UK Scorcher! Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX FQ-360
Mitsubishi has added a formidable new range-topping version of the Evo IX to its UK roster. This gives Mitsubishi a four-car Lancer Evolution lineup in the U.K. now with the FQ-300, FQ-320, FQ-340, and now the FQ-360. The Ralliart-developed FQ-360 is a powerhouse, producing 366 bhp and 363 lb-ft of torque -- the latter arriving at 3200 rpm. The increased power is achieved through the use of a high pressure fuel pump, a high-flow catalytic converter, and a bit of ECU reprogramming.
No changes were deemed necessary to improve the car's dynamics. As such, the steering, suspension, 4WD system and brakes are all standard Evo IX fare.
Visually, exclusive Yokohama-wrapped 5-spoke Speedline wheels, a new carbon-fiber lip spoiler, and the roof-mounted rear vortex generator (like the one on the NA-market MR) identify the car as an FQ-360. Inside, a storage space in the center stack has been eliminated in favor of a Ralliart gauge pack.
The FQ-360 also boasts a full complement of driver amenities such as A/C, Recaros, power windows, alarm system, stereo, and 4 airbags. Their presence certainly doesn't hinder performance, as 60 mph arrives in just 4.1 seconds. Estimated top speed is over 160 mph.
Dealers are taking orders for the FQ-360 now, and its stated retail price is £35,504. Deliveries begin in September. Mitsubishi will officially unveil the car next week at the British Motor Show.
(Additional info, photos after the jump)
[Source: Mitsubishi UK]
Press Release:
NEW MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION IX FQ-360 SET FOR UK LAUNCH
Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled a new and more powerful version of the iconic Lancer Evolution IX supercar. A development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi's 2.0-litre turbo engine. Available to order now, priced at £35,504, it reaffirms the 'Evo's' reputation as the everyday supercar, offering pace and practicality at an affordable price.
Making its debut at the British Motor Show, the new FQ-360 joins a three car Lancer Evolution line-up, consisting of the FQ-300, the FQ-320 and the FQ-340, all of which continue. Orders can be placed at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in September.
Model range
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-300: £28,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-320: £30,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-340: £33,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360: £35,504
The FQ-360 has been developed by engineers from Mitsubishi UK's motor sport and performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the limited edition FQ-400. Launched in 2004, the FQ-400 was the fastest-ever production Mitsubishi and the new FQ-360 shares some of its key components.
Mitsubishi's engineers sought to improve the performance of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been fully reprogrammed to create a car that delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft of torque at a lowly 3200rpm.
The torque output is the key to this car's character. The peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range. It's also 18lb ft more than the FQ-340. "We've worked hard to optimise the FQ-360's driveability," says Paul Brigden, general manager, Ralliart. "We wanted to deliver the best possible driving experience, rather than concentrating on a headline-grabbing power output."
The FQ-360 may have been tuned for driveability, but that doesn't mean that its supercar-bashing performance has been compromised. This car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1sec and top 160mph. These figures underline Lancer Evolution's reputation as the supercar bargain. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which costs almost twice as much, takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph from rest.
Subtle exterior enhancements differentiate the FQ-360 from the rest of the Lancer Evolution range and improve its aerodynamic efficiency at high speed. One of the most obvious changes is the introduction of a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, which is attached to the front apron and provides additional downforce. At the rear, a carbon fibre 'sharks tooth' rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic lift.
Keen 'Evo spotters' will also note the introduction of a bespoke set of alloy wheels. Developed by Speedline, they mimic the five-spoke design of Mitsubishi's tarmac-spec rally car and are not available as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod with Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of the Lancer Evolution range.
The interior of the FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one notable addition, the space below the stereo – which is used for oddments storage in the FQ-340 – is now occupied by a Ralliart Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information to the enthusiastic driver.
Fears that the FQ-360 would be a stripped-out road racer can also be allayed. Its comprehensive specification includes climate control, all-round electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a category 1 alarm and four airbags, proving that performance and comfort can go hand-in-hand.
The FQ-360's suspension steering is unchanged from the standard Evolution IX. The Evolution IX's Brembo brakes are also more than capable of coping with the increase in performance. The 17in ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front and 16in ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear are supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). EBD automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to match the vehicle load and driving conditions.
Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360 - Key Point Summary
- 366bhp version of the Lancer Evolution IX launched at British Motor Show
- On-sale now priced at £35,504 with first deliveries in September
- 1997cc turbo engine modified with high pressure fuel pump, high flow catalytic converter and reprogrammed ECU
- MIVEC variable valve timing
- Tuned for driveability: 366bhp@6887rpm and 363lb ft@3200rpm
- Peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the Evolution VIII FQ-400 produced, and is delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range
- 0-60mph 4.1sec (est.), 160mph+
- Unique five-spoke Speedline alloy wheels mimic tarmac-spec rally car
- Carbon fibre front lip spoiler and 'sharks tooth' rear vortex generator improve aerodynamic efficiency
- Interior features Ralliart Sports Meter Kit displaying battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure
- Comprehensive luxury specification includes climate control, leather/Alcantara trim, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel
- Leather trim can be deleted, reducing the price by £1000
- Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes and electronically-controlled 4WD system unchanged
- 3-year Unlimited Mileage warranty, 3-year Pan European Recovery Service and 6-year Anti-Corrosion Perforation warranty
- Supported by highly-trained network of Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Luis Longo 1:34PM (7/14/2006)
What do i care, i live in the states, by the way £35,504 thats almost 50k here, 50k for a Mitsu, now thats just hilarious...
