No-one will pay any interest in this car.
For years the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been hailed as the greatest point-to-point road-going car, and the Evolution X has taken a huge step forward: "monumentally, toweringly, eye-wateringly brilliant" states Jeremy Clarkson. Whilst the Lancer Evolution X range (excl. FQ-400) has been developed with an eye to improved fuel economy and cleaner emissions, the FQ-400 concentrates on no-holds-barred performance: 403 bhp and 20% better acceleration* than its FQ-300 GSR stable mate. Without doubt the Lancer Evolution X is the most electrifying, intoxicating, utterly awe-inspiring production four-door saloon in history - but which one is right for you? (*0 - 62 mph acceleration figures)
The FQ-400 the turbo has undergone a bespoke conversion for even faster response and reduced lag, with low friction ball bearings technology, an extreme temperature exhaust turbine and up rated thrust bearings.
403bhp at 6,500rpm and 387 bl ft of torque at just 3500rpm, with output which continues to climb steadily to almost 7000rpm. And, difficult though it may be to comprehend, the Lancer Evolution FQ-400 feels even quicker than these figures suggest, with truly aggressive torque delivery and minimal lag. Launch performance is exceptional, acceleration phenomenal and with the modifications made to the wheels and tyres, brakes, suspension and bodywork even more of that power can be put down with even greater traction than in any other Lancer Evolution.
Designed with the aim of increasing the rigidity of each part and optimizing the geometry for secure positioning of the wheels, a highly rigid, lightweight suspension has been developed; Bilstein dampers with Eibach coil springs are used throughout.
Toyo Proxes R1R tyres are fitted to SL Corse 18" nine spoke alloy wheels on the Lancer Evolution X FQ-400, which allow the car to lean on the sidewalls more under quick turn-ins or hard direction changes under load. Grip level is instant from cold with a continuous stable feeling, enabling confident use of the 400 series' phenomenal power: with the ASC on power trim back is less apparent, and with it off the car comes truly, gloriously, brilliantly alive. On the FQ-400 the suspension has been lowered - by 30mm at the front and 25mm at the rear - and both front and rear track widths reduced to suit.
On the FQ-400 the Evolution's all-new, 4B11 engine has undergone considerable modification to increase the accessible power. Re-mapping the ECU alone involved more than 500 hours of development time. Motorsport specification, high-flow fuel injectors have been fitted, as well as a 3" diameter high-flow stainless steel exhaust system and a new rear diffuser to improve the airflow around its exit. A new intercooler, racing suction kit and additional bonnet vents provide further cooling in and around the engine bay.
A carbon fibre front lip spoiler, composite material bonnet, new rear wing Gurney strip and carbon fibre 'Shark's Tooth' Vortex Generator further aid aerodynamics on the FQ-400.
The Evolution FQ-400 enjoys huge stopping power even before electronic safety measures like Sport ABS and EBD need be triggered. Massive ALCON BRAKES, 6-piston mono-block front callipers with 365 x 32mm sealed floating disc and bell assembly with 350mm ventilated discs. At the rear these have been upgraded to 365mm discs with Brembo callipers and pads.
On the FQ-400 all the bulbs are upgraded by PIAA to a specially developed range which proved over 90% improvement in performance over standard fit bulbs for greater clarity and distance at night. PIAA Silicone wiper blades also ensure improved vision in inclement weather.