New, hardcore Mitsubishi Triton in the works

A new, more capable version of the Mitsubishi Triton could soon be coming our way, with Mitsubishi revealing it is working with a third-party engineering firm to create a new flagship model.

It is understood the new Triton will be similar in concept to the Nissan Navara Warrior or Toyota HiLux Rugged X and that increased off-road ability is the primary goal, rather than improved performance.

Speaking to Wheels, Mitsubishi Australia’s head of product planning, Owen Thomson, confirmed plans to create the new Triton variant are underway but cautioned the program is still in its early stages.

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If given the green light, it’s possible the new Triton could be badged as ‘Raider’ given Mitsubishi filed a trademark application for the nameplate earlier this year.

However, Wheels understands the Raider name is currently earmarked for another project if the trademark application is successful.

“We have some plans for Triton,” said Thomson. “And we’ve had some really good interest from a third party about doing something with Triton. But exactly what that is and what format that takes, we’ll say something when the time is right…”

Thomson wouldn’t be drawn on who the third party is, but Mitsubishi’s product PR manager, Adam Davis, added: “There are several globally recognised engineering firms out there that do this kind of work.”

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How Mitsubishi plans to modify the new Triton variant remains to be seen, although treading a similar path to the hugely popular Nissan Navara Warrior makes sense.

The Nissan Navara Warrior is built in conjunction with Melbourne engineering firm Premcar, increasing its off-road ability through revised suspension, greater ground clearance and tougher underbody protection, amongst a host of other changes.

Mitsubishi’s role as part of the Nissan/Renault/Mitsubishi alliance means Premcar could also be a logical candidate to work on the Triton. However, Premcar boss Bernie Quinn confirmed to Wheels that Premcar “isn’t working with Mitsubishi at this stage.”

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Walkinshaw, Tickford, Multimatic and RMA Group are other possible candidates given their engineering expertise and experience in working on dual-cab ute projects.

Regardless of which third party helps Mitsubishi, it’s clear the new Triton variant will be something of a swansong for the current generation Triton, before it is replaced with a new-generation model towards the end of 2023.

Wheels understands Mitsubishi has several new model additions or modifications planned to inject fresh interest in the current ute before it’s replaced.

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Shaun Westcott, chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, further hinted at this.

“There’s already been a lot of new speculation about new Triton and there’s already been some photos out of Europe of the new Triton. But let's just say there’s still some life left in the current Triton, and there’s still much to come in that space,” he said.

“As always, from a product planning point of view, part of our job is about profitability,” added Thomson.

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“You have to be a little hard-nosed. We love cars and we love the product, but you’ve also got to balance that off against what’s good for the business.”

Despite its age and imminent replacement, the current Mitsubishi Triton remains popular with Australian buyers.

Sales are up 28 per cent year-to-date to the end of June 2022, and in March, it was the third most popular dual-cab on sale after the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.