2024 Mitsubishi Triton set for ‘new’ engine, prepares to enter the rally stage

The imminent 2024 Mitsubishi Triton will receive a “new” powertrain.

A social media post by Mitsubishi Motors Thailand reveals the new Triton’s engine, which is said to be “new” and “more impressive than ever” – but the changes aren’t believed to be revolutionary, according to overseas reports.

South-East Asian media reports it is likely a revised version of the 2.4-litre diesel engine found in the current Triton and Pajero Sport, with outputs tipped to rise closer to the four-cylinder benchmark of around 150kW and 450-500Nm.

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The current Triton produces 133kW and 430Nm, with a 3.1-tonne braked towing capacity and six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Codenamed 4N16, the updated diesel is an evolution of Mitsubishi’s current 4N15 mill with a 2439cc displacement, down from 2442cc. It is already found in the Japanese-market Nissan Urvan/Caravan.

There, it is paired to a Jatco-developed seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission – but Mitsubishi could instead develop the Pajero Sport’s Aisin-sourced eight-speed unit for the new Triton.

A manual transmission is seen on the new Triton AXCR rally car, suggesting Mitsubishi will continue to offer manual and automatic options – at least in overseas markets.

“Australia is a core market globally for Mitsubishi Motors, and we have been a key stakeholder in the next-generation Triton’s development process,” said a Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.

“The light commercial utility segment is more competitive than ever, and we are confident that next-generation Triton will take Mitsubishi’s enduring presence in this market to the next level.”

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Mitsubishi has announced it will offer a ‘Trail Package’ for the new Triton in its home market at 40,000 baht (AU$1710), bringing a black sports bar, a chrome front grille, wheel arch extensions, floor mats and ‘door protection moulding’.

The latest news follows the Mitsubishi Ralliart team's announcement that it will participate in the upcoming Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) in a race car derived from the new Triton.

The team, led by Hiroshi Masuoka, will aim to defend their overall victory from last year, with Chayapon Yotha – the reigning champion driver of AXCR 2022 – and Rifat Sungkar to return, joined by new Japanese driver Katsuhiko Taguchi.

The team will compete with three new Triton Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles, with the championship due to commence in August.

Mitsubishi said endurance tests were conducted on the redesigned Triton rally cars to ensure reliability, durability, and improved performance in the forthcoming competition.

“Based on the original strength of the all-new Triton, the handling performance, stability on rough roads, and ride comfort are further improved as a rally competition car,” said Mitsubishi Ralliart team director, Hiroshi Masuoka.

“The turbocharger has been improved to increase engine response throughout the entire rally range from low to high rpm, resulting in a powerful rally car that can handle any road conditions.”

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Inside, the AXCR rally car previews the Triton's redesigned cabin, with visible components – including the engine start/stop and steering wheel controls – similar to the latest Outlander midsize SUV, which also shares parts with the related Nissan X-Trail.

The “fully redesigned” 2024 Mitsubishi Triton ute will debut in Thailand on July 26.

“We look forward to sharing more details of the development process, and of the new Triton’s Australian range, specification, timings and pricing as we move towards delivering this next-generation utility vehicle to Australian customers,” added the Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.