Diesel Triton goes auto

Mitsubishi has expanded its range of pickups with the addition of an automatic transmission option for Tritons, fitted with the 3.2-litre common rail turbo diesel engine.

The ML Triton was originally launched in 2006, but at launch there wasn't the option of an automatic transmission on the diesel engine,  that has been rectified now with the launch of a four-speed auto. It should be a popular option and add to the sales growth of the Triton, which has increased 46 per cent to date this year.

The auto option adds $2000 to the cost of a manual model, with pricing starting at $35,690 for the GLX cab chassis or pickup and closing at $51,990 for the range-topping GLS double cab. Mitsubishi boss Rob McEniry expects to sell 200 auto diesel Tritons per month after it its breaks cover in August.

Ralliart Triton

Mitsubishi expects to have a Ralliart special vehicles operation up and running in 2008, and one of the first models that will emerge from the new go-fast arm will be a Ralliart Triton.

Toyota has already announced plans for a go-fast TRD Hilux when it cranks up its special vehicles operation later this year, and Ford and Holden are looking at similar models based on their Ranger and Rodeo pickups respectively.

Mitsubishi is talking to a number of specialist companies, including Walkinshaw Performance and Prodrive, about running the Ralliart operation. Prodrive is contracted to Toyota to build the TRD Hilux at Toyota's plant at Altona in Melbourne, and would be the most likely outfit to build Ford's Ranger ute. Walkinshaw is the obvious choice for Holden should the company build a hot Rodeo.