Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Triton
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1978–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact pickup truck
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive

The Mitsubishi Triton is a compact pickup truck produced by Mitsubishi Motors. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Forte in Japan from 1978 to 1986, when the name was discontinued as the pickup was not sold in its home market for a while. It returned to Japan in 1991 as the Strada. In the United States two captive imports of the Forte were sold by the Chrysler Corporation from 1979, as the Dodge Ram 50 and Plymouth Arrow Truck. Mitsubishi itself imported it as the Mighty Max when it began selling directly in the U.S. from 1982 to 1996, at which point the Plymouth ceased to be available. In North America, after the Mighty Max was no longer offered, the Mitsubishi Raider was offered, sharing a platform with the Dodge Dakota. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

For most export markets the name L200 is used,^[1][2][3] though it also been known as the Rodeo,^[4] Colt,^[5] Storm, Magnum, L200 Strakar (badge used in Portugal since 1999, Strakar is a portmanteau of Strada and Dakar),^[6] and others.

Cumulative sales of the first three generations exceeded 2.8 million units around the world.^[7]

First generation (1978–1986)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Forte Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi L200 Express (AU) Mitsubishi Mighty Max (1982–1986) Chrysler D-50 (Australia) [8] Dodge D50 (1979–1980) Dodge Ram 50 (1981–1986) Plymouth Arrow Truck (1979–1982)
Production	1978–1986
Model years	1979-1986
Assembly	Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L 4G32/G32B I4 2.0 L 4G52 I4[citation needed] 2.0 L G63B I4 2.6 L 4G54 I4 2.3 L 4D55 D/TD I4
Transmission	4-speed manual 5-speed KM132/KM145 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,780 mm (109.4 in) 2,790 mm (110 in) (4WD)
Length	4,690 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,650 mm (65.0 in)
Height	1,560–1,645 mm (61–65 in)

The first generation model of Mitsubishi's compact pickup truck was first sold in Japan as the Mitsubishi Forte in 1978 and continued until late 1986, when the line was cancelled in the Japanese domestic market for five years. In Japan the Forte was originally sold with the 92 PS (68 kW) 1.6 litre 4G32 engine (L021P).^[9] Later this was updated to the 86 PS (63 kW) 1.6 litre G32B engine with two-wheel drive (LO25) or with four-wheel drive coupled to the 2 liter Sirius G63B with 110 PS (81 kW) (LO26). Offered in basic Deluxe trim, the larger-engined version was also available in leisure-oriented Custom trim.^[10] The Custom also has a smoother and less utilitarian bed, without provisions for fitting a canvas top and with fewer hardpoints for strapping down loads.

In export versions, the 2 liter gasoline version has 93 hp (69 kW) (88 PS DIN), while a larger 2.6 liter unit offered 105 hp (78 kW). Also popular in many markets, and frugal, was a 67 PS (49 kW) 2.3 liter diesel engine. The 73 PS (54 kW) 1.6 litre Saturn engine rounded out the lineup downwards in many countries.^[11] A naked cab and chassis version was also available in some markets.

The Dodge Ram 50 (called the D50 for 1979 and 1980) was a badge-engineered version sold by the Chrysler Corporation from 1979 on. The label lasted until 1993, through two generations of the truck. Plymouth also received a version of the truck known as the Arrow Truck, sold from 1979 to 1982. This was Chrysler's belated answer to the Ford Courier from Mazda and the Chevrolet LUV by Isuzu (both of which had been introduced in 1972). Mitsubishi itself imported it as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max when it began selling directly in the U.S. from 1982, at which point the Plymouth ceased to be available. The Dodge version has twin rectangular headlights, while Mitsubishis had single units in North America. In the rest of the world, importers could choose between single or double rectangular units, as well as twin round headlights.^[12] The twin round units were the original fitment for the Japanese domestic market.

Four wheel drive was added for 1982. This created the Power Ram 50 in the US, as in Dodge's nomenclature the "Power Ram" name was used for four wheel drive models. A turbodiesel engine was available in US models between 1983 and 1985. The 1983 turbodiesel was fitted with a TC05 non-wastegated turbo and produced 80 hp (60 kW) and 125 lb·ft (169 N·m) torque. The 1984–85 turbodiesels were fitted with a TD04 wastegated turbo which resulted in 86 hp (64 kW) and 134 lb·ft (182 N·m) torque.

