Ralliart is a performance and motorsport division of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese automobile manufacturer. Established originally as a corporate motorsports team, Ralliart has been responsible for the development, marketing, and support of high‑performance versions of Mitsubishi vehicles, as well as the organization of rally and other racing activities under the Mitsubishi banner.
History
- Origins: The name “Ralliart” derives from “rally” and “art,” reflecting Mitsubishi’s early involvement in rally competition. The division was formally organized in the early 1990s to consolidate the company’s motorsport operations and performance engineering.
- Mitsubishi Motors Motorsports (MMS): Prior to adopting the Ralliart brand, Mitsubishi’s rally activities were conducted under the Mitsubishi Motors Motorsports name, which achieved notable success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the late 1990s.
- Rebranding to Ralliart: In 1998, Mitsubishi rebranded its performance division as Ralliart to create a distinct global identity for its high‑performance products and racing activities.
Activities and Products
- Motorsport Participation: Ralliart has fielded factory teams in the World Rally Championship, producing championship‑winning vehicles such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series. The division has also been involved in other forms of motorsport, including circuit racing and off‑road events.
- Performance Parts: Ralliart designs, manufactures, and distributes aftermarket parts and accessories for Mitsubishi models. These components include engine upgrades, suspension kits, aerodynamic accessories, exhaust systems, and vehicle-specific tuning software.
- OEM Performance Models: Certain Mitsubishi production vehicles have been released with Ralliart branding or as “Ralliart” trim levels, offering factory‑installed performance upgrades. Examples include the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Outlander Ralliart, and Eclipse Ralliart.
- Global Presence: The Ralliart brand has been marketed in multiple regions, with dedicated branches and distribution networks in North America, Europe, and Asia. In some markets, Ralliart operations have been managed through partnerships with local dealers or specialized tuners.
Notable Achievements
- World Rally Championship: Ralliart-powered Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution cars secured multiple podium finishes and contributed to Mitsubishi’s manufacturers’ titles in the WRC during the 1990s.
- Technical Innovations: The division pioneered technologies such as active differentials, turbocharged four‑cylinder engines with anti-lag systems, and advanced all‑wheel‑drive architectures that were later incorporated into production models.
- Motorsport Heritage: Ralliart’s involvement in rallying has fostered a legacy of driver development and engineering expertise that continues to influence Mitsubishi’s product strategy.
Corporate Status
- In the 2010s, Mitsubishi restructured its performance division, integrating certain Ralliart functions into broader corporate operations while maintaining the brand for aftermarket parts and limited‑run performance models. The Ralliart name remains active in the aftermarket segment and retains recognition among automotive enthusiasts.
References
- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation official publications.
- World Rally Championship historical records.
- Automotive industry trade journals documenting performance parts and OEM collaborations.