Mitsubishi has launched the 2011 Triton and Pajero Sport in Thailand with a new VG Turbo engine. It’s essentially still the same 4D56 2.5-litre DI-D Hyper Common Rail diesel unit, but with variable geometry turbo to gain big on power and torque. In Thailand, the new engine is available in all Pajero Sport variants and two Triton models – Double Cab Plus GLS AT and Double Cab 4WD GLS-Limited AT and MT.
In its lower state of tune, the new VG Turbo engine makes 178 PS and 350 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 3,500 rpm, which is a big upgrade from the standard turbo unit’s 140 PS/321 Nm. The Malaysian market Triton makes 136 PS and 314 Nm while the most powerful truck sold here is the Nissan Navara with 174 PS and 403 Nm.
However, if one opts for the Triton 4WD with a manual gearbox, he will get 400 Nm of torque from 2,000-2,850 rpm (power remains at 178 PS). The 4WD auto version of both the Pajero Sport and Triton also get a 5-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic, an upgrade from the standard 4-speed auto.
The introduction of this high powered 2.5-litre engine marks the end of the range topping 3.2-litre lump, in line with Mitsubishi’s policy of increasing efficiency and reducing emissions. The Triton 3.2 makes just 160 PS and 343 Nm, so the new VG Turbo engine sees improvement in all areas.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia gets both the Triton and Pajero Sport from Thailand, so it’s possible that they may be coming our way in the not too distant future.
