Pajero Sport in RalliArt guise. Picture: headlightmag.com
Mitsubishi has taken the wraps off of the first models to brandish the revived RalliArt moniker, although not in the way many hardcore fans are likely to appreciate.
In making the announcement back in the May, the automaker stated that RalliArt, founded by the late Andrew Cowan in 1984 as its motorsport division that created the iconic Lancer Evo World Rally Cars and the Pajero Dakar racers, would pave the way for its return to top flight action for the first time in almost six years.
Despite the initial product slide showcasing the Triton, which suggested the moniker would spawn the on-again, off-again rival for the next generation Ford Ranger Raptor, a different route has been taken.
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Instead, the designation mainly serves as an appearance package for not only the Triton, but also the Pajero Sport with neither offering four-wheel-drive as standard.
Unveiled in Thailand ahead of next week’s Motor Expo that will take place in the capital Bangkok, the RalliArt Edition mainly features interior and exterior upgrades with no mechanical changes having taken underneath the bonnet or each model’s skin.
In the case of the Triton, the super cab, known as the Mega Cab in Thailand, has been used as a base together with the conventional double cab in low-rider bodystyle and in GLX trim level.
Aimed at the domestic market Toyota Hilux GR Sport that offers both body styles as well, the Triton RalliArt’s exterior applique comprises black 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss black finishes for the mirror caps, the Dynamic Shield grille, roof and door handles.
Also included is a RalliArt front bumper with a red skidplate, widened wheel arches, a black tailgate handle, red RalliArt mudflaps and the iconic silver, red and black RalliArt decals on the side of the loadbox and rear doors. A black rear bumper with integrated step completes the transformation, though only on the Mega Cab.
Changes inside include RalliArt branded floor mats with red piping and in the case of the Mega Cab, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Available in two colours, Solid White and Jet Black Mica, motivation comes from the older 2.5 DI-D turbodiesel engine instead of the 2.4 that serves as the range-topping powerunit in Thailand. Outputs stand at 95kW/240Nm delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
More luxurious, the RalliArt Edition Pajero Sport,uses the GT Plus trim level as a base with its exterior differences being largely identical to those of the Triton, sans the gloss tailgate spoiler, gloss black wheel arch extensions and red faux air inlets on the flanks of the rear bumper.
The same interior enhancements applied to the Triton feature inside, with buyers having a choice of two exterior colours: Jet Black Mica and White Diamond. No specification changes have however taken place.
Up front, the mentioned 2.4 DI-D oil-burner prevails with outputs of 133kW/430Nm, channelled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. It therefore has more common with the Indonesian market, petrol only Toyota Fortuner GR Sport than the diesel engine four-wheel-drive version offered in Thailand.
As mentioned, both models will premiere in public for the first time next week, with availability limited to Thailand for the foreseeable future.
