500 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme models customized by Walkinshaw set for production in 2023

Walkinshaw Automotive Group has embarked on the production of a limited series of customized Mitsubishi Tritons, with an enhanced focus on providing increased comfort for off-road adventures.

Walkinshaw Automotive, in partnership with Mitsubishi and Adelaide-based mobility specialist Supashock, is poised to introduce a competitor to the Toyota Hilux Rogue ute in the Australian market - the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme.

This model, which has been created to contend with other local upgrades such as the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, was developed with the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the former engineering firm behind Holden Special Vehicles and the recent Volkswagen Amarok W580 series.

While the hardcore iteration of the long-standing Mitsubishi Triton has been in development for several years, it's slated to make its local debut in showrooms in the latter half of this year, which aligns with the expected unveiling of the next-generation Mitsubishi Triton.

The Triton Xtreme distinguishes itself from the standard Triton range with a variety of off-road-focused upgrades and visual enhancements. Notably, Walkinshaw sought the expertise of long-time supplier Supashock to equip the Triton Xtreme with an advanced suspension package, which includes upgraded monotube dampers.

Additional features include custom 18-inch forged aluminium wheels clad in BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres (similar to those on the Ford Ranger Raptor), black fender flares, a black sports bar, and a new red bash plate with an integrated LED light bar.

The Triton Xtreme sports a decal package that complements Mitsubishi's "Dynamic Shield" design philosophy. There are no interior changes, except for a Triton Xtreme plaque located below the gear selector.

Built upon the Triton GSR, the Triton Xtreme comes equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment system (with wired smartphone mirroring), leather-appointed upholstery, and heated seats.

Pricing

The Triton Xtreme is priced at $71,990 before on-road costs, marking a $15,000 increase from the base Triton GSR model, making it the most expensive Triton variant sold in Mitsubishi's dealership history. This places it in a similar price bracket to the Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, which shares a similar concept and mechanical upgrades, and is built by another Melbourne-based engineering firm, Premcar.

The Triton Xtreme will face competition from the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux Rogue, and Mazda BT-50 Thunder, all priced comparably. Mitsubishi plans to make up to 500 units of the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme available through selected dealerships across all Australian states and territories.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The Triton Xtreme continues to utilize the same driveline as the standard Triton, which includes a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, generating 133kW/430Nm. This engine is connected to a Super Select II four-wheel-drive system via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the upgrades to the Xtreme, the Triton's 3100kg tow rating and its 5885kg gross combination mass rating remain unchanged. Fuel consumption also remains at 8.6L/100km (ADR) from a 75L tank, according to Walkinshaw.

Safety

While the Triton's ANCAP safety rating has expired due to its age, it previously held a five-star score based on 2015's testing.

2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtremen safety features fitted include:

• Seven airbags

• 2 x ISOFIX and top tethers

• Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System

• Passive cruise control with speed limiter

• Lane-departure warning

• Blind-spot monitoring

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Surround-view camera

Warranty and Servicing

The Triton Xtreme carries over the donor car’s 10-year or 200,000km warranty, provided the vehicle is serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise, the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km. A capped-price servicing scheme for 10 years or 150,000km is also offered, with service intervals set at once per year or every 15,000km, whichever comes first. The total 5 year capped service cost is $2895 and total 10 years is $6740.

Dimension

According to Walkinshaw, the Triton Xtreme retains all the primary dimensions and weight specifications of the Triton GSR. It measures 5305mm in length, 1795mm in height, and 1815mm in width, with a ground clearance of 220mm. It has a kerb weight of 2000kg, a payload capacity of 900kg, a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 2900kg, and a gross combination mass (GCM) of 5885kg.

Furthermore, the approach and departure angles remain unchanged, at 31 degrees and 23 degrees respectively.

The dimensions of the tub remain consistent as well, measuring 1520mm in length, 1470mm in width, and 475mm in depth. The distance between the wheel arches measures 1085mm.