Autoblog

Best Motoring's Tsukuba shootouts regularly put all the others to shame. Sure, they might lack some of the high-dollar production quality of other motoring shows, but they make up for it with mesmerizing track sessions and entertaining commentary. Case in point, in the recent edition of the Japanese-language video series, they've pitted the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI against the Mitsubishi Evolution X with the five-speed gearbox. But to make it even more interesting, they included the SST-equipped version of the Evo X, an Evo IX MR GSR and the last generation WRX STI. The video shows where each vehicle excels and falters, with a few choice gems coming from the drivers like, "Ohhhh, undudasteero!" and "sido-by-sido."

The results may be surprising, but we won't spoil the ending. Check the video after the jump.

Thanks for the tip Ovidio!

[Source: YouTube via Zercustoms]

Click image for 4 more photos in our gallery

Over the summer, we reported on the UK-market's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360, a car whose verbose nomenclature communicated the presence of a force-fed 366-horsepower 2.0-liter four under its bonnet. With its MR-style vortex generator on the roof, gigunda rear wing, carbon-fiber lip spoiler and rally-look five-spoke wheels, the FQ-360 looked every bit the tarmac carver that it was engineered to be.

Fast forward to January '07. Mitsubishi is laying the groundwork for the arrival of the next Evo, which was previewed with the appearance of the Prototype X at Detroit last week. Before we get too caught up in Evo X hysteria, we need to remember that the Evo IX still roams the streets, and that even when faced with imminent replacement, it's no shrinking violet. As such, Mitsubishi's UK division is bidding farewell to the machine with one final model: the Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360.

Its 2.0L engine is prepared by Ralliart and HKS, and while its output matches the 366 horses of the last HQ-360, this car's mill is said to be even more responsive. The FQ-360's 0-60 sprint is now an astonishing 3.9 seconds (vs. 4.1 for the last one). Top speed is 157 mph -- and that's an electronically governed number. In terms of appearance, the final edition MR FQ-360 looks like the car it replaces with some subtle changes. The five-spoke Speedlines are out, replaced by 11-spoke units from the same manufacturer. This time around, there's enough badging on the trunklid to let everyone know that this is the alpha dog Evo IX, and it's going out in style.



Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mitsubishi UK]

Mitsubishi has introduced the 2006 Lancer Evolution "Special Edition" (MR model shown above) as the final iteration of the Evo IX before the long awaited Evo X replaces it. The Evolution SE will ride the line out in style with red-stitched Recaro seats inside the cabin and a host of exterior enhancements. The Evolution SE gets a new airdam extension up front that reduces front end lift and the same lightweight aluminum roof worn by the Evolution RS and MR. It rolls on 17-inch forged BBS wheels with a diamond black finish and illuminates the road ahead with a set of HID headlights. The price of the Evolution SE will start at $33,249, which places it neatly above the standard Evo IX and below the range-topping MR.

(Mitsubishi's full press release can be found after the jump)

[Source: Mitsubishi]

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]