Mitsubishi's British branch does one of the most exciting Lancer Evolution, the FQ-series. New for the 10th generation, the FQ-300, FQ-430, and FQ-360. However, this is one that we were all waiting for, the EVO X FQ-400. Sadly, it will only be sold in Britain, and no were else. So, this is just to show what we're missing.
Visual upgrades from the standard EVO X include, a more aggressive styling kit that comprises of a heavily vented bonnet, a new lightweight composite front bumper featuring carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted 'Vortex Generator', composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser and a huge square center exhaust pipe, plus additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights.
Inside, aside from the Recaro bucket sports seats, the range-topping Lancer Evolution X also gains an FQ-400 liveried handbrake handle and carbon fibre gear shifter. Standard equipment of the EVO X FQ-400 are the same equipment that come in the EVO X MR. So, Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass, remote central locking, automatic headlamps, and windscreen wipers come base with the FQ-400 model.
Of course, Mitsubishi's British branch is all about performance tuning. The EVO X FQ-400 is powered by a re-tuned 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, but with an astonishing 403 hp, and 387 lb-ft of torque. That amazing 100 hp power increase from the standard EVO X, is achieved through a series of upgrades that include among other things, high-flow fuel injectors, a new turbocharger featuring low-friction bearings, a high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust, an enhanced intercooler, a new exhaust system and the remapping of the Engine Control Unit (ECU). So the result, is 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and top is electronically governed at 155 mph. Without the limiter, it would reach about 190 mph.
The EVO X FQ-400 should handle, too, as Mitsubishi's British branch also fine-tuned the chassis. Changes include a wider track and lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers plus new lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tires. Furthermore, the FQ-400 is equipped with a revised braking system that uses aerospace grade aluminum alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads. The standard EVO X's advanced Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS, remains of course unchanged.
The new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 will be going on sale next month in the UK with a price tag starting at آ£49,999 ($79,641 USD). Although that's way too much for a Mitsubishi, it's actually a bargain for a super-sedan that accelerates faster than any sedan, and as fast as a proper super car.
