After a frustrating 2024, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart hopes the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally will fare better. Chayapon Yotha and Katsuhiko Taguchi will race an upgraded Mitsubishi Triton, while Mitsubishi Motors employee Kazuo Koide will be entered in a downgraded Triton.

The 2025 Triton that Yotha and Taguchi will race is 5,070 millimeters long by 1,995 mm wide; while the width is the same, the 2024 car is longer by 250 mm. It also has more torque with a maximum of 500 Nm compared to the predecessor’s 470 Nm, along with 160 kW of max output versus 150. Otherwise, both models share the same characteristics such as the 2,439cc 4N16 engine, six-speed sequential transmission, independent double-wishbone suspension with coil springs, and rack-and-pinion steering system with power assist.

Other changes were made to improve durability like a better chassis. The livery has received a facelift too, with the new look on the sides intended to represent a sandstorm or a cloud of dust being kicked up.

Koide’s Triton is the same length as his teammates’ but is 1,865 millimeters wide instead and has less tire tread (1,570 mm to 1,750 mm). The transmission is also an automatic—though it comes with six gears as well—and uses a Super Select 4WD-II system rather than the full-time 4WD. Both models have carbon fiber paneling on the engine hood, rear door panels, and cargo outer panels, but the Taguchi/Yotha Triton also does so for the front fenders.

“This marks our third rally with the new Triton,” said team director Hiroshi Masuoka. “It has demonstrated its great potential in a wide range of situations, including acceleration performance on high-speed courses, handling on technical courses, and off-road performance on extremely rough terrain such as mud and river crossings. This time, in addition to increasing engine torque and improving durability, we have refined the chassis and other components to create a car capable of winning it all.

“Our team has grown in experience and unity, and we are in the best shape yet to reclaim the overall title after three years. So, please stay tuned. We expect great outcomes.”

Yotha, a sports car driver and the 2022 AXCR winner on Ralliart’s debut, was knocked out of the 2024 race on the penultimate stage by a mechanical failure. Koide tried to tow him to the finish but Yotha was not allowed to continue.

Taguchi finished fifth overall and fourth in T1D, settling a distance behind Toyota and Isuzu. He’s been with Mitsubishi for over 20 years, though he only started doing cross-country rally in 2022; before that, he competed for the company’s rally division and is a two-time Asia-Pacific Rally Champion (1999 and 2010).

Koide was 24th overall and 14th in class in his AXCR debut. Unlike his professional driver teammates, Koide works for Mitsubishi as an in-house driving instructor and test driver. Employed since 1998, he is responsible for testing vehicle durability.

The 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally will take place on August 8–16.

Featured image credit: Mitsubishi Motors