Mitsubishi Wants to Revive Ralliart Brand, Return to Racing
Here’s some news that will probably get Mitsubishi enthusiasts excited, particularly those who miss the days of sporty Mitsubishis.
No, the Lancer Evolution is not about to make a comeback. However, during a virtual call with investors on Wednesday, the Japanese automaker announced its intention to revive the Ralliart sub-brand.
Remember Ralliart? The last time we Canadians heard that name was with the 2015 Lancer Ralliart, which featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Essentially, that model was to the Lancer Evolution what the Subaru WRX is to the WRX STI or what the Volkswagen GTI is to the Golf R.
As for the Ralliart racing division, it ceased to exist in 2010. But get this: Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato was quoted as saying he wants to re-enter motorsport events around the world.
There is one caveat, mind you. In keeping with current market trends, the return of Ralliart will not involve cars but rather SUVs and pickups, such as the Triton pictured at the top of the page. Mitsubishi also plans to offer new Ralliart parts and accessories with other models.
We’re hoping to find out more in the coming months, including whether or not North America has any chance of being a part of the game. Also, it’s worth mentioning the Ralliart news followed an update on the company's plug-in hybrid strategy, so it’s reasonable to expect new Ralliart vehicles to be electrified.