Triton triple threat for AXCR 2025

Mitsubishi is sending three specially prepped Triton pickups to the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), as Team Mitsubishi Ralliart gears up for another shot at rally glory this August in Thailand.

The AXCR, now in its 30th year, is one of Southeast Asia’s toughest motorsport events. It stretches over 2,500 kilometers of punishing terrain, mountains, rivers and forests over eight days. This year’s route loops entirely within Thailand, starting and ending in Pattaya from 8 to 16 August, after changes were made due to border closures.

Behind the wheel will be a mix of experienced rally names and factory talent. Leading the charge is Thai driver Chayaphon Yotha, who already brought Mitsubishi its first AXCR win in 2022. He’ll be joined again by co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong. They’re hoping to repeat that performance in an upgraded Triton with a wider stance and new mechanical tweaks.

Joining them are Japanese duo Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui, who placed fifth last year. The third car will be driven by Mitsubishi Motors test driver Kazuto Koide, with Eiji Chiba as co-driver. Koide is also expected to help fine-tune the Tritons during the rally and assist his teammates, as part of Mitsubishi’s larger goal of validating technology for future production models.

All three trucks are powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4L 4N16 turbo-diesel engine, tuned to deliver over 160 kW (roughly 215 hp) and more than 500 Nm of torque. Each vehicle has a different transmission setup, either a 6-speed sequential or automatic, with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system underneath. Suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components have all been upgraded for the rally, with support from companies like CUSCO, ENDLESS, HKS and Yokohama.

Testing for the rally started back in June near Khao Yai National Park, where the team put the Tritons through high-load endurance trials to mimic actual race conditions. According to team director Hiroshi Masuoka, a former Dakar Rally winner, this marks the third year the team is competing with the new Triton, and they believe they’ve finally dialed it in.

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart conducted high-load endurance tests simulating actual rally conditions on off-road courses around Khao Yai National Park in central Thailand. The suspension and other chassis components have been fine-tuned while verifying the engine and body’s reliability and durability, all in preparation for the main event.

“This marks our third rally with the new Triton,” said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. “It has demonstrated its great potential in a wide range of situations, including acceleration performance on high-speed courses, handling on technical courses, and off-road performance on extremely rough terrain such as mud and river crossings. This time, in addition to increasing engine torque and improving durability, we have refined the chassis and other components to create a car capable of winning it all. Our team has grown in experience and unity, and we are in the best shape yet to reclaim the overall title after three years. So, please stay tuned — we expect great outcomes.”

The Ralliart team is managed by Tant Sport (Thailand) and continues to receive engineering and technical support directly from Mitsubishi Motors. It’s a way for the brand to keep its motorsport roots alive, even as it focuses more on SUVs and electric vehicles these days.