a relook at Ralliart, and the board has green lighted its re-introduction, Carguide reports.
Ralliart is most notably linked with Mitsubishi’s motorsport exploits in rallying, which includes 12 Dakar Rally victories and four driver’s titles in the World Rally Championship.
More pertinent to our needs is a host of performance SUVs and crossovers destined for introduction in 2023. The Carguide report suggests the performance brand is likely to feature a Triton Ralliart model that will rival the Ford Ranger Raptor and the Toyota Hilux GR.
Mitsubishi sneakily included a Triton decked out in red mudflaps, red accents on the lower section of the grille, and decals running from the rear door towards the load bay.
Mitsubishi’s 2020 financial report mentions plans to offer Ralliart-branded parts for existing, unspecified, Mitsubishi models. For those keen on seeing a comeback of the famous rally Pajero and Lancer models of yesteryear, Mitsubishi’s CEO Takao Kato told Forbes the company would be “re-entering motorsport events around the world”.
The presentation stated that the new products will have “increased Mitsubishi Motor-ness.” However, no further product details have been disclosed at this point. But we’re certainly excited to see what comes out of Mitsubishi’s revived performance arm.
