Forget about the Athlete, what you want is a new Triton Absolute.

Look and learn. This appears to be what Mitsubishi’s marketing staff have done with regards to the success Ford has achieved with the hype around its Range Raptor.

There appears to be no saturation point for limited-edition bakkies and to ensure the latest Triton is not forgotten amidst the interest generated by Ford’s Ranger Raptor and Toyotas Hilux GR Sport double-cabs, Mitsubishi’s built an Absolute.

Debuted in Bangkok, Thailand, this week – the Absolute is a significantly more stylized version of the facelifted fifth-generation Triton, which is due to launch in South Africa within the next month. Built as a customer and marketing research project, Mitsubishi has given itself a year to gauge public opinion on this radical Triton, using that timeframe to evaluate a possible business case for these bakkies.

The Absolute’s design details are thoroughly different from a current production Triton. On the roof, you’ll find a carry-rail system which also features integrated LED spotlights, whilst the wheel arches are noticeably more flared, a requirement for the larger off-road specification beadlock wheels and Falken Wildpeak tyres.

Mitsubishi’s Triton Absolute has a notably more aggressive stance than the company’s production Tritons, rolling a wider track and standing 50mm taller too – courtesy of a reconfigured suspension set-up, allowing for greater wheel travel when traversing technical off-road terrain.

Other exterior upgrades include a blackened-out grille, front and rear skid plates which feature three red accent inserts each, chrome details and even a carbon-fibre tailgate. Yes, a carbon-fibre tailgate – which means that loading and unloading braai wood and mountain bikes will require a lot less effort with a Triton Absolute than most other bakkies, with steel tailgates.

Mitsubishi is unwilling to divulge exactly what the suspension upgrades entail which has gained Triton Absolute its 50mm ride height increase, but they do say there is an overall improvement in ride and handling too – which means that it might be something a bit more sophisticated than a simple spacer kit.

Engine and gearbox details have not been specified either, but much the same as Toyota’s Hilux GR Sport, conventional wisdom dictates that Triton Absolute will be powered by a standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, boosting 133 kW and 430 Nm – like its less elaborately styled siblings.

Further Reading

Mitsubishi Triton Facelift Coming to SA

Mitsubishi Triton (2017) Video Review

Mitsubishi Triton Athlete in SA

6 Cheapest Automatic Double-Cab Bakkies in SA