Mitsubishi eyes overall championship in AXCR 2025

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is looking at bagging the overall championship in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) this year with the Triton.

For 2025, the company — through Team Mitsubishi Ralliart — is set to field three heavily-modified versions of the aforementioned pick-up trucks that are competing in Thailand since Friday (August 8) all the way till Saturday (August 16).

To ensure its readiness, the team conducted high-load endurance tests that simulated actual rally conditions on off-road courses around Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand, covering distances that exceeded the expected length of this year's Special Stages.

Throughout the testing, the team fine-tuned the suspension and other chassis components, while also verifying the reliability and durability of the engine and body.

Three days before the event, a shakedown was also carried out at a test course in Thailand to check whether the vehicles are in optimal condition to take part in the event.

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“Building on the significant upgrade in driving performance last year, the Triton rally car has undergone further enhancements for this year's AXCR, Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Director Hiroshi Masuoka was quoted as saying.

“In addition to increasing engine torque and improving durability, we have refined the chassis to enhance both steering stability during high-speed cornering and reliable traction in muddy terrain,” he added.

Noting that the rally will be held in northeastern Thailand (which is made up of sprawling plantations and flat dirt roads), Masuoka mentioned the competition will have high-speed racing.

 “I am confident that our refined chassis will demonstrate its strengths. One of our rally cars serving as a support vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission (AT). We aim to successfully navigate the harsh conditions of the AXCR, verify the durability and reliability of the AT model, and gather feedback to apply to our future vehicle development. I hope we can showcase the strength and audacity of Mitsubishi Motors-ness by reclaiming the overall victory for the first time in three years,” he explained.

Ready to purchase a Mitsubishi Triton?  Enjoy exclusive Zigwheels Philippines promos for the model when you click on this link.

 

You can check out the rally-prepped Mitsubishi Tritons below:

Rally car specifications
	Yotha/Sombutwong Car Taguchi/Yasui Car	Koide/Chiba Car
Total length  and width (in millimeters [mm>)	5,070 mm x 1,995	5,070 mm x 1,865
Wheelbase (in mm)	3,130
Tread (in mm)	1,730	1,570
Engine	4N16 (four-cylinder turbo diesel)
Fuel injector	High-pressure common rail
Displacement (in cubic centimeter)	2,439
Turbocharger	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger VG Turbo charger
Maximum output (in horsepower [hp>)	215 or more
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	500 or more
Exhaust system	HKS AXCR Competition Model
Transmission	Six-speed sequential transmission Moty’s gear oil	Six-speed automatic transmission
4WD system	Full-time four-wheel drive (4WD)	Super Select 4WD-II
Front/Rear Differential	Cusco Limited Slip Differential
Front suspension	Independent suspension/double wishbone coil spring
Rear suspension	Rigid/four-link coil spring
Shock absorbers	Cusco adjustable front and rear twin dampers
Bump stops	Hydraulic
Steering	Rack and pinion (power steering)
Brakes	Endless monoblock brake calipers, ventilated disc, pads Fortec racing brake fluid
Wheels	Work aluminum alloy wheels (17-inch x 7J)
Tires	Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 (245/75R17)
Other features	Carbon fiber: engine hood, front fenders, front and rear door panels, cargo outer panel	Carbon fiber: engine hood, rear door panels, cargo outer panels

PH-retailed Mitsubishi Triton

First revealed as the  XRT Concept, the Mitsubishi Triton made its Philippine debut at the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Test Drive Festival (AFPCTDF) 2023. However, sales for the aforementioned pick-up truck started in January the following year.

The stock Mitsubishi Triton is equipped with a 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel engine that can dish out as much as 201 horses and 470 Nm.

Also read:

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart to field 4 Triton trucks at 2024 AXCR

“Evolved” Mitsubishi Triton poised to take back AXCR crown

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart joins AXCR 2022 with Triton 1-ton pickup

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