Caradise Best of 2023 – The Sad Decline of a Great Brand: Mitsubishi Ralliart

I’m furious with both Nissan and Mitsubishi for what they have done lately to the glorious name of ‘Ralliart’  Nissan, because they do understand legacy well. For the GT-R, for the 300Z,  Even for later vehicles under the ‘Nismo’ line, they are better versions of the regular car they come from.  They know that they can make legacy profitable. Yet all the proper legacy management is happening at Nissan, and Mitsubishi has just been left behind.

Once a revered name in the world of motorsports and high-performance cars, Mitsubishi Ralliart has experienced a steady decline that has left enthusiasts feeling disheartened. The legacy of the Ralliart designation, which once represented higher speed, precision, and power, has been reduced to mere stickers and cladding on current Mitsubishi models with CVTs and anemic engines.  Wikipedia says:

“Ralliart is the high-performance and motorsports division of Mitsubishi Motors. It was responsible for development and preparation of the company’s rally racing and off-road racing vehicles, as well as the development of high-performance models and parts available to the public. Ralliart scaled down its business activities in April 2010,^[1] though the brand will continue to be used by Mitsubishi.”

Mitsubishi Ralliart history was glorious. The name truly meant something in performance terms. The current state of affairs is sad and unacceptable. The History of Mitsubishi starts with their SUVs that completed several rallies in the early 80’s The Pajero name was well known in the grueling Paris-Dakar race. Plenty of heritage to enjoy and celebrate.

Let’s explore the history of the name Mitsubishi Ralliart, highlighting the remarkable models and specifications that defined its glory days. Before the sad end,

1. Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2006-2012):The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, a sibling to the legendary Lancer Evolution, was on its own way a force to be reckoned with. There were two generations. The latest iteration featured a turbocharged engine, advanced all-wheel drive system, and has the SST transmission from the Evo sibling, and a sport-tuned suspension, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance. With horsepower ranging from 237 to 276, depending on the generation, the Lancer Ralliart delivered a thrilling driving experience that pushed the boundaries of what a compact sedan could achieve.  They had both Sedan and Wagon versions – Take that Subaru!

   

2. Mitsubishi Galant VR4 Under Mitsubishi Ralliart Europe (1989-1992):The Galant VR4 Ralliart of 1989 was a true rallying champion. This powerful sedan dominated rally contests with its impressive performance and exceptional handling. Equipped with a turbocharged engine producing approximately 245 horsepower, AWD, Slip differential, the Galant Ralliart showcased Mitsubishi’s commitment to rally-bred engineering and secured its place in motorsports history. It won the 1000 Lakes Rally in 1989 – Its first year! And continued racing until 1994.

 3. Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart (2006-2010):

The Colt Ralliart was a compact hatchback that proved that Ralliart excitement could be found on a smaller package. Its turbocharged tiny engine, generating approximately 147 horsepower, and nimble handling made it a favorite among urban drivers looking for a fun and practical daily driver. Sadly it never made it to the USA. The Colt Ralliart R version in 2008 had an astounding turbo charged 167HP and was an epic pocket rocket

 4. Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart (2008-2010):
The Galant Ralliart was the last gem in the Ralliart lineup. It offered a sporty sedan design coupled with impressive performance capabilities. Equipped with a SOHC V6 engine producing around 260 horsepower, stiffer suspension, and sport-tuned exhaust. These were the only Galant cars with Navigation and leather seats.  The Galant Ralliart was held back by its transmission, only came in automatic, but had performance numbers Audi could only reach on the S4 .

The Current State of Ralliart in 2023: Stickers and Cladding: Sadly, the Ralliart name has lost much of its former glory in recent years. Mitsubishi’s current branding of Ralliart seems to be limited to adding stickers and cladding to their regular models. While these visual enhancements may give the impression of performance, they do little to live up to the true Ralliart legacy. The Mirage Ralliart is an embarrassment and just plain disrespect for Mitsubishi’s Legacy

The absence of dedicated Ralliart models with high-performance engines, advanced drivetrains, and suspension upgrades is sorely felt. Enthusiasts who once eagerly awaited the next Ralliart release are now left disappointed by the lack of true performance offerings.

Mitsubishi Ralliart, once synonymous with exhilarating performance and rally-bred engineering, has sadly fallen from its former glory. The brand’s decision to reduce Ralliart to mere stickers and cladding on their regular models has left a void in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. The legacy of the Lancer Ralliart, Galant Ralliart, Colt Ralliart, and the victorious 1989 Galant VR4 Ralliart in rally contests is a testament to the incredible capabilities that Ralliart once represented.

As we look to the future, we can only hope that Mitsubishi will revisit its commitment to Ralliart and revive the spirit of high-performance that once defined the brand. Until then, enthusiasts will continue to reminisce about the golden era of Mitsubishi Ralliart and the unforgettable cars that bore its name, each with their own impressive horsepower and rally heritage.