Mitsubishi Announces New XRT Concept Based on 6th Gen Triton

With the midsize pickup truck segment pretty empty in the U.S., it’s a prime place for automakers to start introducing new models that will have little-to-no competition. This is especially so for plug-in hybrid or electric-battery vehicles (BEVs) in the form of pickup trucks. Mitsubishi Motors is still sitting on the Mitsubishi Triton overseas in Japan, but the automaker has plans to introduce a new, sixth generation in 2024. There may still be little hope for the Triton, but a new concept called the “XRT Concept” is based on the sixth gen Triton, set to enter into the 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally with an all-new look.

A little similar to army colors, the XRT design scheme is said to be based on a custom lava rock-inspired appearance. Taking some design cues from Ralliart , the new XRT Concept also gets some performance upgrades to put it in a new light. These upgrades include equipment and features to give it more off-road capabilities, such as a higher ground clearance and re-tuned suspension for increased durability. The XRT Concept also comes with a snorkel, rock sliders, a custom headache rack, a pair of full-sized spares housed in a one-off bed-mounted carrier, fender flares, new off-road wheels and tires, and probably skid plates.

Right now, it’s just a prototype, but this new Triton-based concept is set to be the new truck running in the 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally . A race from Thailand to the finish line in Cambodia, a total distance of 1,524 kilometers (km), including 637 km of timed special stages, Mitsubishi Motors entered the rally last year and performed incredibly well. In fact, Mitsubishi came in first place with a total time of 8 hours, 22 minutes, and 42 seconds. Driven by Chayapon Yotha (Thailand), things are getting switched up this time around. A new concept needs a new driver, and two-time Dakar Rally champion driver (2002 and 2003) Hiroshi Masuoka will be behind the wheel.

So, why the new concept? Mitsubishi Motors has experienced a large growth in sales in the recent years. The automaker has seen a 45-percent spike overall, and the new generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander, released in 2022, has seen a more than 200-percent year-over-year increase. This success will surely help future plans of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, announcing a goal of 35 new BEVs with their new Alliance 2030 business plan. One new addition will be a rebadged Renault BEV, but Mitsubishi Motors also recently announced an increased investment into its upcoming BEV lineup. Alongside the Alliance, Mitsubishi has its own medium-term strategy called “Challenge 2025”, and aims to produce 16 of those 35 new BEVs.

It’s a lot going on, but finally, Mitsubishi Motors aims to make some noise. The 2023 Asia Cross Country Rally is well off, held in August every year. As for the new XRT Concept based off of the sixth generation of the Mitsubishi Triton, the concept will be on display at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show (March 22 – April 2, 2023).Want to keep up with Mitsubishi Motors? Follow along with us on Miami Lakes Automall social media .

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Motors

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