For many car enthusiasts, Mitsubishi is synonymous with one thing; rally racing. Forged from decades of experience in rally, Mitsubishi dominated the sport with such rally-bred machines as the Galant VR-4 (1988-1992) and the Lancer Evolution (1993-2005). From these machines, the Mitsubishi Ralliart team was born.
Mitsubishi Ralliart catapulted the Japanese brand to the top. This was apparent, especially in the ‘90s and early 2000s WRC (World Rally Championship) seasons where rally drivers Four-Time WRC champion Tommi Mäkinen and the late great WRC champ Rchard Burns were the frequent headline makers. But times have changed… sort of.
Yes, Mitsubishi has pursued other directions in the automotive industry, including the discontinuation of the production of their rally racing staples Galant and Lancer Evolution in favor of SUV, crossovers, and trucks. But this didn’t mean they have abandoned their motorsport heritage. In fact, team Mitsubishi Ralliart has been active and running strong, all these years. This is evidenced by the team’s bid to conquer this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally or AXCR, which will happen in Thailand from August 8-16.
The best part is that they’ll be facing the challenge head-on with a Triton. Meet the 2025 Mitsubishi Triton AXCR challenger, a 4WD rally warrior with a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that puts out in excess of 215 hp and a pulling power of more than 500 Nm.
This machine will come in three units for the 2025 AXCR. Behind the wheel are drivers Katsuhiko Taguchi with co-driver Takahiro Yasui, Kazuto Koide with co-driver Eiji Chiba, and Chayaphon Yotha with co-driver Peerapong Sombutwong.
The AXCR is now celebrating its 30th year. This season will stretch across eight challenging days, covering 2,500 kilometers along Thailand’s eastern coast. It begins with a ceremonial start in Pattaya on August 8 and finishes in the same city on August 16.
Participants will face a variety of terrains> These include mountain trails, thick forests, and river crossings. These challenges are nothing new for the Mitsubishi Ralliart team as they have been conquering AXCR for three years now.
In the words of Mitsubishi Ralliart Team Director director Hiroshi Masuoka, “This marks our third rally with the new Triton. It has demonstrated its great potential in a wide range of situations, including acceleration performance on high-speed courses, handling on technical courses, and off-road performance on extremely rough terrain such as mud and river crossings. This time, in addition to increasing engine torque and improving durability, we have refined the chassis and other components to create a car capable of winning it all. Our team has grown in experience and unity, and we are in the best shape yet to reclaim the overall title after three years. So, please stay tuned – we expect great outcomes.”
Through the years, rally racing is still one of Mitsubishi’s passions. Through team Mitsubishi Ralliart and their continued journey to rally racing supremacy, this passion lives on.
To follow team Mitsubishi Ralliart’s AXCR 2025 journey, check out their 2025 AXCR Special Website and official Instagram account.
