Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400: Fastest EVO In The UK

By Jay Williams - 28/May/2009

London, England – The tenth version of Mitsubishi's iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range. 

Mitsubishi Cars UK has announced a new top of the range Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400. 

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest version in the rally bred line of vehicles. With 300kW and  524Nm of  torque on offer, the advanced lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km in just 3.8 seconds before hitting it's electronically limited 249kph.

Making sure the  FQ-400's utilizes all that power Mitsubishi uses it's highly sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system. The S-AWC system delegates power to each wheel needing it the most thus giving the FQ-400 sensational balance and performance.

The S-AWC system works in a way that both enhances performance and safety. With Active Stability Control, Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 has incredible cornering ability, traction and grip.

In addition, the S-AWC also has a choice of three modes  Tarmac, Gravel and Snow depending on driving conditions. The modes are easily accessed via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument dash.

For further cornering stability the  Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 makes use of a wider track and lowered suspension, featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is fitted with lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels which are wrapped in Toyo Proxes R1R tyres. This gives the new EVO X sharper and more precise cornering and incisive steering. Tucked behind the lightweight 18-inch alloys are Alcon brakes.

With the new upgrades made to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 a revised braking system, that uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads, were needed to bring the vehicle to a halt.

Mitsubishi have significantly revised the 2.0-litre  MIVEC engine to produce 300kW. Adding motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors,  aluminium cylinder head and a new hybrid low-friction turbocharger.

The new turbocharger uses  low-friction bearings,  high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust bearing to help increase response times and keep turbo lag to a minimum.

To help keep the temperatures down Mitsubishi use an enhanced intercooler that feeds the new  turbocharger cooled air.  

They also make use of a  3-inch high flow stainless steel piping and catalytic convertor  exhaust system, which helps the motor with exhaust gas flow.

Mitsubishi has also remapped the Engine Control Unit (ECU), to ensure that the customer has a car that not only has exceptional performance but also excellent driveability.

The FQ-400 looks very much like a rally car with strong ties to it's heritage. The FQ-400 takes it's styling cues from the already aggressive style of the Evolution VI.

The new lightweight composite front bumper of looks like a shark with it's pointed nose and it's "gill like" vented bonnet that helps heat escape from the FQ-400's turbocharged engine.

Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights round out the front of the car.

Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is also lowered by 30mm, this makes the car look sinister. Composite side skirts, revamped rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, rear wing and a roof-mounted ‘Vortex Generator' all help manage downforce.

Stepping in side the driver is held tightly by the Recaro bucket sports seats, the range-topping Lancer Evolution X also has a FQ-400 unique handbrake handle and carbon fibre gearknob.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 received a five-star score in the Euro NCAP's independent crash tests. Stability, traction and braking systems help avoid an accident in the first place, even so, there are seven airbags, seat belt pretensioners and ISO Fix child seating, all included as standard.

Some of the standard equipment for the range-topping Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution X include:

Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection
CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive
DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass
Remote central locking
Automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers

Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives, the FQ-400 features seating for five as well as a full sized boot. The FQ-400 brings all the convenience that you would expect from a standard saloon car - but with massive performance.

With a starting price of £49,999 the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 will be available in the United Kingdom from June this year.   

Can we expect to see the performance of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 hit the shores of Australia? One can only hope.

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