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Euro-only: Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 SST
Mitsubishi Evolution X - Click above for a high-res image gallery
In keeping with Mitsubishi's FQ tradition abroad, the automaker has developed a new model to fit in between the standard FQ-300 and the insanity known as the FQ-400. The Mitsubishi Evolution FQ-330 (almost) lives up to its namesake by delivering an additional 29 hp (up from the standard Evo's 300 hp) and an additional 22 lb-ft. of torque for a total of 322. The sprint to 60 mph drops accordingly, with 0.3 seconds shaved from the standard cars 4.7-second time. The minimal powertrain changes consist of a reworked intake, high-flow down-pipe, exhaust and catalytic converter and a re-mapped ECU to make use of the breathing mods. As it's name would suggest, the FQ-330 is equipped with Mitsubishi's new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (TC-SST), and the whole packages only commands a £3,000 premium over the standard Evo, at £35,999. Jump for all the details.
Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
PRESS RELEASE
MORE FQ- POWER ADDED TO TWIN-CLUTCH SPORTS SHIFT TRANSMISSION (SST)
* Lancer Evolution FQ-330 SST adds 36 bhp and 22 lb ft torque to the Sports Shift Transmission line-up
Since its introduction in 2008, the Lancer Evolution X has been an enormous success, gaining popular acclaim from customers and the media alike. Now, after extensive testing, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has added the eagerly awaited FQ-330 SST to its already impressive line-up.
The FQ-330 SST model utilises a breathing kit and ECU re-map to accomplish its enhanced power output, and has been systematically tested over the past 6 months to achieve successful results. This power upgrade noticeably improves not only the acceleration, but also significantly enhances the drive.
Power increased to 329 bhp
The power upgrade to 329 bhp is achieved by the addition of a high performance exhaust and downpipe, an intercooler piping kit, racing suction pipe, and upgraded CAT, which delivers an additional 36 bhp and 22 lb ft of torque mated to the advanced 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission.
Product line up and specification
The Lancer Evolution X FQ-330 SST includes the following standard equipment:
* Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
* 18" Enkei alloy wheels
* Brembo braking system, including 2-piece front brakes
* Eibach coil springs
* Bilstein shock absorbers
* HID xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
* Recaro front seats
* Bluetooth hands-free system
* Leather sports steering wheel with audio controls
* Front, side, curtain and knee airbags
* Privacy glass
* Front fog lamps
* ISO Fix
* Automatic headlamp and wiper sensors
* Remote central locking
* CAT1 approved alarm/immobiliser
* CAT5 approved tracker system + 1 year free subscription
* HDD satellite navigation system
* Rockford premium audio & Music Server – 6 premium speakers + subwoofer
* iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port
SST transmission
The GSR SST benefits from the fitment of Mitsubishi's 6 speed TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission) automated manual gearbox with steering column mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
This advanced transmission puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each with its own clutch, and switches between these clutches to produce an almost seamless and lightning-fast gear change in either fully automatic or manual transmission modes. A switch located at the base of the gear selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for optimum shifts in a wide variety of situations ranging from driving around town to taking tight lines on winding roads. Because the TC-SST uses clutches rather than a torque converter to transmit power it benefits from improved efficiency and better fuel economy.
Colours and price1
The FQ-330 SST is available in Cool Silver (M); Orient Red (M); Lightning Blue (P); and Phantom Black (P) colours with metallic and pearlescent paint included in the price of £35,999, £3,000 more than the FQ-300 STT variant.
Insurance groups and servicing
A testament to Mitsubishi's confidence in the FQ-330 SST's reliability comes in the form of its 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, and pan-European breakdown and recovery service.
Servicing too is highly affordable with the first 3-years / 30,000 mile servicing available for just £495 with the Mitsubishi Service Plan. The insurance group rating for the new model is 20A, in line with the 5-speed manual variant with the same power output.2
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
VW GTi 6:08PM (5/20/2009)
This car is tempting, but I'll take an FQ-400, thank you.
Reply
Valentino Amoro 12:22AM (5/21/2009)
I love Evo's dont get me wrong. That said, this should have been what Mitsu released as the base engine configuration. 330HP chip etc is conservative, maintains reliability and also the p/wt ratio of the original Evo.
The 'Stage 2' could be the confi that Vishnu is offering with 380+ HP.
The Evo is undoubtedly better than the new STI IMHO because of the 4wd system.
That said, i'm kind of disappointed to see that the car is straying from it's roots as a cheap and fast rally car based on an economy car. The EvoX w SST MSRP's (true, you can get it cheaper) for something in the 40K's range. (close to the 335's)
Given the competition (yes, it may not be cross shopped by some but it's still competition) from cars like the 370Z, Camaro SS etc I dont know whether this is a wise strategy.
