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Mitsubishi's rally-inspired Triton XRT previews next-gen pickup

The Triton pickup just might be the most interesting thing in Mitsubishi's lineup. The midsize pickup is available in approximately 150 countries, though the U.S. isn't among them. Overseas it's a serious contender against the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, so the next version is very important for the company. As such, Mitsubishi is drumming up excitement for the next-generation pickup with the Triton XRT Concept, unveiled today at the Bangkok Motor Show. The truck features a more blocky, upright grille than the outgoing model, a trend we've seen on full-size pickups in the past few years. The bulked-up XRT features wears flared fenders, a snorkel and mud-terrain tires that likely won't be found on run-of-the-mill Tritons when the model debuts.  It's possible, however, that Mitsubishi plans to offer its own interpretation of an off-road rig similar to Toyota's TRD Pro line of trucks. The Triton XRT concept wears the logo of Ralliart, Mitsubishi's motorsports division that racked up many victories in the WRC and Paris-Dakar Rally. Mitsubishi recently relaunched Ralliart after over a decade of dormancy. Though initially Ralliart appears to be peddling only cosmetic upgrades, the Triton XRT could change that. Ralliart entered and won the Asia Cross Country Rally last year and plans to do so again for 2023. Helming the program was Hiroshi Masuoka, a Mitsubishi factory driver that won the Dakar Rally twice. While the dearly departed Lancer Evolution doesn't appear to be anywhere on the horizon, a truck-based Ralliart program might be just what Mitsubishi needs to rekindle the brand in enthusiasts' hearts. These days 4x4s and overlanders are arguably more popular with customizers than all-wheel-drive sedans, and Mitsubishi is well-poised to capitalize on that with its many off-road motorsports accomplishments. Unfortunately, the Triton has huge hurdles to overcome if it's to make it to U.S. shores. Foreign pickups are still subject to the Chicken Tax, a 25% tariff on trucks that aren't assembled in the U.S. Toyota and Nissan build their trucks in America to bypass the tax, but Mitsubishi doesn't have the manufacturing base to do that. Still, it's something Mitsubishi execs are trying to figure out, as our insatiable appetite for pickups isn't going away anytime soon. 

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport puts on a fresh face

Mitsubishi is using this year's LA Auto Show to debut its refreshed Outlander Sport. It's got some brand-new style, some interior updates, and, well, that's about it. Still, the tweaks will hopefully help the Outlander Sport find better success in the red-hot compact crossover market. The updated Outlander Sport features power folding side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators, a fresh set of 18-inch wheels, and new wheel arch moldings. The interior further benefits from a new steering wheel, 6.1-inch display, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink buttons built in. Buyers will also be able to specify three new color choices and new interior upholstery options as well. Apart from those few upgrades, we're looking at essentially the same vehicle. That means either a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, or a 2.4 rated at 168 hp and 167 lb-ft. A five-speed manual comes standard with the base engine and trim, or a CVT in all other combinations. Despite the updated equipment, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport still carries the same MSRP of $19,595. It also boasts some of the most competitive warranty coverage in the business. DYNAMIC DESIGN ENHANCES MITSUBISHI MOTORS SALES LEADER: MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT UPDATED FOR 2016 - 2016 Outlander Sport adds bold, sleek exterior design elements with Mitsubishi's "Dynamic Shield" front design concept - Interior enhancements add stylish accents to further Outlander Sport's value CYPRESS, Calif. Nov. 18, 2015 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today unveiled the updated 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport featuring a newly redesigned, bold exterior front fascia/grille. The brand's best-selling CUV is now equipped with Mitsubishi's "Dynamic Shield" front design concept adding a sleek, audacious element to a vehicle that already makes a statement of its own. "The Outlander Sport is a brand leader for Mitsubishi Motors, and we are excited to unveil this eye-catching 2016 model-year," said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen.

Mitsubishi scores record global operating profits

In the minds of many auto enthusiasts, Mitsubishi has become an afterthought. It has transformed from a company known for its turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally machines into an automaker with a very boring lineup. Maybe we are being unfair, though. While the company doesn't have much of a performance presence anymore, the Japanese brand is doing quite well financially.
According to Reuters, Mitsubishi Motors had an operating profit of 123.4 billion yen ($1.2 billion) worldwide for the fiscal year that ended in March. That's twice as much as last year and a new all-time record for the Japanese automaker. It's even paying dividends to investors for the first time in 16 years, and its expected profit of 135 billion yen ($1.3 billion) in the new fiscal year matches a goal it had set for itself to achieve two years from now.
The automaker currently focuses much of its efforts on Southeast Asia, which accounts for about a quarter of its sales. It will put even greater attention there in the coming years with more local production, according to Reuters.