Two years on from pulling out of the UK market, Mitsubishi has given us a first look at its new sixth-generation L200 pickup truck in the form of the XRT Concept.

The Mitsubishi XRT Concept is little more than a lightly disguised version of the production model, which is set to be launched later this year, even displaying the split LED headlights and blunt vertical grille that will be the visual highlight of the pickup.

Mitsubishi XRT Concept

The concept car is fitted with front and rear over fenders and mud-terrain tires, giving it the powerful drive to compete in gruelling rallies and the dynamism to dash across the terrain. The body features a camouflage design inspired by lava rocks packed with condensed energy, and the sides have been adorned with a graphic of the 10-parallel line Ralliart brand icon that expresses Mitsubishi Motors’ passion for driving.

Mitsubishi isn’t talking about the technical specifications of the new L200 pickup, but we do know it continues to be a traditional body-on-frame truck with a rugged ladder-frame chassis. The manufacturer is sharing much of its work with Nissan, meaning the chassis and suspension are likely to be the same on the next-generation Nissan Navara due in 2024.

Known as Triton in Thailand and some other territories, the new model will be manufactured at Mitsubihsi’s Laemchabang Factory in Thailand, with the vehicle exported to 150 territories worldwide — although that won’t include the UK following the brand’s exit in 2021. The truck will arrive in southeast Asia first, with Oceania and other global markets following.

Mitsubishi XRT Concept

“The all-new Triton is going through final touch-ups in preparation for its release, as we have performed rigorous endurance tests around the world while also incorporating the know-how gained from rally activities,” explains Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors. “With the new vehicle launches as the centrepiece, we will continue our drive toward further growth.”

Further down the line, Mitsubishi will be adding an electric pickup to its range, with a model expected to arrive by the end of 2028. Electrification plays a big part in the manufacturer’s plans, with half of its global sales expected to be electrified by 2030 as CO2 emissions drop by 40%. An investment of 200 billion yen (approximately £1.2 billion) in battery production will see the entire range move to pure electric power by 2035.

Phil Huff
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