Just days after unveiling the next-generation Pajero, Mitsubishi has reportedly confirmed that its ladder-frame models, such as the Triton and all-new Pajero, will eventually be offered with hybrid powertrains. However, Mitsubishi has yet to share a definite timeline as to when it will be offering the Triton and the Pajero with a hybrid powertrain.
Mitsubishi Motors Chief Product Specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki shared that the car brand will take its time in developing its hybrid powertrain, according to a report by Australian website CarExpert. The reason for this is that Mitsubishi wants to ensure that its hybrid powertrains can deliver notable on-road performance as well as superb off-road capability.
“To meet Mitsubishi Motors’ standards, future electrified models must deliver not only strong on-road performance, but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability and reliability expected to be core strengths of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles,” Itagaki said.
Itagaki-san added that the Japanese automaker’s engineers aim to ensure that its electrified models maintain the characteristics of delivering the distinct Mitsubishi driving experience.
“We’re ensuring that electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience… market introduction will therefore take additional time,” Itagaki added.
The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is powered by a new 2.4-liter turbo diesel mated to an eight-speed automatic with Sport mode. Depending on the market, you’re looking at up to 354 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, though some versions get 470 Nm. It is currently the sole powertrain option for the next-gen Pajero. But Itagaki said that Mitsubishi is ready to offer other powertrain options should the market and regulations demand it.
“But of course, when we are developing a global model, we study a wide range of powertrains that are based on market needs, regulations, performance, fuel economy… but this time, we selected the 2.4-litre engine,” Itagaki said.
“We will continue to study the best future options, including maybe electrification around market needs and regulations as technology evolves,” Itagaki noted.
Last year, Mitsubishi said that it is on a wait-and-see strategy when it comes to introducing the Triton plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The car brand previously said that it plans to observe how its rivals perform before giving the green light to offering pickup trucks with a hybrid powertrain.
Autocar’s Take
The idea of offering the Triton and the all-new Pajero with a hybrid powertrain is nice, since it will allow the two Mitsubishi vehicles to be on par with their respective rivals. It will also ensure that their respective engines will have a longer lifespan, as it has more chance of passing emission regulations. But then again, Mitsubishi has yet to release a timeline as to when it plans to offer the Triton and the all-new Pajero with a hybrid powertrain.
