For a lot of car lovers, the name Mitsubishi instantly brings one thing to mind: rally racing. The brand earned that reputation through decades of experience, with icons like the Galant VR-4 (1988–1992) and the Lancer Evolution (1993–2005) carving out their legacy on the dirt and gravel. These cars helped build the legend that is Mitsubishi Ralliart.
The Ralliart team pushed Mitsubishi into the motorsport spotlight, especially in the ‘90s and early 2000s. Back then, names like four-time WRC champion Tommi Mäkinen and the late Richard Burns were making headlines, driving rally fans wild. But even as the rally scene changed, Mitsubishi’s spirit didn’t fade.
Sure, the company moved on from producing rally favorites like the Galant and Lancer Evolution, shifting focus to SUVs, crossovers, and pickups. But that didn’t mean they left motorsports behind. Far from it. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has stayed active, and in 2025, they’re back at it with a fresh challenge — this year’s Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), taking place in Thailand from August 8 to 16.
And the vehicle of choice? The 2025 Mitsubishi Triton AXCR, a purpose-built 4WD rally truck powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. It’s tuned to deliver over 215 horsepower and more than 500 Nm of torque, making it more than ready for battle.
Mitsubishi is fielding three Tritons for AXCR 2025. The driver and co-driver lineup includes Katsuhiko Taguchi with Takahiro Yasui, Kazuto Koide with Eiji Chiba, and Chayaphon Yotha with Peerapong Sombutwong.
This year marks AXCR’s 30th edition. The rally will cover eight intense days and 2,500 kilometers along Thailand’s eastern coast. It kicks off in Pattaya on August 8 and wraps up in the same city on the 16th. Along the way, teams will face a mix of tough terrain, from mountain trails and thick jungle to rivers and muddy paths.
But this isn’t uncharted territory for Mitsubishi Ralliart. They’ve been competing in AXCR for three years now, steadily building experience and proving their mettle.
As Team Director Hiroshi Masuoka puts it:
“This is our third rally with the new Triton. It has shown impressive performance in all kinds of situations — from high-speed acceleration and tight technical handling to rough off-road conditions like mud and river crossings. For this year, we’ve pushed further by boosting engine torque and improving durability, while refining the chassis and other components to give us a real shot at the win. The team has grown stronger and more unified. We’re in our best form yet and fully focused on taking back the overall title. We hope you’ll stay tuned — we’re expecting big things.”
Rallying has always been in Mitsubishi’s blood. And with Team Ralliart pushing hard again this year, that passion is still very much alive.
To follow the team’s journey through AXCR 2025, visit their special website and check out their official Instagram page.