On a different note, I dont get it. How does a 290ish stock Evo X do a 4.7 second 0-60 while a 265ish HP Scirocco and R32 do a 6.2 (manufacturer claim 6.5-6.9 but I know they're conservative), Mazdaspeed 3 at 5.5. And how does a base 260ish WRX do 4.8??? In other words, how come there is such a variation in 0-60 times while the power to wt ratios are similar (the R32 also has 4WD). Sure, in some the gear shifting maybe faster but the differences are huge.
It must come down to gearing as all these weigh similar but I must be missing something.
BoneHeadOtto 6:49PM (5/21/2009)
@valentino
The difference is AWD. With AWD these cars "can" do a clutch abusing launch and hit 30 in nearly a half second less time. But check the 0-100 and you will see that the MazdaSpeed3 is getting within 0.2sec of the WRX. With the scirrocco VW quotes 0-62 which is quite different. But VWs are heavy automobiles, and if the VW has DSG, it cant do the clutch abusing launch that a manual can. Case solved. :)
JDM Life 6:29PM (5/20/2009)
Wonder if this AWD system is better then the GTRs.....
Reply
timwang2006 6:30PM (5/20/2009)
GTFO please.
Thank you.
Reply
JDM Life 6:30PM (5/20/2009)
IDK if its just me....but I perfer the looks of the previous Evo over this.....
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downhill.specialist 6:48PM (5/20/2009)
And just like every FQ before it, Subaru's STi Spec-C's will probably trounce it.
I say probably because the FQ300 and 400 were beaten by the Spec C and Spec C RA respectively, but even though I like the new STi, it feels like the edge's been dulled on them.
Reply
VW GTi 6:58PM (5/20/2009)
Agreed. Even though the STi is a great performing car, the engineers at Subaru Tecnica International added a little too much water to its winning mixture.
But, Spec-C will most likely regain that edge.
JayC 7:05PM (5/20/2009)
FQ = Fucking Quick
Love Mistsu! :)
Reply
PJ 7:39PM (5/20/2009)
Best alphanumeric model name on the market.
dap7298 7:33PM (5/20/2009)
The mod that give this car 30 extra hp are usually the first things done to one of these once bought. There is nothing special going on here except for warranty preservation. US drivers can have all of this and more for about 1500 bucks and a half day under the car.
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Xa 8:24PM (5/20/2009)
this is gonna be the fastest volvo ever.
wait, what?
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Steve_S 9:07PM (5/20/2009)
Wow a Stage 2 Evo, amazing! It's pretty much one of the first things all Evo and STI owner's do. Of course it's nice to have a warranty but I'm sure they charge alot more than the $2500 that would normally cost with a protune.
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Aloysius Vampa 9:31PM (5/20/2009)
It's interesting, though, that it's offered with the SST.
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BoneHeadOtto 12:06AM (5/21/2009)
not too impressed with a 330hp evo. First of all this is what the stock Evo should have had just to maintain the previous gen power to weight ratio. Secondly, when vishnu can up the car to 380hp with just an ECU upgrade then surely Mitsubishi can do better than 330hp for 3000 pounds.
Personally i want to see these cars return to their roots. STI and Evo should be small-ish, light weight, with manual transmission and priced under $30k. The 09 WRX is there if it didnt look so homely.
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Bobmarley 8:59AM (5/21/2009)
I agree...these are awsome cars but they are too expensive with the lancer evo x starting at $33k. I'd personally like to see more cheaper RWD 4cylinders in the low $20k range
Rob 11:38AM (5/21/2009)
The car with 291hp barely passes emissions as is. Ever wonder why a reflash nets about 50whp on the evo? The car is pig rich from the factory just to pass US emissions. And it's going to get worse for everyone with all the green in people's eyes...and I don't mean money...
BoneHeadOtto 4:32PM (5/21/2009)
@Rob
Actually checking fueleconomy.gov shows that the CO2 is rated at 10.2 and polution score is at 6/10. This is the same as a starnard mustang GT. Many SUVs put out 30% more CO2 and even the smart has a polution score of 6/10
Plus the ECU reflash typically runs the engine more lean. It tunes for 93 octane instead of the 91 found in california. So often with these mode mileage goes up in normal driving and emissions go down. But with a seriously special edition EVO i guarantee emissions is not on Mitsu's mind. Plus this is a Euro spec car where emission laws are not as tight as the US.
wseroyer 1:42AM (5/21/2009)
Really does not matter, there's vast supply of aftermarket parts for the EVO, and there fairly cheap. Cobb AccessPORT will give you that 30hp for about $600.
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