The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 minivan will be the designated support vehicle of the all-new 2024 Strada at the upcoming Asian Cross Country Rally (AXCR), to be held from Thailand to Laos in August.
The Japanese car brand will provide four Delica D:5 support vehicles to assist Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which is the defending AXCR champion. The Delica D:5 support vehicles don the same exterior colorway as the competing all-new Mitsubishi Strada/Triton trucks at this year’s AXCR. The minivans come with a red and black exterior color, which is said to symbolize the energy of gushing lava.
The upcoming AXCR is also a perfect opportunity for Mitsubishi to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Delica. The car brand said that the Delica D:5 is more than ready to take on the role of support vehicle as it has a “strong body produced by its rib bone frame.” It also comes with an electronically-controlled 4WD system, which helps in driving through rough terrain.
Mitsubishi did equip additional equipment to the Delica D:5 minivans that will be pitted at the 2023 AXCR. The car brand shared that it has been customized to be able to drive through the entire rally, from flat dirt to mud.
The four Delica D:5 support vehicles are fitted with aluminum wheels and off-road Yokohama Rubber tires, which are said to offer exceptional mud performance. It is also fitted with a roof rack as well as auxiliary lights. Meanwhile, the Delica support vehicle that will be carrying Team Mitsubishi Ralliart director Hiroshi Masuoka will come with JAOS front and rear suspension.
Mitsubishi did not reveal whether the minivan’s engine has been tuned to deliver more power. As standard, the Delica D:5 is powered by a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that puts out 143 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. And in case you’re wondering, the said minivan has a ground clearance of 185mm.
The 2023 AXCR will be held from Thailand to Laos, which will start on August 13.
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