2024 Mitsubishi Triton developed with Australian know-how

An ex-General Motors testing facility has assisted in the development of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton ute, due in February.

Mitsubishi Australia has detailed the “rigorous development and testing program” conducted locally for the next-generation Triton, which was completed on public roads and proving grounds – including the Lang Lang facility in Victoria, owned by GM Holden between 1957 and 2020.

Australia and New Zealand-bound versions of the new Triton will feature a bespoke suspension tune, while local engineers assisted Japan in the development of a global electronic power steering tune.

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Mitsubishi said it tested “over 100 combinations of front and rear suspension options” over several months, with the final combination selected in time for a ‘key person ride’ attended by senior executives in Australia.

“Having access to somewhere like Lang Lang accelerates the process immensely. We could evaluate changes on multiple road conditions back-to-back to set accurate benchmarks,” said Mitsubishi Australia project manager Tony Dorrington.

Dorrington joined Mitsubishi in 2003, working closely with Japan on the development of the 380’s suspension and steering tunes. After working externally, he returned to the brand in 2019 to head localised engineering initiatives.

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A unique front damper, spring combination, and rear shock will be fitted to local versions of the Triton, which was benchmarked against key rivals – likely including the top-selling Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max – and the current model.

“The outcome of our collaboration is a significant reduction in impact harshness, improved body control, enhanced on-centre feel and more linear steering with good feedback,” said Dorrington.

Meanwhile, the adoption of electronic power steering is said to “reduce effort during parking and low-speed manoeuvres”, assist off-road, and improve feedback at higher speeds.

“With new-gen Triton we targeted a similar drive experience to a good SUV, with improved agility, responsiveness and ride comfort, but retaining Triton’s traditional off-road and workhorse capabilities," he added.

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Due in Australia in February 2024, the new Mitsubishi Triton will be available in four trims: GLX, GLX+, GLS and GSR.

A revised 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel sits underneath the bonnet, initially matched to a six-speed automatic and later joined by an updated manual.

For all the details on the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, click on the featured article below.