Ralliart rallies back. Mitsubishi motorsports-inspired brand to break out at 2022 PIMS

MANILA: Via its Facebook page, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) announced that it will showcase its Ralliart brand at the 2022 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS).

“Our countdown begins! Let’s revisit significant moments when this legendary brand took the automotive world by storm. See you at the Philippine International Motor Show this September 15-18 as we welcome the #ReturnOftheLegendaryBrand,” read MMPC’s announcement that accompanied footage of Mitsubishi Ralliart rally vehicles competing in the Dakar Rally.

Ralliart began as Mitsubishi’s performance division, and through this, the carmaker took the challenge of participating in motorsport events. Last year, Mitsubishi revived the Ralliart as a brand for the rally-inspired and factory cosmetic upgrades for its vehicles.

From 1983 through 2009, Mitsubishi Ralliart took part in the Dakar Rally 26 times. The carmaker's main objectives were to evaluate the four-wheel drive system's endurance and enhance overall handling. They achieved an astounding total of 12 victories as a result of their participation, seven of which were consecutive.

From 1967 to 2005 in the World Rally Championship (WRC), the basic performance of Mitsubishi standard production vehicles was put to the test over ice, snow, gravel and tarmac, ultimately including the carmaler’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The technology used allowed Mitsubishi Ralliart to achieve 34 overall victories in the WRC.

As it participated in several electric vehicle motorsports series from 2012 to 2015, Mitsubishi Ralliart undertook to test the dependability, durability, and potential for the following generation of EV mass-production technology. This was in accordance with Mitsubishi's intention to advance its technological capabilities by concentrating on high-dimensional integration of the motor drive and S-AWC system.

As part of Mitsubishi's celebration of the return of the iconic Ralliart marque, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Triton Ralliart Edition were introduced to the Thai market last year. Here in the Philippines, the SUV and pickup truck are referred to as Montero Sport and Strada, respectively.

In MMPC’s teaser video, the company has discreetly shown these Ralliart-branded vehicles that could be presented at 2022 PIMS.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Ralliart wears a gloss black Dynamic Shield radiator grille that is bordered by darkened bi-LED projector headlamps. The fender arch moulding, roof, tailgate spoiler, and shark fin antenna, all come with black finishing. In line with these elements, 18-inch wheels also get black treatment.

Other Ralliart-specific features of the Pajero Sport Ralliart include red mud flaps with the Ralliart logo and red piping on the floor mats. Jet Black Mica and White Diamond are the available body colors. Both hues complement the special decals whose red and black colors possibly take inspiration from the Ralliart official colors.

The Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart pickup, a limited-edition model, receives the same treatment as the Pajero Sport with a few extras including a Ralliart bed liner, black door mirror covers, and black door handles.

The Triton Ralliart is available in two body types: single and double cab. The former features a head unit that is seven inches in size and has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options, while the latter retains the traditional unit. The 2.5 liter turbodiesel engine, along with a five-speed manual transmission, provides power.

While this model does not seem to appear in MMPC’s announcement, the carmaker is also offering in Thailand the Mitsubishi Mirage Ralliart. The Mitsubishi Mirage Ralliart is purely an aesthetic package, same like the other Ralliart vehicles.

The faux-carbon fiber wheel arches, abstract sticker packs on the side, red mudguards, and black roof of the tiny subcompact hatchback give it a distinctive look. The exhaust tailpipe is chrome.

The special Mirage, which is reminiscent of earlier Mitsubishi rally cars, is only available in White Diamond and Red Metallic. Ralliart-inspired accents are also used throughout the cabin, including carbon pieces for the dashboard and red and upholstery for the seats and door cards. Ralliart-branded floor mats complete the cabin's sporting theme.

The Mitsubishi Mirage Ralliart is powered by its standard 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 76hp, which is also mated to a CVT.

Photos from Mitsubishi

Also read: MMPC’s after-sales service arm rebrands as Mitsubishi Motors Cares