Mitsubishi goes full rally spec with 2024 AXCR Triton

Mitsubishi Ralliart has four-car assault for 2024 AXCR

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart wants to get back to the top step of the podium in the Asia Cross Country Rally. After finishing 3rd last year and coming up short of repeating its 2022 victory, the team is taking a more aggressive approach for 2024. And by that, we mean at all fronts.

The team will now be competing with four all-new Tritons at the rally that will be held in southern and central Thailand. As with the previous two editions, Dakar Rally legend Hiroshi Masuoka will be the team’s director. The lead driver is Chayapon Yotha of Thailand with co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong, who took the overall victory in AXCR 2022 with the older Triton Strada.

Meanwhile, the Japanese duo of Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui will also be returning behind the wheel of the Triton after finishing 8th in their AXCR debut last year. The other Tritons, on the other hand, will feature a new driver pairing with Thailand’s Sakchai Hantrakul and co-driver Jumpol Doungthip joining Mitsubishi Motors' test driver Kazuto Koide and co-driver Eiji Chiba from Japan. The two new driver pairings have deep knowledge of Mitsubishi vehicles and achieved podium finishes in previous editions of AXCR.

Mitsubishi Ralliart believes in strength in numbers, but they were also busy in further improving the all-new Triton. They built the truck under the T1 prototype regulations and features major upgrades like a new 6-speed sequential transmission that replaces the stock 6-speed manual, a wider track width, and more importantly, the rear suspension has been switched from leaf springs to a four-link coil spring configuration. This will allow the vehicle to absorb major shocks on rough roads and improve its traction on extremely bumpy road surfaces, significantly enhancing its road handling on rough roads.

The team also says a new turbocharger is still being adopted and improved, alongside the rally-specific equipment carried over from the 2023-spec Triton like the Cusco adjustable front and rear twin dampers, Carbon fiber front fenders, front and rear door panels, cargo outer panel, Endless front and rear ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers, Work aluminum wheels with Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 tires, plus front and rear limited-slip differentials.

"Last year, we tried for a second consecutive victory with the all-new Triton, which had just gone on sale, but we were unable to bring out its full potential, ending in third place. With this year's Triton, we have made major improvements primarily to driving performance and rough road handling, further enhancing our four-vehicle team as we aim to reclaim our position as champions. This year's drivers will also include Kazuto Koide, a test driver who I have worked with in developing Mitsubishi vehicles for over two decades. At Mitsubishi Motors, we leverage our experience in grueling motorsports for vehicle development, so I hope to pass on this tradition to the next generation," said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.

The 2024 Asia Cross Country Rally will take place from August 11 to 17.