Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Confirms Triton Readiness as It Targets Second Consecutive AXCR Title

Tokyo, June 11, 2026
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AXCR2026 competition vehicle
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Driver: Chayaphon Yotha
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Driver: Katsuhiko Taguchi
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Driver: Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Motors)
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AXCR2026 competition

AXCR2026 competition vehicle

Tokyo, June 11, 2026 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from the company, successfully completed a seven-day endurance test in mid-May on off-road courses near Khao Yai National Park in northeastern Thailand. Under conditions simulating the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), the test confirmed the intended performance of the improvements made to the Triton. Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will enter three Triton pickup trucks in AXCR 2026 in Thailand this August, as it aims for a second consecutive title.

AXCR 2026 will cover approximately 2,000 kilometers across six days in the hot, humid climate and demanding terrain typical of Southeast Asia. The course features steep mountainous terrain, narrow and rugged jungle trails, low- to medium-speed rough roads with muddy tracks and river crossings caused by sudden downpours, as well as relatively flat, high-speed unpaved sections such as grasslands and farm tracks.

Aiming to secure back-to-back victories, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart has further unlocked Triton’s potential and improved its dynamic performance so that drivers can tackle AXCR’s highly varied and severe conditions with greater control. With adjustments to the vehicle layout, including the powertrain position, the team improved front-to-rear weight distribution. The suspension was also fine-tuned to increase tire contact at all four wheels, improving steering stability and cornering performance. In addition, engine response in the low- to mid-speed range has been refined to improve drivability and off-road capability.

"The AXCR, where vehicles must run at high speed over a diverse and grueling course, the load imposed on the vehicle body by road impact is said to be, in some cases, more than thirty times greater than in normal customer driving," said Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. "The technical information gained through our participation in the AXCR over the past four years has not only improved the competitiveness of our rally cars, but has also provided valuable insight for strengthening the appeal of our production vehicles. These learnings have been applied not only to the Triton, but also to the all-new Pajero, which will make its world premiere this autumn. Through vehicle development honed through rally activities, Mitsubishi Motors will continue to deliver distinctive and compelling products that reflect Mitsubishi Motors’ identity."

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart

Team Director: Hiroshi Masuoka (Mitsubishi Motors)
Team Principal: Chayut Yangpichit (Tant Sport)
Technical Director: Kopong Amatayakul (Tant Sport)

Drivers and Co-drivers:

Driver: Chayaphon Yotha
From: Udon Thani Province, Thailand
Born: August 16, 1987 (38)
Career: Actively participating in numerous rallies and races in Thailand. Two time AXCR overall champion (2022, 2025). Known for precise, careful driving style and ability to maintain high speed without damaging the vehicle.
Co-driver: Peerapong Sombutwong (Thailand)

Driver: Katsuhiko Taguchi
From: Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Born: February 7, 1972 (54)
Career: Internationally active rally driver with two FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship titles. Finished 5th overall, ranking as the highest-placed Japanese driver duo in AXCR 2025.
Co-driver: Takahiro Yasui (Japan)

Driver: Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Motors)
From: Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Born: June 19, 1979 (46)
Career: Mitsubishi Motors test driver who has been responsible for testing many new models, including the Pajero and Lancer Evolution. Currently serves as a driving instructor for test drivers and as a demonstration driver at events in Japan and around the world.
Co-driver: Eiji Chiba (Japan)

Triton Rally Car
Yotha/Sombutwong Car
Taguchi/Yasui Car
Koide/Chiba Car
Total length x total width 4,920 mm × 1,995 mm 5,070 mm × 1,865 mm
Wheelbase 3,130 mm
Tread 1,730 mm1,570 mm
Engine 4N16 (4-cylinder turbo diesel)
Fuel injector High-pressure common rail
Displacement 2,439 cc
Turbocharger Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger
VG turbocharger
Maximum output 160 kW or more
Maximum torque 500 Nm or more
Exhaust system HKS AXCR Competition Model
Transmission 6-speed
sequential transmission
Moty’s gear oil
Ogura Clutch reinforced clutch
6-speed
automatic transmission
4WD system Full-time 4WDSuper Select 4WD-II
Differential CUSCO front and rear LSD
Front suspension Independent double-wishbone with coil springs
Rear suspension Rigid/4-link coil spring
Shock absorbers CUSCO adjustable front and rear twin dampers
Bump stops Hydraulic
Steering Rack and pinion with power assist
Brakes ENDLESS ventilated discs with monoblock brake calipers and pads, FORTEC racing brake fluid
Wheels WORK CRAG T‑GRABIC II MC + aluminum alloy wheels (17-inch x 7J)
Tires YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR M/T G003 (245/75R17)
Other features Carbon fiber: engine hood, front fenders, front and rear door panels, cargo outer panel Carbon fiber: engine hood, rear door panels, cargo outer panels
Partners (in alphabetical order, current as of June 11, 2026)

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will compete in AXCR 2026 with the support of the following partners.

Partners Support
CARROSSER Co., Ltd. Support for development and supply of front & rear suspension and front & rear LSD
CARRY ART LLC Activity support
ENDLESS ADVANCE Co., Ltd. Supply of brake calipers, rotors, and pads
ENEOS Corporation Supply of engine oil
Fortec Motorsport Ltd Supply of racing coolant and brake fluid
HANKYU HANSHIN EXPRESS Co., Ltd. Activity support
HKS Co., Ltd. Technical sponsor for rally engine
MITA KOSAKU Co., Ltd. Activity support
Mitsubishi Motors Dealers Association Activity support
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. Technical sponsor for turbocharger
OGURA CLUTCH CO., LTD. Supply of reinforced clutch
TPR Co., Ltd. Supply of piston rings, activity support
TriboJapan Co., Ltd. Supply of gear oil
Work Co., Ltd. Supply of aluminum alloy wheels (CRAG T-GRABIC II)
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Supply of GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud terrain tires
Overview of AXCR 2025

AXCR 2026 will be held in Thailand from August 9 to August 15. The rally will begin with a ceremonial start in Pattaya, a coastal resort city in eastern Thailand, and head north through Prachinburi, home to rich natural surroundings including Khao Yai National Park; Nakhon Sawan, the source of the Chao Phraya River; and Kamphaeng Phet, a fortress city of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The rally will finish in Phitsanulok in northern Thailand, known for its natural attractions and historic sites. The total distance is expected to be approximately 2,000 kilometers.

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