Mercedes-Benz has AMG. BMW has its M GmbH division. And Jaguar and Lexus each have Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) and F-Sport, respectively. But did you know that Mitsubishi has its own skunkworks crew that goes by the name of Special Vehicle Projects (SVP)?
Yes, the Mitsu SVP division has been churning out limited edition dressed up versions of the L200 (a.k.a. Strada) in markets like the UK. For its latest project, the marque gives us the L200 Barbarian SVP II, a pimped-out version of the Mitsu double cab pickup.
The L200 Barbarian SVP II stands out with a host of exterior enhancements such as an SVP grille clad in black and orange, and roof rails in the same color. More orange can be seen on places like the foglamp rings, door handles, front and rear light bezels, puddle lamps, and tailgate handle. The look is finished of with 17-inch black and orange alloys while the truck is done in a two-tone paint scheme set in either Diamond Black Pearl or metallic Atlantic Grey.
The color theme continues into the cabin with the “six pack” designed seats getting suede-like Alston inserts and orange accents. This is complemented by headrests that bear the limited edition number and SVP logo. Floor mats also get the SVP logo embossed on them, in orange of course. Finally, orange illumination lights up the door entry guards and front and rear foot wells.
Power comes from an all-aluminum 2.4-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder motor mated to either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The vaunted Super Select 4WD system ensures go-anywhere capability.
Only 250 examples of the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian SVP II will be on offer. And it will only be available in the UK. Unless of course Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation has something to say aobut it.