Second generation (1987–1996)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Dodge Ram 50 (1987–1993) Mitsubishi Cyclone(Thailand) Mitsubishi Colt (South Africa) Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi Mighty Max Mitsubishi Strada
Production	1987–1996
Assembly	Japan: Okazaki, Aichi (Nagoya Plant) Brazil: Catalão (Mitsubishi Brazil)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L G63B I4 2.4 L 4G64 I4 2.6 L 4G54 I4 2.5 L 4D56 diesel I4 2.5 L 4D56 TD I4 3.0 L 6G72 V6 (4WD)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Short Bed: 2,680 mm (105.5 in) Long Bed/Ext. Cab: 2,950 mm (116.1 in)
Length	Short Bed: 177.2 in (4,501 mm) Long Bed/Ext. Cab: 193.7 in (4,920 mm) Ext. Cab: 188.2 in (4,780 mm)
Width	1,655 mm (65.2 in) Mighty Max 4WD: 65.9 in (1,674 mm) Mighty Max Sport Cab 4WD: 66.4 in (1,687 mm)
Height	Short Bed: 58.5 in (1,486 mm) Long Bed/Ext. Cab: 59.3 in (1,506 mm) 1991–93 Ext. Cab: 59.7 in (1,516 mm) 1987–1990 Ext. Cab: 59.6 in (1,514 mm) 1991–93 Long Bed/Ext. Cab 4WD: 64.4 in (1,636 mm) 1989–1990: 58.3 in (1,481 mm)
Curb weight	1,220–1,435 kg (2,690–3,164 lb)[13]

The second generation model was introduced in 1987 for most markets. In Japan the pickups were not sold for a few years, making their return as the Strada in Japan in June 1991. It continued to be produced until 1996. The car usually has a 68 hp (51 kW) 2.5 liter diesel or a 84 PS (62 kW) turbodiesel engine. The diesel-engined L200 was not a spirited performer, with a four-wheel drive diesel having a top speed of 126 km/h (78.1 mph). The second generation Mitsubishi truck was also produced in Thailand. In the US it was known as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max or the Dodge Ram 50. Gasoline engines include a carburetted 92 hp (69 kW) 2.0 liter inline-four or a 2.6-liter ditto with 109 hp (81 kW). Four-wheel drive was also available, as were different bed lengths and both extended and double cab options.

The Ram 50 was redesigned for 1987, which was the same year Chrysler introduced the Ram 50's successor, the Dodge Dakota. Despite this, sales of the Ram 50 continued for another seven years until 1993, possibly because the Ram 50 was a compact and the Dakota was a mid-size. The difference in size and cost left a niche for the Dodge 50, and its cancellation may have been due more to a desire to show independence from Mitsubishi than because of any product overlap. The Mighty Max ended production after the 1996 model year.

Third generation (1996–2005)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Colt (South Africa) Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi Storm Mitsubishi Strada Mitsubishi Warrior Mitsubishi Magnum Mitsubishi G-CAB
Production	1996–2005
Assembly	Thailand: Laem Chabang (Misubishi Thailand) Brazil: Catalão (Mitsubishi Brazil)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup 4-door pickup 5-door wagon[14]
Related	Mitsubishi Challenger
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 4G63 I4 2.4 L 4G64 I4 2.5 L 4D56 diesel I4 2.5 L 4D56 TD I4 2.8 L 4M40 diesel I4 2.8 L 4M40 TD I4 3.0 L 6G72 V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,950 mm (116.1 in)
Length	4,995 mm (196.7 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,585–1,710 mm (62.4–67.3 in)
Curb weight	1,295–1,700 kg (2,855–3,748 lb)[15]

In 1996, a new generation model was introduced with 2.5 litre turbodiesel engines developing 103 hp. Other engine options include two sixteen-valve fuel injected petrol engines and a naturally aspirated diesel.^[15] The previous 2.6 litre unit was replaced with a new, considerably more powerful 2.4 liter engine with 145 hp (108 kW).^[15] The car participated in the Dakar Rally in 2005. Production ended in 2006. These were only built in Laem Chabang, Thailand, and were also exported back to Japan between 1997 and 1999. In late 2001 the third generation pickup underwent a facelift with new headlights and other changes.

An SUV model developed from the Mitsubishi Triton was produced in Thailand as the Mitsubishi Strada G-Wagon.^[14] It was retired from production in 2005, but the nameplate was resurrected for the second generation of the Mitsubishi Challenger, launched in 2008 and which is also based on the following generation of the Mitsubishi Triton.^[14]

Fourth generation (2005–present)

Fourth generation
Mitsubishi L200
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi L200 Mitsubishi Triton Mitsubishi Strada Mitsubishi Warrior Mitsubishi Sportero Mitsubishi Hunter (Israel)
Production	2005–present
Model years	2006–present
Assembly	Thailand: Laem Chabang (Mitsubishi Thailand) Brazil: Catalão (Mitsubishi Brazil) South Africa: East London (Daimler AG)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door pickup 4-door pickup
Related	Mitsubishi Challenger
Powertrain
Engine	4M41 3.2 litre turbodiesel 4D56 2.5 litre 78hp 4D56 2.5 litre turbodiesel 142hp 4D56 2.5 litre turbodiesel 178hp 4G64 2.4 litre I4 petrol 145hp 6G74 3.5 litre V6 petrol 194hp
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,000 mm (118.1 in)
Length	5,040 mm (198.4 in) FBB: 4,835 mm (190.4 in) Crew Cab: 5,115 mm (201.4 in)
Width	1,750 mm (68.9 in) Crew Cab: 1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height	1,655 mm (65.2 in) Crew Cab: 1,775 mm (69.9 in) 4x4: 1,780 mm (70.1 in)

