The absolute concept exterior styling concealed in the Mitsubishi Triton Design

Launched in March 2019 as the Absolute Concept, the most off-road Mitsubishi Triton ever is nothing more than a one-of-a-kind model right now. On the bright side, two design patents could improve the concept and turn it into series production starting in 2020.

Car Advice calls the truck in the patents a "Ford Ranger Raptor Challenger," but it is not.

Mitsubishi lacks Ford Performance suspension technology, and there's a bigger problem with suction-squeeze-hit-hit. Straight to the point, Mitsubishi lacks the engine to cope with the 2.0-liter EcoBlue biturbo diesel.

The Ranger Raptor delivers 213 hp (210 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels thanks to a 10-speed gearbox Also known as the L200, the Triton is based on the 2.4-liter MIVEC turbodiesel with 180 PS (178 hp) and 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque, connected to a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic.

Redesigned for the 2019 model year, the Triton is a capable truck in terms of towing and payload, but it doesn't compete with the Ranger Raptor. The design patents reveal two possible outcomes for Absolute. One features cut-out entries in the front, while the other integrates the glider and sport bar with the cargo area.

At best, the Triton Absolute would compete with the Hilux GR Sport that Toyota presented in 2018 at the Sao Paulo International Auto Show in Brazil. Looking ahead, the CEO of Mitsubishi in Australia sees the Absolute as the perfect addition to the Triton lineup in this part of the world.

“This demonstrates our commitment to exploring a vision for the future model that will deliver on our commitment to 'designed beyond the tough' for the Triton series - bold enough to embark on even more adventurous hikes to explore the rugged countryside of Australia. ”Said John Signoriello. Reading between the lines, don't expect a stronger chassis for Baja-style dune raiding.

We think Mitsubishi will update the suspension with a lift kit while taking inspiration from the absolute concept of exterior design. That's it for now, especially if you remember that Mitsubishi doesn't have the financial resources of alliance partners Nissan and Renault.

Mitsubishi is playing the third role to Nissan and Renault, and within the alliance there is also more discord than collaboration between the Japanese and French leaders. To add insult to injury, the Lancer had to be scrapped while the Sentra and Mégane Sedan were in motion despite the drop in this body style.

Mitsubishi's automobile division confirmed that the Lancer will be withdrawn from most markets in 2017 to focus on SUVs and crossovers, but production has not stopped in Taiwan. This has led many to consider a rebirth, fueled by the March 2020 trademark application for Lancer with the Philippine Intellectual Property Office. The question is: is the second coming of the turbo-powered rally sedan worth waiting for?

To answer this question, take a look at the rendering in the main photo. Pixel artist Kleber Silva's work is Mitsubishi on the outside, but a completely different animal under the skin due to the influence of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Imagine a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 130 horsepower, front-wheel drive, dry-clutch DCT, and electronic babysitters that can't be turned off completely. With all due respect, that's a far cry from the seventh-generation Lancer's GS platform.

But what about the EVO? That would certainly sell! Under the control of Nissan and under the influence of Renault, all you can expect from a new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the Mégane RS with various badges, one door less, and the Kadjar's all-wheel drive system.

Compared to the previous generation, which was 100% Mitsubishi inside and out, this prospect can only be described as 'vanilla' by brand loyalists and car enthusiasts.