Mitsubishi has presented a very peculiar rally cannon. Together with its motorsport division Ralliart, the brand has hoisted the Xpander, a relatively compact seven-seater MPV, in an exuberant mud suit. The result is special in every way.
The Mitsubishi Xpander, launched in 2017, is by nature a special appearance with its striking muzzle and relatively narrow body. Mitsubishi already supplies a Cross version of the model, which has a twin brother from Nissan in the form of the Livina, but the version that plays the main role in this article really stands its ground next to the asphalt. We are talking about the Xpander AP4, a true rally cannon!
The Xpander AP4 is a rally version of the Xpander prepared by the Indonesian branch of Mitsubishi and the New Zealand division of ‘house tuner’ Ralliart that will compete in the AP4 class of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. AP4 cars are comparable to the FIA’s R5 crack noses, and can be prepared by a variety of companies. Unfortunately, a homologation model for public roads does not appear. The rally-Xpander has to do without a second and third row of seats, but will get two bucket seats with harness belts in the front. The colossus has a roll cage, has a heavily modified chassis and is of course extensively expanded on the outside. All around we see not only exuberant spoiler work, but also wide wheel arches, an air scoop on the roof and a hefty rear wing.
Mitsubishi Xpander AP4
Under the hood is no naturally aspirated 1.5 like in the regular Xpander, but a 350 hp and 556 Nm strong four-cylinder that is a derivative of the 2.0 that Mitsubishi delivered in the Evolution X. The block is linked to a sequential six-speed gearbox, which distributes the power to all four wheels. You will not see the Xpander AP4 hunting on European rally tracks, which is why we would like to show you online.