Whoever hoped that the Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart Concept would mean a resurrection of the famous Ralliart label, may be disappointed. The concept car, unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, appears to be nothing more than a bold Outlander, which is currently only for sale in Japan and America. But if we see the concept as a hoped-for European resurrection of the Outlander, then we have plenty of reasons to get excited.
The tragic story of the Mitsubishi Outlander is well known to many. Mitsubishi rubbed its hands when it received a busload of orders for an Outlander PHEV in late 2013. All from the Netherlands, where government interference made the car the bargain of the year. Immediately after the turn of the year, the plug-in SUV lost its popularity, never to regain it. In 2021, the curtain fell for the Outlander in Europe, and the Eclipse Cross had to win the hearts of Outlander buyers. In America and Japan, the model did receive a robust-looking, direct successor.
The Vision Ralliart Concept
This successor is now fitted by Mitsubishi with a number of thick bumpers and flared wheel arches. A new hood, slick grille with honeycomb patterns and black accents complete the picture. Whether the performance can keep up with the sporty appearance is not entirely clear from the information from Mitsubishi. The brand does not release any specs. The Japanese do mention that the Vision Ralliart Concept is equipped with new tires, large brake discs and powerful brake calipers. Of course they are there for a reason.
According to Mitsubishi, it is a concept car, intended to revive the legendary Ralliart label. It is doubtful whether the Japanese have succeeded in this. But it would be cool if the Japanese would still get this SUV as an Outlander to Europe. Then it will undoubtedly still be fine with the former bijtellings friend.
More revelations
Mitsubishi also unveiled a number of other models at the Tokyo Auto Salon, including the Outlander and Eclipse Cross Ralliart style. These are just models enhanced by the performance label. Equipped with white paint, black rims, decorated with red accents, these cars are intended for sports enthusiasts. However, Mitsubishi does not say a word about adjustments under the hood.
The rest of the Mitsubishi booth was decorated with new models for the Japanese market. Think of a duo of fun kei cars, an Outlander styled by the Japanese outdoor brand ‘Ogawa’, and a rugged van treated by Ralliart. None of this will likely ever be put on a Dutch license plate, but it’s nice to mention.