Mitsubishi has previewed its first new Triton ute in nine years as a camouflaged concept in Thailand – where it is built – ahead of the showroom model’s unveiling mid-year.
A thinly-veiled concept version of the upcoming 2024 Mitsubishi Triton ute has been unveiled in Thailand.
Keen to let buyers know a new model is around the corner, Mitsubishi has been uncharacteristically open about the XRT Concept – unveiled at the 2023 Bangkok Motor Show – describing it as a “concept car of the all-new Triton” due in Thai showrooms by this time next year.
It is expected the production version – the first new Triton since 2014, and developed alongside the next Nissan Navara – will be unveiled closer to the middle of this year, ahead of an Australian launch late this year, or early next.
MORE: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton teased, unveiling due this year
The XRT Concept is covered in a deceptive camouflage pattern intended to hide the final design – though the new ute’s bolder, squarer body lines are visible beneath the black and grey wrap.
If spy photos and previous teasers are a guide, the swollen wheel arches, off-road alloys and tyres, snorkel and dual spare tyres in the tray might not make it to production – or be reserved for a ‘tough-truck’ flagship.
However, the body shell underneath – plus the windows, bumpers, grille, doors, lights, tailgate, bonnet and roof – are indicative of the upcoming showroom model.
Mitsubishi’s media release to accompany the photos gives minimal detail on the XRT Concept or production Triton – but placing the images side by side with the outgoing Triton has provided a preview of its size.
Comparisons by Drive show the new Triton has a larger tray, slightly larger cabin, and a significantly longer wheelbase than today’s model – though engineers may have freed up more room inside than what is visible from exterior dimensions alone.
The new Triton appears to have closed the gap to one of the newest and largest utes in the category, the Ford Ranger in cabin length, and nearly matched it in tray length.
The Ford Ranger’s wheelbase remains significantly longer – 3270mm, vs 3000mm for the old Triton, and an estimated 3150mm for the new Triton – with much of it between the cabin and front axle, if Drive’s exterior dimension comparisons are a guide.
The photos confirm the new Triton will retain rear drum brakes – unlike top-end versions of the new Ford Ranger and VW Amarok, as well as budget utes such as China’s GWM Ute and South Korea’s SsangYong Musso, which have four-wheel disc brakes.
It remains unclear what will power the new Triton and its Nissan Navara twin – upgraded versions of the existing Mitsubishi or Nissan diesel engines, or a brand-new unit – and if Mitsubishi’s Super Select full-time four-wheel-drive system (which can be used on sealed roads) will be retained.
Executives have previously indicated a diesel V6 to match the new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok is unlikely – but there could be a sportier four-cylinder flagship model with Mitsubishi’s revived Ralliart performance brand.
Mitsubishi has confirmed a race-prepared “prototype” version of the new Triton is planned to compete in the Asia Cross-Country Rally event later this year – after competing with a version of the current Triton in last year’s event.
“Mitsubishi Motors uses expertise gained from rallies as feedback in the development of its production vehicles,” the company said in a media statement.
The new Mitsubishi Triton will be followed by a new Pajero Sport 4WD wagon in 2025, the company confirmed earlier this month.
The post 2024 Mitsubishi Triton concept unveiled, showroom models months away appeared first on Drive.
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