TOKYO – Mitsubishi Motors has set its sights on the top spot in the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2024. Scheduled for August 11-17, 2024, the rally will traverse the rugged terrains of southern and central Thailand. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, bolstered by the company’s technical support, will compete with four Triton pickup trucks, aiming to reclaim the title after a two-year hiatus.
Preparations and Testing
In preparation for AXCR 2024, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart conducted an 800-kilometer endurance test in June on a challenging off-road course in Thailand. This rigorous test affirmed the rally car’s improved driving performance, maneuverability, and road handling. Additionally, it highlighted areas for enhancement, particularly the significantly upgraded rear suspension. On August 6, just days before the rally, the team performed a final shakedown on a test course in Thailand to ensure every part of the vehicle was in optimal condition for the competition.
Technical Enhancements
Team director Hiroshi Masuoka emphasized the extensive upgrades made to the Triton’s driving performance, including increased tread size and significantly improved rear suspension. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Pajero, a former Dakar Rally champion, these enhancements enable the rally car to perform at full throttle even on high-speed stages. The Triton’s original strengths, such as its exceptional road handling on rough terrains, have been further refined. With the team expanding from three to four vehicles, Masuoka expressed confidence in the drivers and co-drivers’ ability to perform their respective roles effectively. The goal is not only to clinch the overall title but also to leverage the grueling motorsports experience to enhance Mitsubishi Motors’ vehicle development.
Overview of AXCR 2024
The AXCR 2024 will feature 67 vehicles: 46 in the auto category, 19 in the moto category, and 2 in the sidecar category. The ceremonial start will take place on August 11 at the landmark clock tower in Surat Thani, southern Thailand. The rally will officially commence on August 12 with Leg 1. The longest section, Leg 2, spans from Surat Thani to Hua Hin, characterized by large ruts and rocky debris. Leg 3, a fast course on flat dirt, circles Hua Hin. Leg 4 progresses to Kanchanaburi, navigating through mountainous terrain. Leg 5 traverses plantations with flat terrain but restricted visibility. The rally concludes with Leg 6 on August 17 at Skywalk Kanchanaburi, a newly popular glass-sided bridge tourist attraction.
Support Cars for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
Supporting Team Mitsubishi Ralliart this year are six cars: four Delica D:5s, an Outlander PHEV, and a Delica Mini. The Delica D:5, a versatile minivan, boasts a robust body with a rib-bone frame and an electronically controlled 4WD system, ensuring optimal maneuverability and road handling in various conditions. Team director Hiroshi Masuoka will use one Delica D:5 to inspect the rally course, equipped with an aluminum engine guard and lifted suspension for enhanced handling on rough terrain.
The Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model, exemplifies the company’s expertise in electrification and all-wheel control technologies. It promises practicality and powerful performance across diverse weather and road conditions, delivering smooth yet powerful acceleration and a safe, secure ride.
The Delica Mini, a super height-wagon kei-car, combines a spacious interior with secure and pleasant road performance, even on gravel and unpaved surfaces. All support cars feature Work’s CRAG T-GRABICII alloy wheels (Work Emotion M8R for the Outlander PHEV) and Yokohama Rubber’s GEOLANDER off-road tires, ensuring excellent performance in muddy conditions. Each vehicle also sports the same design as the Triton rally cars, with a vibrant red base, digitized dust graphics, and gun metallic grey accents.
All-New Triton Debuting in South Africa
Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA), announced that the rally-spec version of the all-new Triton, designed to ensure superior driving performance and durability, will debut in South Africa later this year. Allison highlighted Mitsubishi Motors’ commitment to leveraging motorsports experience to deliver vehicles that embody pure driving ambition.
Mitsubishi Motors’ dedication to excellence in motorsports continues to drive innovation and performance in their vehicles. As Team Mitsubishi Ralliart prepares for AXCR 2024 with their upgraded Triton pickup trucks, the company remains committed to upholding its rallying heritage while pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering. With meticulous preparations and advanced vehicle enhancements, Mitsubishi Motors is poised for a triumphant return to the AXCR podium.
