Japan Report: Mitsubishi’s New Delica D:5 — Now with Dakar Rally Goodness!

Mitsubishi is just weeks away from launching its new generation Delica D:5 minivan in Japan. Sharing its platform, engine and other key parts with the Outlander, the 2.4-liter, three-row Delica, with its funky box styling and cavernous space looks like an absolute home run in minivan-obsessed in Japan.

At the Japan Auto Salon, Mitsubishi also rolled this fun Dakar Rally-themed special of the new Delica. What’s more, if the past is any guide, some or all of this (paint, lights, stickers etc) will eventually appear in the official Delica accessories catalog.

(Click through to the jump for a look at a non-liveried Delica, along with a few additional thoughts)

Editor’s Note: While America is becoming increasingly tolerant of of odd, boxy small cars from Japan (see: Scion xB, Honda Element), we have to wonder if the wacky-and-wonderful Delica might not fly here in the States. While Mitsubishi has no plans to import the vanlet, its Outlander-based underpinnings would seem to facilitate federalization. So… how ’bout it, Mitsu?

And what say you, dear reader? Would the Delica fly in the States, or would such a space oddity fail to open American wallets?