Mitsubishi UK has unveiled a new and more powerful version of the Evo IX. A development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine.
Making its debut at the British Motor Show, the FQ-360 joins a three-car Evo line-up, consisting of the FQ-300, 320 and 340, all of which continue.
The FQ-360 has been developed by engineers from Mitsubishi UK’s motor sport and performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the limited edition FQ-400. Launched in 2004, the FQ-400 was the fastest-ever production Mitsubishi and the new FQ-360 shares some of its key components.
Mitsubishi’s engineers sought to improve the performance of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been reprogrammed to create a car that delivers 366bhp at 6,887rpm and 363lb-ft of torque at 3,200rpm.
The torque output is the key to this car’s character, reckoned Mitsubishi. The peak output of 363lb-ft is 8lb-ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is delivered 2,200rpm lower down the rev range. It’s also 18lb-ft more than the FQ-340. The car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1sec and top 160mph.
“We’ve worked hard to optimise the FQ-360’s driveability,” says Paul Brigden, general manager, Ralliart. “We wanted to deliver the best possible driving experience, rather than concentrating on a headline-grabbing power output.”
Mitsi compares it to a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which costs almost twice as much and takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph from rest. The company didn't factor in depreciation or service intervals.
Exterior and interior tweaks
Exterior tweaks differentiate the car and improve its aerodynamics, said Mitsubishi, including a downforce-inducing carbon fibre front lip spoiler attached to the front apron. At the rear, a carbon fibre ‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic lift.
There's a bespoke set of alloy wheels developed by Speedline, which are said to mimic the five-spoke design of Mitsubishi’s tarmac-spec rally car and are not available as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod with Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of the Lancer Evolution range.
The interior of the FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one addition: the space below the stereo, used for oddments storage in the FQ-340, is occupied by a Ralliart Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information.
The company is keen to position the FQ-360 as anything but a stripped-out road racer. The spec includes climate control, all-round electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a category 1 alarm and four airbags.
The FQ-360’s suspension steering is unchanged from the standard Evolution IX. The Evolution IX’s Brembo brakes, also unchanged, consist of 17-inch ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front and 16-inch ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear. They're supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) that automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to match the vehicle load and driving conditions.
It's available now. The Evo range starts at £28,039, topping out with the FQ-360 at £35,504. Orders can be placed at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in September.