RE: Mitsu offers one last Evo FQ-360
RE: Mitsu offers one last Evo FQ-360
Wednesday 10th January 2007

Mitsu offers one last Evo FQ-360

Final version gets more power and tweaks


Mitsubishi IX MR FQ-360
Mitsubishi IX MR FQ-360
Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled the final edition of the current generation Evo. Just one version of the new Evolution IX MR (Mitsubishi Racing) will be available, powered by a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. Two hundred units of the Evolution IX MR FQ-360 are now available from Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers, priced from £34,539.

Changes to the specification of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbocharged engine have created a car that delivers an even higher level of performance. Mitsubishi said it's introduced titanium aluminium alloy turbo fins and reduced the compressor wheel inlet diameter to improved the engine’s response throughout the rev range.

When the cars arrive in the UK, further engine development work is carried out by Mitsubishi Motors UK’s tuning division, Ralliart, and the independent specialists, HKS. An HKS tuning kit delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb-ft of torque at 3,200rpm. Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing technology improves the engine’s efficiency, combining improved response with a three per cent reduction in fuel consumption.

Mitsu sees the FQ-360 as an affordable, practical, five-seater saloon car that can hit 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 157mph. Porsche's 911 Carrera 4S costs almost twice as and takes 0.9 seconds longer to reach 60mph from rest, Mitsu pointed out.

The engine upgrades are accompanied by changes to the Evo’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Eibach springs have been introduced and lower the ride height by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear. This enhances high speed stability and allows the Super Active Yaw Control (Super AYC) system to function more effectively, said Mitsubishi. The yaw control system also provides a greater distribution of power between the rear wheels, increasing traction on loose surfaces. Mitsubishi’s electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system (4WD) is carried over unchanged.

Outside, a new carbon fibre front spoiler provides additional downforce and high speed stability and a rear carbon fibre vortex generator is standard. The 11-spoke Speedline Turini alloy wheels are also new and mimic those fitted to Mitsubishi’s tarmac spec rally car. The Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45 ZR17 tyres are carried over unchanged, while the Brembo braking system is unchanged.

Inside, automatic headlights and privacy glass are introduced for the first time, the seats have been redesigned with ‘IX MR’ motifs, the dashboard panel is now finished in ‘Piano Black’ and there are ‘Lancer EVOLUTION’ aluminium scuff protectors on the door frames. The Recaro seats and Momo steering wheel are unchanged.

The car is covered by a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and pan-European recovery service, and a six-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty.

Pricing is unchanged at £34,539 without leather, and £1,000 more with leather.

Author
Discussion

mat205125

Original Poster:

17,790 posts

234 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Why is it speed limited?

annodomini2

6,959 posts

272 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Tyre ratings usually.

Beefmeister

16,482 posts

251 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Oooh yet another new EVO IX, i must go out and.....zzzzzzzzzzz.....

sleep

trickywoo

13,475 posts

251 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
LOL at the speed limit (157) it would probably do 160 flat out...

Drgp

203 posts

235 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
mm. appeals to my "The Fast an Furious" lovin side!

Though as second hand 911 would be a lot more sense,fun,stronger residual.

james f

881 posts

234 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Drgp said:
mm. appeals to my "The Fast an Furious" lovin side!

Though as second hand 911 would be a lot more sense,fun,stronger residual.


^^ what he said and i would rather be labled a porker driver than the attention that an evo seems ot attract these days

VladD

8,136 posts

286 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Drgp said:
mm. appeals to my "The Fast an Furious" lovin side!

Though as second hand 911 would be a lot more sense,fun,stronger residual.


Stonger residual, I'd agree.

More sense? In what way?

More fun? I have my doubts.

Adam B

29,414 posts

275 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
where did I put that "flogging a dead horse" picture?

ndj

222 posts

243 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
sleep

pentoman

4,834 posts

284 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
366bhp is quite a lot though.... not that the old 280bhp was nothing, but now it really has got top end.

mafioso

2,399 posts

235 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Why would you want to compare a 911 to an Evo!? Completely different classes of car altogether!

johnnystorm

168 posts

294 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
ndj said:
sleep


Yeah I get thoroughly tired of the Japanese churning out one reliable fast car after another. How dare they not just sit on their laurels and sell a car that hasn't seen any significant development in 5 years. I can't think why they dominate world car sales instead of the UK!

waynepixel

3,978 posts

245 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
What is the point in this car. You might as wait until the new car come out.

johnnystorm

168 posts

294 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
waynepixel said:
What is the point in this car. You might as wait until the new car come out.


Because it's tried and tested and comes with a very complete spec. The new one is still some way off and details haven't been fully confirmed afaik.

richyboy

3,744 posts

238 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Isn't there a evo 9.5 now?

Top Trump

1,588 posts

242 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
It's so easy to be blase about these cars but the automotive world is better place for cars like the Evo. They really are refreshingly honest and accomplished and a world away from the anodyne hot saloon market. I still think a fettled Evo VI TME is still a very desirable car. I've been a passenger in a near 400bhp Evo VI and it was awesome, so exhilirating.

The Evo X should be interesting. If it looks anything like the very aggressive car we saw on PH not so long ago then it will be very appealing indeed. That and the new GTR.

john_r

8,354 posts

292 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
richyboy said:
Isn't there a evo 9.5 now?


Yes, this is it...

john_r

8,354 posts

292 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
mat205125 said:
Why is it speed limited?


My Evo VIII FQ was limited to 157 by the gearing: i.e. it red-lined at 157 and the rev-limiter cut in.

(Not that I would ever condone or mean to imply that I would top-end my cars on an empty motorway at 3am...)

Fidgits

17,202 posts

250 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
VladD said:
Drgp said:
mm. appeals to my "The Fast an Furious" lovin side!

Though as second hand 911 would be a lot more sense,fun,stronger residual.


Stonger residual, I'd agree.

More sense? In what way?

More fun? I have my doubts.

really - I very nearly bought a Evo VIII FQ-somethingorother but found it dull to drive... I ended up with a 996 C2, and for me, it certainly was a lot more enjoyable to drive..

MrKipling43

5,788 posts

237 months

Wednesday 10th January 2007
quotequote all
Personally, I'd save up another 5k and buy a Litchfield T25. Much faster. Much rarer. Much cooler.