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Scott 1:43PM (7/14/2006)
Why would you market such a thing in the UK? I've seen too many posts here and elsewhere about their vast network of cameras to catch speeders. If I'm dropping a ton of money on a high horsepower street car, I'd want to unwind it once in awhile and not find a ticket waiting in my mailbox.
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spdracerut 1:45PM (7/14/2006)
Why should you care? It shows the potential of the EVO IX and the stock cam setup using the MIVEC. On the EVO 8 here in the states, you can go from the stock 240whp to 320whp with cams, retune, downpipe and exhaust on the stock turbo.
So it appears that the stock cams in the EVO 9 have the same topend as aftermarket cams in the EVO 8. So, essentially, you just need to upgrade the breathing and retune the ecu to get similar power. It's good info to have... if you're considering getting an EVO tha is.
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Tim UF 1:55PM (7/14/2006)
They (the brits) can always load the car up and go travel the autobahns (sp?) in germany... that would be nice!
I love that they use the FQ-xxx moniker for their high powered models in the UK... FQ likely standing for f***in' quick. hehe.
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VW-Guy 2:24PM (7/14/2006)
"363 lb-ft of torque - arriving at 3200 rpm."
That's pretty impressive.
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GDUB 2:35PM (7/14/2006)
I want one so bad. great daily driver/family car.
bring it here mitsu.
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Howard Kerr 2:38PM (7/14/2006)
In the CAR August 2005 issue, Mitsubishi had a 4 car lineup under the EVO VIII. The TOP car a year ago was the FQ-400. That car could do 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and had a top sped rated at 175 mph. So the EVO IX is not as good/fast?
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UK-KID 2:51PM (7/14/2006)
To you luis its hilarious to spend £35k ($50k almost) on a Mitsubishi, but get this, Over here in the UK we do not care about NAMES, we care about technology and 336Bhp & 363lb ft is BLOODY Amazing from 2.0 Litres and WE WILL GLADLY PAY FOR THAT.
+ The vehicle's handling is exceptional and we find that very useful
Any moron can get 400hp out of 6.75 litres and sell the car for next to nothing.
Also there are still plenty of motorway sections were you can enjoy the potential of your vehicle without endangering others or losing your licence
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risingsun 4:19PM (7/14/2006)
It's still a mitsubishi... they should stick to TVs. In 10 years that 4G63 will still be running strong, don't get me wrong, but it's their ONLY good motor, and the rest of the car will be dropping in pieces on the road behind it.
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iQuack 4:20PM (7/14/2006)
Good that it's fast because it certainly is UGLY!
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jscro 5:11PM (7/14/2006)
"It's still a mitsubishi... they should stick to TVs."
Yeah, because building one of the best drivers cars in the world that's actually affordable is not an accomplishment.
This is probably the best bang for your buck you can get in an auto. Would I buy one? Nope, I can't get over it's econobox styling and feel. It doesn't change the fact the funnest ride I've ever had in a car was in an Evo.
If I had money to burn, one of these would be in my garage.
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fizzandpop 5:39PM (7/14/2006)
17 inch discs on the front, 16 inch on the back? Shurely there's shum mishtake. Maybe not, if those are 18 inch wheels. I'm a bit Evo ignorant, so please correct me if I'm wrong. Yes that's is 60 large for a Mitsubishi, but people in England have to pay $30 grand for a frickin' Dodge Calliber. It's called tax dears, you have to pay it if you want to avoid deficits that will have your grand children begging on the street.
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PJ 6:38PM (7/14/2006)
Agreed jscro... even though used Evos are right in my price range, the costs of insurance and maintenance are imposing.
I don't know about the 4G63 being Mitsu's only good engine. The 3.0 V6 from the 3000GT/3G Eclipse is lovely, and--in my experience--dead reliable. The 3.8 in the Endeavor and Galant is great, too. Sadly, Mitsu continues to hamstring its fuel economy with a 4-speed automatic. And although this engine gets a bad rap in the 3,600 lb Outlander, Mitsu's 2.4-liter Four is great fun in a lighter car like the Ralliart.
IMO, Mitsubishi has a great many good components... it's just that they've managed to hide most of their strong points with a bevy of poor product-planning decisions.
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John F 9:53PM (7/14/2006)
There was an episode of Top Gear (two seasons ago, I think) where they raced the FQ400 (faster than the 360) against a Lamborghini Murcielago... and the Lambo couldn't lose the Evo.
Tell me that's NOT bang for your buck.
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emulous1974 10:38PM (7/14/2006)
And from what I read/heard the FQ-400 was not much of a street car. One of the beautiful things about the EVO is it can be drivin every day even as a commuter car. It may not be the most comfortable commuter car, but it's still possible. I put 30K miles on my EVO VIII in 10 months and I loved my 120 mile round trip commute to work. It sounds like they tuned the FQ-360 for drivibility and not just top speed.
The fact that they didn't have to change much to get that much power out of the engine and change nothing of the rest of the drivetrain says a lot about the Base EVO we get in the states.
One question, the U.S. EVO's only get 2 airbags, are the extra 2 airbags in the doors, seats or pillars?
The lack of side airbags was almost enough to make me not get the car, but I figured if I was to die going sideways, I know I'd die happy.
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Albert 11:45AM (7/15/2006)
They can't possibly sell cars with that kind of styling in 2006. I mean come on, a freaking Camry looks better then that.
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Tim 8:11PM (7/17/2006)
Add that engine to the Concept X styling!!
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