Mitsubishi to revive Ralliart brand

The Japanese carmaker will revive its motorsport brand after 11 years.

Published On May 16, 2021 09:00:00 AM

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Mitsubishi is set to revive the dormant Ralliart sporting brand after 11 years, having put it on hiatus at the beginning of the last decade. The revival was quietly announced as part of Mitsubishi’s annual earnings call. It is hoped the return of the Ralliart brand will help fulfil the Japanese carmaker’s objective to “realise Mitsubishi Motors-ness.”

Will launch custom-made Ralliart accessories for Mitsubishi models
Mitsubishi will also enter motorsport events around the world
Ralliart has won four consecutive world rally championship titles

Mitsubishi’s Ralliart revival plan

“We have decided to relaunch the Ralliart brand for customers in Mitsubishi Motors brand who want to add to Mitsubishi Motors-ness even more,” said Takao Kato, Mitsubishi CEO.

“For customers who wish to experience our Mitsubishi-ness, we will launch custom-made accessories for our model line-up as well as re-entering motorsport events around the world,” he added.

In the presentation, a Mitsubishi L200 pick up is shown with a Ralliart makeover, with another image featuring a reference to ‘Ralliart Parts’. It remains unclear whether the branding will be used for standalone performance models, or on upgrade packages for standard Mitsubishi models.

Mitsubishi Ralliart overview

The Ralliart brand was mothballed in 2010 after 25 years of high-performance tuning and motorsport development. The decision was made due to financial issues, but Mitsubishi’s motorsport heritage still holds strong today. It achieved huge success with Tommi Makinen at the wheel of the Lancer Evo in the rallying world, winning four consecutive world titles, and has also claimed a record 12 victories in the formidable Dakar Rally.

However, it has not yet been revealed which motorsport events Mitsubishi intends to return to, nor which vehicles will bear the Ralliart name.

Mitsubishi in India

At the time of the implementation of the BS6 emission norms in April 2021, Mitsubishi had two models on sale in India – the Pajero Sport and the Outlander SUVs. However, neither of the models complies with the new emissions norms, and it’s unclear if or when they will be revived.

Also see:

Spare parts for a Mitsubishi Cedia 2.0 Sport

All-new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV revealed

Mitsubishi Pajero production likely to end in 2021