Mitsubishi takes FQ to new level

Limited run Evo kicks 405 bhp from 2-litre four-pot.

Dredging deep for a tangle of dissonant nomenclative consonants, Mitsubishi UK has launched the new Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400. Mitsu describes it as "the fastest saloon car ever produced by a major manufacturer". Some claim.

Built to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Mitsubishi’s entry into the UK market, the car will be built in a limited edition run of just 100 cars, and is available to order now priced £46,999.

It was the brainchild of Mitsubishi UK’s sales & marketing director, Lance Bradley. "The new Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 is the ultimate expression of who and what we are as a brand. This is a versatile four-door saloon that can out accelerate supercars costing almost ten times as much," said Bradley

The new model is based on the Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-320 and was developed in the UK by Mitsubishi UK’s motor sports department, in association with tuning specialists Rampage, Owen Developments and Flow Race Engines. Together, they modified the Lancer’s legendary 2.0-litre turbocharged engine so that it now produces a mighty 405 bhp and 355 lb-ft of torque.

This is enough to propel the FQ-400 from 0-60mph in an incredible 3.5 seconds and on to a claimed top speed in excess of 175mph. It is a performance that even some of the world’s most exotic supercars struggle to match. The £330,000 Porsche Carrera GT, for example, requires 3.9 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph, while the ultra-exclusive Pagani Zonda needs 3.7 seconds. The BMW M3 – hitherto the benchmark ‘everyday supercar’ – takes 5.3 seconds to achieve the same feat. Of course 0-60 times are only one benchmark of a supercar...

The key to the MR FQ-400’s performance lies in both engine and chassis, says Mitsu. Like every car in the Evolution VIII MR (Mitsubishi Racing) range, the FQ-400 gains Mitsubishi’s electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system (4WD) and a Bilstein suspension system honed at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack. Its new braking system on the FQ-400 also ensures, says Mitsu, that it has the ‘stop’ to match its ‘go’.

What Mitsu calls "subtle aesthetic enhancements" differentiate the FQ-400 from the rest of the MR range and are said to improve its high-speed stability. The kit includes Ralliart aero mirrors, a carbon fibre front lip spoiler and a ‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator, as well as gloss black lightweight Team Dynamics alloy wheels and red ‘FQ-400’ badging.

Inside, you get a Momo steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats. The fascia has carbon fibre detailing and there’s a plaque next to the gearstick displaying the car’s production number. Electric windows and mirrors, and climate control are all fitted as standard, says the manufacturer, making the car "the world’s most practical and versatile supercar".

It's an official Mitsubishi Motors UK product so the FQ-400 has undergone reliability testing and is supplied with a three years/36,000 mile manufacturer’s warranty. The car can be ordered now from approved Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers.

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Guy Humpage

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