Mitsubishi Triton: The important upgrades Ralliart made for AXCR 2024
We find out what Team Mitsubishi Ralliart changed to the Triton for 2024 Asia Cross Country Rally
The 2024 edition of the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) is now underway. With a total distance covering approximately 2,100 km split into six legs, the annual rally race is a battle of speed and endurance as modified SUVs, pickup trucks, and motorcycles make their way from Surat Thani to Kanchanaburi in Thailand.
We've been closely following the teams and competing drivers leading up to the race - particularly, the team that's on a mission to master the grueling rally - Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.
Ever since the Ralliart name returned to motorsports, Mitsubshi has been leveraging its decades of rallying experience to make better vehicles. On their first attempt back, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart won the 2022 edition of the AXCR with the previous-generation Triton - otherwise known in the country as the Strada. And last year, they took a near factory-spec all-new Triton and managed to secure 3rd place overall.
But we all know that Mitsubishi Ralliart is known for not settling for podium finishes - they want wins. They want to dominate by all means. And earlier this year, the all-new Triton pickup has been heavily revised and built under T1 prototype regulations, receiving major modifications that Mitsubishi believes will take them back to the top step.
So what exactly did the team change for 2024? We got to take a closer look at the new Triton pickup truck along with a few valuable information from Team Mitsubishi Ralliart on how the changes will translate during the grueling rally race.
Previous Triton AXCR with leaf spring rear
Coil Springs instead of Leaf Springs
When Team Mitsubishi Ralliart raced the all-new Triton for the first time last year, it had a suspension setup similar to the production Triton with a double wishbone front and a leaf spring setup at the rear. While the previous iteration already came with adjustable Cusco dampers, this year Team Mitsubishi Ralliart swapped out the rear leaf springs for a four-link coil spring setup.
The reason is simple - they want the Triton to have better handling. According to the racing team, they decided to switch to a coil spring setup so that the vehicle could absorb bumps better when going over rough terrain. In the past, the Triton pickup with leaf springs at the back was unstable through the corners when it hit major bumps - resulting in either having too much understeer or oversteer.
New Triton AXCR for 2024 with four-link dual coil spring rear setup
With the new four-link coil spring change, the rear suspension is now more stable and the tires maintain contact with the ground. Combined with the wider track width, the 2024 Triton AXCR pickup is easier to drive even at the toughest of terrains as claimed by Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. When a vehicle is more predictable at racing speeds, that gives its drivers better confidence behind the wheel and ultimately, translate to faster stage times.
6-speed Manual Gearbox is out, 6-speed Sequential Transmission is in
While there's nothing inherently wrong with a manual gearbox in motorsports, every second counts in rally racing given the unpredictability of a rally stage. With an abundance of twists, turns, and undulations, drivers will need to focus on what to do behind the wheel.
As a result, the team decided to swap the factory 6-speed manual gearbox for a new 6-speed sequential gearbox. Also known as a dog-box transmission, it allows for faster gear changes and allows drivers to completely focus on driving without having to step on a clutch pedal while changing cogs.
Another important aspect the sequential transmission delivers is the fact that drivers will be able to shave off milliseconds when going through each gear. With a higher torque capacity and a race-prepped setup, Mitsubishi claims the new sequential gearbox is more durable and reliable than a traditional manual.
More powerful turbo-diesel
Better handling? Check. Quicker gearshifts? Check. But Team Mitsubishi Ralliart did not stop there. They have also upgraded the Triton's 2.4-liter bi-turbo-diesel inline-four.
When it comes to competitons as close as AXCR, you wouldn't want to lay out all you cards on the table for other teams to peek on. Which is why Team Mitsubishi Ralliart did not go into specifics when it comes to the power and torque that the 4N16 is now making. They did mention, however, that the engine has a new turbocharger developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). The team claims the engine now makes more than 204 PS and generates over 470 Nm of pull.
The potential of a bi-turbo diesel in making more power and torque is essentially limitless. But based on what we've seen when the Triton started the first stage, it's really quick off the line.
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart is hoping to clinch the championship once more as they go all out with the upgraded Triton. Currently, lead driver Chayapon Yotha with co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong who took the overall victory in the 2022 AXCR season is sitting in 3rd place after finishing Leg 1. The changes seem to be paying off as three Tritons occupy the Top 10 places. With five more legs to go, the team will be quite busy in the coming days.
With Hiroshi Masuoka and the rest of the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart hungry to take back the championship, it's all hands on deck for the drivers and support crew.
Between the start at Surat Thani to the finish line at Kanchanaburi, anything can happen. But we all know one thing for sure - Team Mitsubishi Ralliart is hungry, and will do all it takes to be the first to cross the checkered flag.