The fourth generation Triton was unveiled in 2005. Designed by Akinori Nakanishi, it is built exclusively by Mitsubishi's subsidiary in Thailand and is exported to 140 global markets.^[2] It is mostly known as L200 except for Japan and its subsidiary countries' markets. The car has a 2.5 litre turbodiesel engine developing 134 hp or 180 hp.

In South Africa, it is produced at the Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) plant, owned by Daimler AG,^[16] located in East London.^[17]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mitsubishi Triton.

External links

• Mitsubishi Triton official website (Japanese)

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v t e « previous — Mitsubishi Motors automobile timeline, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4
Kei car	Minica				Minica						Minica				Minica					Minica
																											i
																														i-MiEV
																				Pistachio		eK						eK							eK
											Minica Toppo				Minica Toppo					Toppo BJ									Toppo
																				Town Box
Subcompact					Towny						Towny				Towny
	Celeste							Precis			Precis
	Mirage				Mirage				Mirage				Mirage																					Mirage
	Colt																																	Space Star
					Colt				Colt				Colt										Colt												Attrage
	Lancer				Lancer / Champ								Lancer																						Mirage G4
			L. Fiore		Lancer Fiore				Lancer
			Cordia										Libero
			Tredia
Compact	Sigma			Sigma					Sigma/Sapporo				Emeraude				Mirage / Colt / Lancer								Signo
				Galant																	Lancer / Cedia / Virage / Lancer Cedia / Lancer Fortis
	Galant								Galant						Galant														Lancer / Aspire / Galant Fortis
	Eterna				Eterna				Eterna						Eterna
Mid-size																Carisma
																	Galant
																			Aspire						Grunder
																	Legnum								Galant
											Diamante / Sigma							Diamante								380
						Magna / V3000					Magna / Verada / V3000						Magna / Verada
Full-size																				Proudia													Proudia
	Debonair							Debonair						Debonair						Dignity													Dignity
Sports car													Evo I		EvoII	Evo III		Evo IV		EvoV	Evo VI		Evo VII		Evo VIII		Evo IX		Lancer Evolution X
											Eclipse					Eclipse					Eclipse						Eclipse
	Galant Λ / Sapporo							Galant VR-4						Galant VR-4				Galant VR-4
	Eterna Λ / Scorpion							Eterna ZR-4							FTO				FTO
					Starion							GTO/3000GT			GTO/3000GT			GTO/3000GT

v t e Mitsubishi automobile timeline, European market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4
City car																															i-MiEV
Supermini	Colt			Colt				Colt				Colt				Colt							Colt										Space Star
Compact car	Lancer			Lancer					Lancer			Lancer				Lancer								Lancer				Lancer
Mid-size car																Carisma
	Galant			Galant				Galant					Galant				Galant
Full-size car																						Sigma
Sport compact																			Lancer Evo			Lancer Evolution						Lancer Evolution
Sports car												Eclipse				Eclipse
Grand tourer												3000 GT
Mini MPV																				Space Star
Compact MPV												Space Runner								Space Runner
Large MPV				Space Wagon								Space Wagon								Space Wagon				Grandis
Minivan	L300						L300								Space Gear
Compact crossover																															ASX
Mid-size crossover																								Outlander				Outlander					Outlander
Mini SUV																				Pajero Pinin
Mid-size SUV			Pajero									Pajero								Pajero Sport
Full-size SUV																				Pajero							Pajero
Pick-up truck								L200									L200										L200

v t e Mitsubishi automobile timeline, North American market, 1980s–present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4
Subcompact			Cordia																														i-MiEV		i-MiEV
			Tredia
						Mirage				Mirage				Mirage																					Mirage
								Precis
Compact																		Mirage					Lancer						Lancer
						Galant				Galant					Galant
									Sigma				Diamante
Mid-size																				Galant					Galant
																		Diamante
Sport compact											Eclipse					Eclipse					Eclipse						Eclipse
																							Lancer Evolution					Lancer Evolution
Sports car			Starion									3000GT
Compact MPV													Expo LRV
Large MPV				Space Wagon									Expo
Minivan								Vanwagon
Compact crossover																								Outlander				Outlander							Outlander
																																Outlander Sport / ASX
Mid-size crossover																									Endeavor
Mid-size SUV																		Montero Sport								Montero Sport
Full-size SUV			Montero										Montero									Montero						Montero
Pickup			Mighty Max					Mighty Max																			Raider				L200
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