The anticipation for the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2024 is palpable, especially following the electrifying flag-off of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart in Thailand. Witnessing the start of this celebrated rally was a spectacle of endurance, engineering, and innovation. This year, Mitsubishi Motors marked its 50th anniversary of winning the 1974 Southern Cross Rally, with the new-generation Triton—a strategic upgrade from the 2023 rally car.
Last year, the Mitsubishi Ralliart team bagged the third place in AXCR – an impressive feat but compared to its maiden entry in 2022 with Ralliart’s return, the team felt like it can do better.
The 2024 rally-spec Triton marks a significant evolution from its predecessor, boasting refinements that blend improved technology with practical enhancements. As Mitsubishi Ralliart sets off for another shot at glory, we delve into the specifics of what makes the 2024 Triton a standout in this prestigious rally.
The Importance of AXCR
The Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) is a critical event in the motorsports world, particularly for off-road racing. Launched in the mid-1990s, the AXCR challenges teams across diverse terrains and climates, pushing the limits of human and vehicular endurance.
For Mitsubishi, participating in the AXCR is more than a competitive pursuit; it shows the brand’s enduring legacy in rally motorsports. According to Mitsubishi Motors, the rally provides a proving ground for the Triton, showcasing its robustness and versatility in real-world conditions. This event allows Mitsubishi to refine and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies, directly influencing the development of their consumer vehicles. The lessons learned and innovations from the AXCR often trickle down to the production models, enhancing the quality and performance of vehicles available to customers.
What Are the Changes This Year?
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is a formidable upgrade from its 2023 counterpart, with significant advancements across the board. Comparing the two models, several key enhancements are apparent.
The 2024 Triton exhibits a more aggressive design that doesn’t conceal the updates in the production model. Much of the exterior changes are functional, particularly the Work aluminum alloy wheels and the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires.
But one of the most critical areas of improvement is the suspension system. The 2024 Triton rally car features an upgraded suspension with reinforced Cusco shock absorbers and enhanced 4-link coil springs at the rear, allowing for better handling and stability on uneven terrain. Of note, the 2023 Triton rally car had leaf springs at the rear.
The chassis has also been fortified with carbon fiber – specifically with the doors, front fenders, and bed panels, improving the overall structural integrity of the vehicle without compromising on weight. The brakes have been improved, too, with Endless ventilated disc brakes with monoblock brake calipers and pads, while using Fortec racing brake fluid.
Under the hood, the 2024 model is equipped with a more powerful engine. The upgrades include a higher output and improved power delivery, a crucial factor in cross-country rallies. From the twin-turbochargers of the production Triton, the rally-spec model gets a large single turbo made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The exhaust system has also been upgraded to an HKS type. The addition of an advanced turbocharger and a refined exhaust system enables the Triton to deliver peak performance – over 200 hp and 470 Nm of torque – in diverse environments, ranging from muddy trails to sandy deserts. Also new this year is the switch to a 6-speed sequential transmission from the H-type of its predecessor, employing quicker shifts for better times.
The Return of the Mitsubishi Ralliart
The return of Ralliart is a nostalgic yet strategic move by Mitsubishi, reviving a legacy that dates back to the early 1980s. Initially founded to spearhead Mitsubishi’s foray into motorsports, Ralliart quickly became synonymous with performance and innovation. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Ralliart was instrumental in developing high-performance versions of Mitsubishi’s production cars, including the legendary Lancer Evolution series.
However, due to economic challenges and a shift in corporate strategy, Ralliart was dissolved in 2010. Its revival in 2021 marked a renewed commitment by Mitsubishi to motorsports and performance vehicles. The participation of the Mitsubishi Ralliart team in the AXCR underscores the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. It’s a return that has rekindled excitement among rally enthusiasts and Mitsubishi loyalists alike, promising a new era of innovation and competitive spirit.
Will the Rally-Spec Triton Give Birth to a Ranger Raptor Rival?
Despite the impressive advancements in the rally-spec Triton, Mitsubishi has made it clear that there are no immediate plans to translate these improvements into a production model. According to Hiroshi Misuoka, back-to-back Dakar Rally champion and Team Mitsubishi Ralliart director, the modifications seen in the AXCR Triton are purely for motorsport purposes. It has been also emphasized that the rally-spec Triton is a testbed for new technologies and strategies that might influence future models but won’t directly result in a Ranger Raptor rival.
For now, Mitsubishi’s focus remains on excelling in the AXCR and utilizing the rally as a platform to showcase their engineering prowess and commitment to excellence in motorsports. While the idea of a production rally-spec Triton is enticing, Mitsubishi’s approach underlines the distinct separation between their motorsports division and consumer vehicle lineup.
At the time of this writing, the AXCR is already at its fifth leg with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart at the top. We may be able to see another overall win for the team this year.
