Mitsubishi Triton

1983 Dodge Ram 50

1983 Mitsubishi Mighty Max

The Dodge Ram 50 (called the Dodge D50 for 1979 and 1980) was a badge-engineered version sold by the Chrysler Corporation from 1979 on. The label lasted until 1994, through two generations. Plymouth also received a version of the vehicle known as the Plymouth 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), while the Toyota Hilux and Datsun Truck were already available and imported directly from Japan. Mitsubishi itself imported it as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max when it began selling directly in the US from 1982, at which point the Plymouth ceased to be available. The Dodge version had quad rectangular headlights beginning with the 1983 facelift, while Mitsubishis and earlier Dodges 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.[15] 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 United States, as in Dodge's nomenclature the "Power Ram" name was used for four wheel drive models. A turbo diesel 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 1984–1985 turbodiesels were fitted with a TD04 wastegated turbo which resulted in 86 hp (64 kW) and 134 lb⋅ft (182 N⋅m) torque.

1979–1980 Chrysler D-50 (Australia)

Chrysler Australia launched the first generation in April 1979 as the MA series Chrysler D-50.[12] Initially, two pickup versions were sold, the Commercial with the 1.6-litre Saturn (4G32) engine and the higher specification Recreational with the 2.0-litre Astron (4G52) engine.[12] Both Commercials and Recreationals received a floor-shifted 4-speed manual, with a taller axle ratio for the Recreational.[16] Commercials were specified with heavy duty suspension rated for 1,000-kilogram (2,200 lb) payloads; the Recreational version carries a 500-kilogram (1,100 lb) load.[12] The reason for the halved payload was due to the sedan-type suspension of softer springs and more supple shock absorbers.[16] The Recreational model also featured radial ply tires, electronic ignition, bucket seats, pile carpet, radio, floor console, sports steering wheel and an adjustable steering column as standard.[12] An optional sports stripe package was also available.[12] Options included a weather-tight, fibreglass canopy with foam rubber mattress.[16] This was manufactured by Challenge Industries and incorporated sliding side windows.[14] Later in 1979, a cab chassis body variant of the Commercial was released.[17][16] In March 1980, the D-50 was renamed Chrysler L200 Express to form linkage with the newly released L300 Express vans.[17] In October 1980, the Chrysler labelling made way for Mitsubishi badges following the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Australia from Chrysler Australia's old operations.[18] In June 1981, Mitsubishi released 4WD versions of the pickup and cab chassis, both with the 2.0-litre motor.[19] Free-wheeling hubs to reduce noise and fuel use in 2WD mode were optional.[14] In late 1981, the 2.0-litre with five-speed manual was made optional for the 2WD one-tonne suspension models.[20]

1992 Mitsubishi Mighty Max (US)

In the US it was known as the Mitsubishi Mighty Max or the Dodge Ram 50. Petrol engines include a carburetted 92 hp (69 kW) 2.0-litre inline-four or a 2.6-litre inline-four with 109 hp (81 kW). Four-wheel drive (non-LSD) was also available, as were a four-speed automatic transmission, two bed lengths, and both regular and Macrocab (extended cab) options. There was also a higher-rated One-Ton model available on regular cab models with the longer bed.

In later years the standard engine was switched to a 2.4-litre inline-four producing 116 hp (87 kW). This engine was made standard fitment on all two-wheel drive Mighty Maxes for the 1991 model year, while four-wheel drives all received the recently introduced 3.0-litre V6 with 143 hp (107 kW).[25]

Dodge Ram 50 (US)

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 1994, 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 Ram 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 was taken off the US market after the 1996 model year, and its successor was not marketed in North America due to poor sales.

The Ram 50 underwent facelifts and modifications corresponding to those of the Mighty Max, with a choice of 6 ft (1.8 m) or 7.5 ft (2.3 m) bed lengths[26] and regular or extended Sports Cabs.

The L200 in its most basic Latin American configuration with no airbags and no ESC received 0 stars for adult occupants and 2 stars for toddlers from Latin NCAP in 2019.[37]

The L200 in its standard European configuration received 4 stars from Euro NCAP in 2015.[38]

The fifth generation Triton was launched in Malaysia in May 2015 being fully imported from Thailand. It was available in five variants: Triton Quest (MT), Triton MT, Triton VGT MT, Triton VGT AT and Triton VGT Adventure (AT). The VGT models came with a 2.5L variable geometry turbo engine capable of producing 178 PS (131 kW; 176 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft; 41 kg⋅m). The Triton MT had a 2.5L common rail turbo engine capable of producing 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 324 N⋅m (239 lb⋅ft; 33 kg⋅m) and the Triton Quest had a 2.5L DOHC common rail engine with 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) and 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft; 20 kg⋅m).[39][40][41][42][43] Two limited editions were made available including the: Triton Phantom Edition in January 2016[44] and the Triton Knight Edition in May 2016.[45] Both were limited to 200 units each.

In September 2016, alongside of the change of engine for the VGT models to a 2.4L MIVEC VGT turbodiesel engine capable of 181 PS (133 kW; 179 hp) and 430 N⋅m (317 lb⋅ft; 44 kg⋅m), the Triton VGT Adventure X was also launched as the new range topper.[46]

In April 2017, the Triton was updated. Changes included additional safety features for the VGT models, change in the steering wheel design and different colour choices.[47]

In September 2017, the Triton VGT AT GL was launched and was positioned in between the Triton MT and Triton VGT MT.[48]

In November 2017, the Triton VGT AT Premium was added to the lineup.[49]

In January 2018, the Triton Athlete was launched as the new range topper.[50]

In January 2019, the facelifted fifth generation Triton was launched in Malaysia with five variants: VGT (MT and AT), VGT Premium (MT and AT), Adventure X (AT only). The 4x2 Quest model remained unchanged.[51]

The fifth generation Triton, known locally as the Strada was launched on 20 March 2015 and was offered in 6 trim levels; GL 4x2, GL 4x4, GLX 4x2, GLX V, GLS V and GLS Sport V. All trims were initially offered with the 2.5-litre 4D56 engine.[52] In August 2016, the 2.4-litre MIVEC VGT engine was added alongside the GT trim.[53]

The facelifted Strada was launched in January 2019. It is offered in 4 variants; GLX Plus, GLS 2WD, GLS 4WD and GT 4WD.[54]

Facelifted C&C and GL models of Strada was launched in February 2020.[55]

The Triton was refreshed for the 2019 model year at the 2018 Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok, Thailand. This update consists of new front fascia, which is inspired from the Pajero/Montero Sport, Eclipse Cross and Xpander,[56] new teardrop taillight design treatment as the Pajero/Montero Sport, and slight changes in the interior for some variants. This model also received a rear air circulator located at the interior roof.[57][58]

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  2019 Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian (facelift; UK)
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  2019 Mitsubishi L200 Warrior (facelift; UK)
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  Interior