Mitsubishi: From Samurai Roots to Rally Glory and SUV Evolution

In a riveting video by Donut, the turbulent tale of Mitsubishi unfolds like a thrilling rally race. From the samurai roots of its inception in 1871 to the roaring success of the Model A in 1918, Mitsubishi's journey is nothing short of a high-octane adventure. The brand's rally domination in the '60s and '70s, epitomized by the Lancer Evolution and the iconic 4G63 engine, propelled Mitsubishi into the global spotlight, cementing its reputation for engineering excellence and performance prowess.

However, like a rally car hitting a rough patch, Mitsubishi faced internal turmoil and scandals in the late '90s and early 2000s. From Yakuza extortion to a shocking cover-up of defects, the brand skidded off track, tarnishing its once-gleaming image. Despite these setbacks, Mitsubishi managed to deliver the Evo 10, a final hurrah before veering towards more pedestrian offerings like the Mirage, signaling a shift from speed demons to sensible commuters.

As the dust settled on Mitsubishi's tumultuous journey, the Eclipse Cross SUV emerged as a puzzling finale to a saga once filled with turbocharged excitement. The brand's legacy, once roaring with rally victories and high-performance legends, now echoes with the humdrum of value-focused vehicles. Mitsubishi's evolution from a samurai's dream to a mainstream marque serves as a cautionary tale of the highs and lows in the fast lane of the automotive industry.