Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-400

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi's motorsport derived machine. With 302kw and 542Nm of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine tuned with EcuTeK software, the FQ-400 is able to reach 100kph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 248kph - where permitted.

Of course, like all other FQ-400 models before it, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi's motorsport derived machine, and is only available in the UK. Feeling disappointed that there isn't a Evo X model like it offered in Australia? We suggest you read the bottom section of this article . . .

To achieve the incredible 302kw from just 2.0-litres, Mitsubishi has had to significantly revise the FQ-400's advanced powerplant. Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors are fitted to the aluminium cylinder head and a new hybrid turbocharger is also fitted. The higher specification turbocharger features low-friction bearings, a high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust bearing to increase response and reduce turbo lag. Feeding the turbocharger cooled air, improving its performance and efficiency, is an enhanced intercooler, while the exhaust's gasses flow from the engine via a 3-inch diameter high flow stainless steel piping and catalytic convertor before exiting through a centrally positioned exhaust.

Mitsubishi has remapped the Engine Control Unit (ECU) with EcuTeK so software and has spent over 500 hours of development time to allow its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to not just produce its exceptional output but to do so with excellent driveability. The FQ-400's acceleration is sensational, it pulling hard through the gears regardless of engine revs. With peak torque of 542Nm on offer from just 3,500rpm, the FQ-400 is just as able to trickle through town traffic as it is taking a rally special stage.

Ensuring all the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's power is put to good use is Mitsubishi's sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it, giving the FQ-400 quite sensational cross-country performance. The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's performance and safety, with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS giving the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 incredible cornering ability, traction and grip. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices - Tarmac, Gravel and Snow - being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.

A heavily vented bonnet helps heat escape from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's turbocharged engine and a new lightweight composite front bumper incorporating Mitsubishi's trademark 'Jet Fighter' grille features carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges. Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights mark out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's nose, its added aggressiveness further enhanced by a 30mm drop in front ride height. Composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted 'Vortex Generator' all help manage airflow and cooling.

Despite its obvious focus the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400's suspension offers compliance thanks to the Eibach Springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers, the FQ-400's usefulness as a daily driver not compromised overly thanks to Mitsubishi's chassis tuning. The stiff bodywork not only provides an exceptionally rigid platform for the suspension to work, but excellent crash-worthiness, the Lancer Evolution X attaining a five-star score in Euro NCAP's independent crash tests.

Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400's ease of use, the huge performance it offers not coming at the expense of usefulness. Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives it features comfortable seating for five as well as a usefully sized boot, the FQ-400 bringing all the convenience of the standard saloon car it's based upon - but with explosive performance potential.

The FQ-400 is available from June 2009 in the UK, and is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty from Mitsubishi.

Australian Evo X with MRT XD kit is coming to rival the UK FQ-400 model

The good news for Australia is that MRT is close to finishing development of its XD kit for the Mitsubishi Evo X, and current testing indicates that the XD kit will produce near identical power and torque figures from its EcuTeK enhanced lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC engine, and near identical performance figures. No, that's not a typo - around 300kw and over 500Nm of torque available here in Australia as an easy upgrade to your Evo!

The MRT XD kit can also be optioned with enhanced Whitelime suspension kits to further improve the Evo X's already superb handling characteristics, providing both a fearsome daily driver and track car.

Like all MRT Power Kits, the Evo X XD kit will come with MRT's factory guarantee and warranty to enable any Evo X owner to upgrade their car with peace of mind and guaranteed reliability, support and service.

Watch this space as a review of the MRT XD kit will be appearing in the next few months . . .