Mitsubishi Vision Ralliart concept to be revealed in January

Mitsubishi will preview the future of its recently-revived Ralliart performance brand next month, with the reveal of a new Vision Ralliar concept car at the Tokyo Auto Salon event – though whether it will be a true performance car, or simply focus on visual enhancements remains to be seen.

A sole teaser image released by Mitsubishi shows the concept's rear bumper, incorporating a bold carbon-fibre diffuser with a Formula One-inspired central light and the Ralliart brand's ten-stripe logo.

No other details were confirmed alongside the teaser, though Mitsubishi says the Ralliart concept car "brings together Mitsubishi Motors’ engineering and passion for Monozukuri challenges (craftsmanship)," and "expresses the company’s vision for the new Ralliart."

While Mitsubishi is coy on details, keen-eyed fans will note similarities between the design of the tailgate and rear quarter panels pictured above the Ralliart concept's diffuser, and those of the new-generation Outlander medium SUV (comparison below, with highlighted elements).

Readers will also point out the diffuser lacks an opening for an exhaust outlet, suggesting it could be powered by an electric-heavy plug-in hybrid system or, more likely, an all-electric powertrain.

While not confirmed, these clues all lend weight to rumours earlier this year of a high-performance Outlander Evolution performance SUV being in development, powered by a multi-motor plug-in hybrid system.

Japan's Best Car reported the new Evolution model was initially slated for unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2021, before the event's cancellation pushed the reveal to June 2022 – a timeline that could see the concept teased here revealed in January, ahead of a production model in June (though this remains speculation for now).

As reported, Mitsubishi announced the return of the Ralliart name earlier this year, with its first application a pair of sport-themed 'sticker pack' variants of the Triton ute and Pajero Sport four-wheel-drive, revealed last month – though both models remain Thai exclusives for now.

The Mitsubishi Ralliart concept car will be revealed at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, set to open its doors to media on 14 January 2022, before opening to the public on 15 and 16 January. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest updates.

A name is yet to be confirmed for the Ralliart concept, though the original file name of the initial teaser image suggests it will be known as the 'Vision Ralliart Concept'

It will be joined on stage by a kei EV concept (above) – which the teaser's file name suggests could be badged 'K-EV Concept X Style' – a second show car previewing an electric micro car slated for launch in Japan in mid-2022, as a twin to a production version of Nissan's IMk concept.