Mitsubishi Motors showcased its XRT Concept—which points the way to the all-new Strada pickup planned for launch this year—at the Bangkok International Motor Show, which ended last month.
The Strada (known as the Triton in Thailand and other markets) is Mitsubishi’s bestselling model manufactured at the Laemchabang Factory in Thailand. It is also the company’s global strategic vehicle exported to 150 countries. With its first full redesign in almost nine years, the all-new Strada/Triton will be the sixth generation of the brand’s midsize pickup truck. After the launch in Thailand this year, it will be released sequentially in the ASEAN region, Oceania and other global markets.
A concept car of the all-new Strada/Triton, the Mitsubishi XRT Concept is characterized by an aggressive expression on the front and a robust hood that continues to the side with bold, horizontally themed styling. Further, the concept car is fitted with front and rear over-fenders as well as mud-terrain tires, giving it the powerful drive to compete in grueling rallies and the dynamism to dash across the terrain. The body features a camouflage design inspired by lava rocks, and the sides have been adorned with a graphic of the 10-parallel line Ralliart brand icon that expresses Mitsubishi’s passion for driving.
At the Asia Cross Country Rally 2023, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from Mitsubishi Motors, plans to compete with a prototype cross-country model of the all-new Strada/Triton (Group T1 specifications) in its quest for a second straight victory. Hiroshi Masuoka, a two-time Dakar Rally champion driver in 2002 and 2003, will stay on as team director, and Mitsubishi Motors engineers will perform pre-testing and accompany the team to provide support at the rally.
Mitsubishi Motors uses expertise gained from rallies as feedback in the development of its production vehicles, as it seeks to create vehicles with Mitsubishi DNA, which deliver safe, comfortable driving enjoyment in any weather or road condition.
“Fiscal 2023 is an important year for Mitsubishi Motors to accelerate our business in the ASEAN region, with the launch of a fully revamped Triton and an all-new compact SUV,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. “The all-new Triton (Strada) is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the knowhow gained from rally activities. With the new vehicle launches as the centerpiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth. Please look forward to the future of Mitsubishi Motors.”
The Asia Cross Country Rally is the largest-scale cross-country rally event in the ASEAN region and has been held a total of 27 times thus far. This year, the competition is planning to cover a grueling course of over 2,000 kilometers in mid-August, located primarily in Thailand and extending to neighboring Laos.
If the Strada looks anything like the XRT Concept, expect it to look nothing less than sensational.
