In 1962, Mitsubishi took its first steps into the world of rallying. The automaker, known for its practical and reliable vehicles, hired a skilled rally driver to test the potential of the newly released Mitsubishi 500, an economical commuter vehicle. The results were astounding.....
With this information and armed with a seasoned rally driver, Mitsubishi entered the 1962 Macau Grand Prix...and dominated.
In 1966, Mitsubishi once again threw their hat into the mix with the rally debut of the 1967 Mitsubishi Colt. Once again, Mitsubishi was unstoppable with both cars placing 2nd and 3rd. And just like that, the world of Rally changed forever.
This early success ignited a passion for motorsport within Mitsubishi. The company would go on to become a dominant force in the World Rally Championship (WRC), particularly during the 1990s.
The Rise of the Lancer Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, often referred to as the "Evo," became the cornerstone of Mitsubishi's rally efforts. With its powerful turbocharged engines, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and razor-sharp handling, the Evo quickly established itself as one of the most formidable rally cars of its era.
A Legacy of Victory
Driven by talented drivers like Tommi Mäkinen, Mitsubishi clinched multiple World Rally Championship titles and countless stage wins. The team's innovative engineering and relentless pursuit of performance pushed the boundaries of rally car technology.
The Decline and Beyond
While Mitsubishi's dominance in the WRC eventually waned, the legacy of its rally heritage lives on. The brand continues to produce high-performance vehicles that draw inspiration from its motorsport history.
The Ralliart brand gained increasing recognition in proportion to the track record they built as a factory-backed racing team. They have been on hiatus since Mitsubishi Motors stopped participating in rally competitions in 2010, but the Ralliart brand made a comeback in 2021.
Comments