Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV To Take On Australasian Safari

Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia will tackle the gruelling Australasian Safari next month, but it won't be using the rugged Pajero 4x4, nor the ladder-framed Challenger or Triton to do it.

Instead, it will take on the nine-day event - which winds its way through 2500km of the West Australian outback - in an Outlander PHEV, the first-ever plug-in hybrid to compete in the race.

Veteran driver Steve Glenney and Bernie Webb will pilot the Outlander PHEV, which will compete in the newly-created A1 class for production hybrid vehicles.

However, it won't exactly be showroom-stock.

Suspension arms and strut towers will be reinforced to deal with the punishing terrain, while springs and dampers will also be changed out for improved items.