Mitsubishi just confirmed the introduction of 16 new models over the next five years and is now showcasing one of them. The Mitsubishi XRT Concept is a close preview of the next generation Triton / L200 truck, which will be available later this year to compete with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
The design seems to be a camouflaged prototype of the Triton outfitted with off-road equipment. The whole bodywork, side windows, and lighting units are wrapped in a distinctive wrap inspired by "lava rocks filled with concentrated energy," delivering militaristic thoughts, while the Ralliart insignia on the profile is a reminder of Mitsubishi's race background.
Despite the paint, the whole new model's design is visible, including the split headlamps, boxy grille, and aggressively sculpted profile with toned-down fenders. The greenhouse resembles the Nissan Navara, which shares its underpinnings with the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton. The prototype also has sticky mud-terrain tyres, a tubular framework on the rear bed with two spare wheels, a snorkel, side stairs, and broad fender extensions, giving it a tough appearance.
Mitsubishi did not provide us with vehicle details, but we expect the Triton to be built on a revised version of the Navara's ladder-frame chassis and to be powered by a turbo diesel engine. The carmaker has also hinted at a fully electric truck, though this is most likely a separate model.
From March 21 to April 2, the Mitsubishi XRT Concept will be on exhibit at the 2023 Bangkok International Automotive Show in Thailand. The business did not provide a particular date for the production version's release, but stated that it will arrive in Thailand in fiscal 2023, followed by ASEAN, Oceania, and other worldwide markets.
The sixth-generation Triton/L200 will be the first comprehensive redesign in nine years, following the introduction of the fifth-generation model in 2014 and a facelift in 2018. The pickup is Mitsubishi's best-selling vehicle, built at Thailand's Laemchabang facility and sold to more than 150 countries.
"The all-new Triton is undergoing final touch-ups in preparation for its introduction, as we have completed rigorous endurance testing across the world while also incorporating know-how garnered from rally events," stated Takao Kato, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors. In the world of racing, a rally-ready version of the new Triton will compete in the Asia Cross Country Rally 2023 with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart and formal technical backing from Mitsubishi Motors, trying to repeat last year's victory.
