Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400

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What is it?

Looking like it's just escaped from a rally stage the FQ-400 is the flagship Lancer Evolution X model, the 400 in its name referring to the monumental power output. Actually, it's 403bhp, but four hundred and three doesn't quite trip off the tongue as easily as four hundred. Under the heavily vented bonnet nestles a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, Mitsubishi's people working wonders to squeeze so many rampant horses from such a relatively small engine.

Is it any good?

That mighty power output is channelled to all four of the FQ-400's wheels by a spectacularly clever four-wheel drive system that Mitsubishi dubs Super-All Wheel Drive (S-AWD). It divvies up the power via electronic stability, traction and braking systems through its differentials and individual wheels to allow the FQ-400 to put its ample grunt to very good use. Drop the clutch and let the turbo do its worst and the FQ-400 will rocket towards the horizon at a quite dizzying rate, Mitsubishi claiming a 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds. You'll be constantly grabbing for the next gear in the neat-shifting five-speed manual quickly and if you keep your foot to the floor you'll be looking at jail time. Best then to keep those sorts of antics to the track or unrestricted German autobahns.

What's most impressive though is its easy nature when you don't feel like being a hooligan. The driveline is free of fussiness you'd expect in something so maniacal, the ride surprisingly compliant despite its obvious focus. The brakes are sensational too, meaning you'll quickly be able to wash off the excess speed the FQ-400 so easily gains. Poise in the bends is much like in its FQ relatives, but stickier tyres and a lower centre of gravity (thanks to new suspension settings) does give it an eagerness at the wheel that's a little sharper than its lesser siblings. Like them it remains a proper saloon car with useable rear seats and a decent sized boot, meaning you really could argue a case for using it every day. It's certainly not one for shy-retiring drivers though; the FQ-400 builds on the Evolution X's already overt looks with carbon add-ons, that heavily vented bonnet and motorsport-sourced lighting and wheels.

Should I call the bank manager?

If you do use it every day you might find you'll be in touch with your bank manager to help pay for the fuel. It might just be a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit but it's devilishly thirsty, and it likes the expensive high octane pump too. The tiny fuel tank exacerbates this, the FQ-400 draining its small reserves very quickly indeed.

Summary

This car is a fitting, fiercely fast flagship for an already fearsomely fast range of cars. FQ-400s will be rare beasts, bought by Evo X fans with an addictive need for the fastest most extreme machine Mitsubishi offers. What impresses with its latest range-topper though is its roundedness, the FQ-400 an easy companion in traffic yet bombastically accelerative and stunningly competent and poised when you ask more from it. It's expensive when compared to its barely lesser relatives though, making it an Evo for those who have deeper pockets than most.

Kyle Fortune