Here’s a faster future for Mitsubishi’s performance brand that the whole family might involve with.

ONCE it aligned with muscled ‘evolution’ hotties - world rally championship Lancers (and Galants) and a Pajero or two – but, going forward, Ralliart appears set to attached to a version of the make’s family special.

That’s the gist from first sight of the Vision Ralliart Concept, a design study that appears to be based on the Outlander seven-seater and could be suited to the entire Makinen family. 

Mitsubishi has released the images here ahead of the car’s public unveiling at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon, opening on Friday. 

Although the automaker doesn’t specifically mention the Outlander, the Vision Ralliart concept clearly appears to be based on the fourth-generation model, albeit in the plug-in hybrid version that is still en route to New Zealand, rather than the wholly petrol model already here.

Overseas’ media say the design study suggests Mitsubishi is keen to bring back some performance cred to its brand.

The make has yet to release technical details, but it promises the model has a “higher motor output” and, therefore, “elevated acceleration”.

“This is a concept car that expresses the possibilities of the new Ralliart, with elevated acceleration, cornering and braking in all road and weather conditions,” the company said.

The standard PHEV marries the long-serving, now 98kW/195Nm, 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder with front- and rear-mounted electric motors that enable four-wheel-drive and produce 85kW/255Nm and 100kW/195Nm, respectively.

The everyman model has a 20kWh battery provisioning 87km of WLTC-certified driving range. Mitsubishi says the Vision Ralliart Concept has “enhanced battery capacity”. Thought is that this means it could deliver longer distances in between charges.

The special also features wheelarch extensions, a new grille and diffuser as well as 22-inch wheels, large brake discs and opposed-piston six-pot brake calipers.