Hardcore Mitsubishi Triton Absolute ready to go Ranger Raptor hunting as brand pushes for production

The Mitsubishi Triton Absolute concept is firming for production, with the company's Australian arm readying to convince to its head office to green-light the project.

The Absolute was first revealed in Bangkok in March, and was designed to show Mitsubishi's recently updated Triton in its toughest guise. 

That vehicle was strictly a concept, but in the months since, Mitsubishi has been trucking it to events and dealerships across Australia to gauge customer feedback.

The reason? Mitsubishi here would love the Absolute to join the regular lineup as a bonafide Ford Ranger Raptor rival, and is desperate to show head office there is a market for it here. 

It's understood the brand's Australian arm is pushing to see the Absolute arrive in the current-generation Triton, but hasn't ruled out having to wait until an all-new model is produced. 

"We have been actively displaying the vehicles at events around Australia to try and gauge customer interest, and we'll continue to do so as we do our research into the needs of our customers,"  a brand spokesperson told CarsGuide.

"The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we have made no secret of our desire to expand the Triton range, and this is certainly one of those options."

Read More About Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Triton Absolute previews Raptor rival

The Absolute version of the Triton bumps up the tough factor, with flared front and rear arches, dark chrome accenting and badging, a black grille, and a carbon-fibre tailgate. There's also a roof bar and LED spot lights.

But it's not only the appearance that's been altered, with Mitsubishi beefing up the Absolute's off-road credentials, too. The brand says "upgraded" suspension has increased ride height by 50mm for improved ground clearance, there's more suspension travel, and there are front and rear skid plates, too. There's also a wider track to allow for heavy-duty off-road tyres.

It is thought that under the bonnet would live the Triton's 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, matched to either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic.

Would you absolutely like to see the Triton Absolute in Australia? Tell us in the comments below.