Outlander Ralliart Future

The Future of the Mitsubishi Ralliart Outlander

Remember when Mitsubishi was all about sporty cars with their rally heritage shining through models like the Lancer? Well, they might be bringing back some of that magic, but this time in an SUV. The Outlander with a Ralliart badge could be the high-performance SUV fans have been waiting for. The Vision Ralliart Concept got everyone buzzing, although so far, Mitsubishi hasn’t rolled out a production model.

Reviving Rally Roots

It’s been over three years since the Vision Ralliart was showcased at the Tokyo Auto Show, and fans of Mitsubishi’s rally legacy are still on the edge of their seats. Ken Honda, who’s leading the charge for the Outlander development, mentioned that they’re taking cues from rally events in Asia. It’s not a full go-ahead from Mitsubishi yet, but the signs are there that they might just be toying with the idea of a more dynamic SUV.

Mitsubishi’s Australian CEO, Shaun Westcott, also mentioned that there are studies being conducted to see how a beefed-up Outlander could be a reality, particularly geared to certain markets. They’re not just looking to slap on some stickers and call it a day either. If it’s coming, it’s going to be with tangible vehicle enhancements that would truly reflect the Ralliart badge.

A Powerhouse Promise

The current Outlander, reintroduced in 2021 with some fresh upgrades, now offers a heftier plug-in hybrid option topping out around 302 horsepower. There’s a 22.7 kWh battery to power this family SUV longer between charges. That’s already packing a punch, but for a Ralliart version, expect even more power under the hood, with a focus on sharper all-wheel-drive performance, more robust brakes, and even stiffer suspension to keep it glued to the road. All of this should translate to an SUV that’s not just practical for everyday use but also fun to drive.

Styling and Competitors

A sportier Outlander would likely follow some design cues from the Vision Ralliart concept. This could mean more aggressive bumpers, perhaps a special grille, or even a subtle rear diffuser. The concept rode on 22-inch wheels; however, a production model might choose a smaller, more practical size without losing that sporty edge.

It wouldn’t have the field all to itself, though. There’s the Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport and rumors about a Volkswagen Tiguan R in the future. Mitsubishi could have a strong contender if they get everything right and manage to launch it in the U.S.

In the end, bringing the Ralliart brand back as part of the Outlander lineup could be exciting for fans who yearn for the thrill of driving combined with everyday utility. With the right enhancements, driving could feel like a rally dream come true while still offering a practical and reliable family carrier.