Mitsubishi has reportedly started work on a Ralliart version of the Outlander PHEV midsize SUV, which remains one of the most popular models in its line-up.
As reported by Japanese outlet Best Car Web, this upgraded version of the Outlander PHEV is slated for production as soon as 2024.
The Vision Ralliart Concept toughens up the Outlander
As a performance-focused midsize SUV, the reported Outlander PHEV Ralliart would face competition from the likes of the Cupra Formentor VZe and Volkswagen Tiguan R.
It’s likely that the final product will take styling cues from the Vision Ralliart Concept that debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2022.
How much more performance will a Ralliart version add?
According to the Best Car report, the Outlander PHEV Ralliart will get an extra 28kW over the standard SUV, with a total output of 213kW on offer.
It also notes that the Outlander’s 2.4-litre petrol engine will remain, and while there was no mention of torque, the current output of 450Nm would likely suffice for a faster version.
Ralliart looks likely to live on in the Outlander line-up
For context, the Outlander PHEV in its current form is already pretty quick, in our independent testing Chasing Cars saw a 0-100km/h time of 6.67 seconds – putting it in the same ballpark as performance vehicles like the Ford Ranger Raptor (6.2 sec) and Hyundai i20 N (6.2 sec).
Underneath the new skin, this Outlander PHEV Ralliart should get a tuned suspension system, and a strengthened chassis.
Considering that the Outlander PHEV uses an all-wheel drive system as standard, this would carry over perfectly as all-paw performance was a staple in Ralliart’s prime.
Mitsubishi Ralliart fast facts
For those unfamiliar, Ralliart is Mitsubishi’s high-performance and motorsport division, historically specializing in the brand’s WRC entries.
Most active from 1984 to 2010, Ralliart saw one WRC manufacturer’s championship, four driver’s championships with Tommi Mäkinen, and twelve Dakar Rally wins.
Though the Lancer Evolution didn’t get a Ralliart badge, the brand’s heritage is evident
First making an appearance on a road car in 2007, the Ralliart Lancer was offered as a cut-price version of the Lancer Evolution, the Ralliart featured a detuned turbocharged engine and an all-wheel drive system.
Given that this Lancer was the only Mitsubishi product to wear a Ralliart badge, if the hotter Outlander PHEV makes it to production, it’ll only be the second Mitsubishi road vehicle to wear the badge.
