Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Ralliart performance hybrid SUV due next year – report

The first high-performance model from Mitsubishi's revived Ralliart brand may be based on the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid family SUV, according to a new report.

Japanese magazine Best Car claims plans are underway to introduce a Ralliart performance version of the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) family SUV in Japan next year.

The car would be derived from the Vision Ralliart concept revealed in 2022 (pictured top of story), and would be the first true performance model from the revived Ralliart marque – rather than an accessory pack for a regular Mitsubishi model.

According to Best Car, the Outlander PHEV Ralliart is slated to tune the standard model's dual electric motors for more power, to combine with the 2.4-litre petrol engine for 213kW – up 28kW on the regular Outlander PHEV's 185kW.

No torque figure or claimed 0-100km/h performance metrics are given in the report, however the standard Outlander PHEV claims 450Nm, and has been tested by Drive as capable of zero to 100km/h acceleration in the low seven-second range.

The publication reports the Outlander PHEV Ralliart is due to receive visual changes inspired by the concept, as well as retuned suspension, and "chassis reinforcement".

The upgrades are reported to come at a cost, as Best Car claims the Outlander PHEV Ralliart may be priced from 5.5 to 6.1 million yen – compared to 4.8 to 5.7 million yen for the standard model.

Using Japanese and Australian prices for the regular Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV as a guide, the Ralliart could cost in excess of $70,000 plus on-road costs if it comes to fruition and is sold locally.

It is worth noting this is not the first time Best Car has reported on claimed plans for an Outlander PHEV Ralliart, as the magazine published plans for a similar vehicle – albeit wearing the fabled 'Evolution' moniker – in mid 2021.

However, it is believed this report may have been previewing plans for the Vision Ralliart concept shown in January 2022, rather than the production car claimed in its latest report.