by New Mitsubishi Pajero: Return of a Legend
Mitsubishi is preparing to launch an all-new Pajero SUV. This vehicle has every chance of becoming a worthy alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. The manufacturer is banking heavily on the new model not only selling well but also reigniting interest in the brand. Along with the model, the legendary Ralliart name could also be revived, having been used in recent years only for decorative packages.
Will the Real Ralliart Return?
Mitsubishi technically revived the Ralliart name a few years ago, but calling it a true return is difficult. What customers got were merely stickers and a special edition Pajero Sport, not the sporting spirit the brand was once famous for. However, the situation could change. There have been previous reports about a flagship Triton pickup in a Ralliart version, and now the Pajero is being considered as another strong candidate for such treatment.
Read also: Mitsubishi hints at a tough Outlander, but Americans won’t get it
Connection to Dakar
The original Pajero became famous thanks to the legendary Dakar rally, generating enormous interest in Mitsubishi during the 80s and 90s. The brand has lacked this interest in recent times. In a conversation with Car Sales, the head of product strategy for Mitsubishi Australia, Bruce Hempel, noted that he wants to help restore interest in the brand, and the new Pajero could be key to this.
“Given the connection to Dakar and our history, I think most customers associate the Pajero with that rally. Perhaps I’m getting older, and that association is getting weaker. But I believe Mitsubishi’s connection to rallying is a key thing that was very strong in the 80s and 90s thanks to the Pajero at Dakar, the Lancer, and the Evolution in the World Rally Championship. The passion this brings to brands is what we are trying to revive. It would be great to have a Pajero Ralliart,” he said.
Prospects and Plans
Recently, Mitsubishi launched the Triton Raider version in Australia — a slightly more off-road-ready pickup. Although it does not carry the Ralliart name, its success could push the company to release a true sporty version, not only for the Triton but potentially for the Outlander as well.
However, since Mitsubishi has not yet approved any of these models, their launch will not happen for at least a few years. For now, buyers will have to make do with the standard Pajero, which, thanks to its ladder-frame platform and design inspired by the Lexus GX, could prove very attractive.
The new Pajero promises to be not just another SUV, but a true statement of Mitsubishi’s return to its roots. Using the proven ladder-frame construction from the Triton and focusing on off-road capability makes it a direct competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Reviving the Ralliart name in the form of a powerful and prepared version would be the perfect finishing touch to this story, but for now, the company cautiously avoids making specific promises. Considering the SUV market is booming and interest in true body-on-frame vehicles is growing, Mitsubishi has a unique chance to carve out its niche, relying on its rich history in rally-raid events.
