Next-generation Mitsubishi Triton Group T1 for AXCR 2023 – road racing car prepared before the launch of the production model
After becoming the champion at the Asian Cross Country Championships (AXCR) last year, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart announced that it will return in the 2023 edition of the competition with the aim of winning a second straight.
Scheduled to take place from August 13 to 19 this year, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will feature defending champions Chayapon Yotha (Thailand) and Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand), both of which will feature participation of last year’s fifth-placed driver Rifat Sungkar (Indonesia). and Chupong Chaiwan (Thailand) as well as the Japanese duo Katsuhiko Taguchi and Takahiro Yasui.
Thailand’s Tant Sport, which owns the racing team, will have team director Hiroshi Masuoka, a former two-time Dakar Rally champion, and Mitsubishi Motors engineers accompanying the team to support the team. technical assistance.
The group will field three new Triton Group T1 (prototype off-road vehicle) based on the latest generation pickup truck, set to out in production form later this month on July 26. The development of the competition vehicles was carried out in conjunction with the sixth-generation Triton, with the team conducting rigorous endurance tests from June 19 to 23.
The tests were carried out on off-road near Khao Yai National Park, where the reliability and durability of the racing cars, mainly the bodywork and engines, were validated by driving around 800 cars. km within 5 days, with adjustments made in preparation for the actual competition.
To compete in AXCR, vehicles must comply with the FIA Group T1 specification, which means they must share a large amount of components and equipment with a production model that a typical customer can purchase, despite having some equipped with some race-specific parts.
The all-new Triton has been completely redesigned, including the body, chassis, chassis and engine, so validation is crucial before competition. Compared to last year’s AXCR with a distance of about 1,700 km, this year’s participants will cover a distance of 2,000 km.
The Mitsubishi Ralliart team doesn’t reveal much about the technical details, but they are working with various partners to ensure the new Triton T1 is capable. From Carrosser, the team is getting Cusco suspension as well as limited-slip differentials (LSDs) front and rear, while Endless offers brake calipers, rotary discs and brake pads.
Meanwhile, HKS is helping develop racing engines, with key fluids such as engine oil, coolant and brake fluid supplied by Eneos and Fortec Motorsport. As for the wheels, they come from Work and are paired with Yokohama Geolander M/T G003 tires.
“Building on the original power of the all-new Triton, handling performance, stability on rough roads and driving comfort are further improved as a race car. In addition, the turbocharger has been improved to increase engine response throughout the entire rev range from low to high, creating a powerful race car that can handle all road conditions.” Hiroshi Masuoka, team manager of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart said.
“We conducted endurance tests with a more difficult track setting than the actual track conditions, but the test cars were able to run about 800 km each without any problems. initial big, confirmed performance exceeded our expectations and gave us great confidence for us. second championship in a row,” he added.
