The New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400
Published: 27th May 2009
The New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400
The tenth version of Mitsubishi's iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range, the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph - where permitted.
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 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is a standard setter, with performance that's the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars costing many multiples of its £49,999 list price. Available from June 2009, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty.
Mitsubishi Lancer
Our Mitsubishi Lancer Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Lancer range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £14,499 - £24,149
Body Styles:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 13
We have road tested the Mitsubishi Lancer, to read our in-depth car review:
Mitsubishi Lancer Review - Jun 2008
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
