Did Mitsubishi Preview the New Ralliart Vehicle in Tokyo?

Mitsubishi Motors may not have shown up at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show – Mitsubishi Electric was the one rocking that stage. Both part of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), whatever tech the latter is working on will eventually find its way into upcoming Mitsubishi models. Speaking of which, we’re all still in the dark about the new vehicle coming from Mitsubishi since the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance broke the silence. We thought it might be a new sports car thanks to the revival of Mitsubishi Ralliart , but Mitsubishi is still focused on electric vehicle (EV) development. Instead, the Ralliart team will be there to spice up already existing models. During the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, Mitsubishi Motors showed us a little tease of how the Ralliart name can change the current lineup.

See, way back when, “Ralliart” was the name known for the Lancer Evolution, the still popular vehicle used by rally drag racers everywhere. Making it just an afterthought sounds blasphemous, but adding the same flair onto current models will save resources for whatever the automaker is working on in the background. If anything, the new vehicle teased during the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart Concept, could be what we’ve all been waiting for.

The tease is exactly that – a tease. Aside from a huge rear diffuser with a simple Ralliart badge, we can’t see much else. The automaker did chime in to give us a little more information about exterior features, including 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 for more rugged looks, and a new front grille. It’s definitely sounding like a more muscular version of current SUVs in the lineup. With rumors circulating that the concept is built on the Outlander PHEV, that raises some interesting questions. Also during the auto show, Mitsubishi Motors introduced the Outlander SUV in Ralliart Style and an Eclipse Cross in Ralliart Style, and with the Outlander PHEV getting replaced by the Eclipse Cross PHEV as the new electric flagship of Mitsubishi , we know it’s not just another Outlander PHEV. According to the automaker, this concept “embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ vision for the new Ralliart”.

The Outlander Ralliart Style and Eclipse Cross Ralliart Style didn’t look too different in comparison to their counterparts, aside from red accents with new white/black badges. They’re most likely previews of Ralliart appearance packages that will become available during or after production. If Ralliart is going to do more than style and focus on aftermarket accessories, the Outlander Wild Adventure Style based on the PHEV was a great example. Outfitted with all-terrain tires, bumper protectors, mud guards, a roof carrier, trailer hitch, and more, this SUV is not only nature-friendly, but it’s made for the outdoors.

Other vehicles that popped up have been popular overseas but have yet to make it to the states, and probably never might. One is a new Mitsubishi Delica and the new generation of the EV minicar in Japan, known as “ kei cars ”. Able to be used as a commercial vehicle (electric taxi) or a personal vehicle, it’s interesting that Mitsubishi Motors hasn’t used it to expand the North American lineup.2021 was all about the Mitsubishi Outlander. Maybe 2022 will finally give us the new Mitsubishi vehicle we’ve been waiting on for the last two years. You can also check out the Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross anytime at Miami Lakes Automall.

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