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(Mon 17 Jul 06) Mitsubishi's high-performance Evo IX range has been extended upwards with the introduction of the FQ-360, which makes its debut at the British International Motor Show. As with the current three-car range, the number in the car's title is a slight understatement of the maximum power figure, which in this case is 366bhp.
The long-running two-litre turbocharged engine has been uprated using a reprogrammed ECU and the high-pressure fuel pump and high-flow catalytic convertor used on the very rare Evo VIII FQ-400. The new car may not be as powerful, but its torque figures are more impressive - the maximum 363lb/ft is 8lb/ft more than the FQ-400 managed, and it's produced at 3200rpm rather than the FQ-400's significantly less practical 5400rpm. "We’ve worked hard to optimise the FQ-360's driveability," explains Paul Brigden, General Manager of Mitsubishi performance division Ralliart. "We wanted to deliver the best possible driving experience, rather than concentrating on a headline-grabbing power output." The performance is still impressive, though. 0-60mph is covered in an estimated 4.1 seconds, and the maximum speed is expected to be over 160mph.
The suspension, brakes, four-wheel drive system and steering of the other Evo IXs were reckoned to be able to cope with the extra power, so they have been left as they are. But the FQ-360 does get a new front lip spoiler and rear vortex generator, both made of carbonfibre, to help it stay on the ground. Also carried over are the Yokohama A046 235/45 tyres, but they sit on unique Speedline wheels designed to mimic the ones used on Mitsubishi's tarmac rally cars and not available as an aftermarket option. A minor change inside is that the space underneath the stereo, which is used for oddments storage in the FQ-340, is in this case filled by a Ralliart Sports Meter kit consisting of battery voltage, oil temperature and turbo boost pressure gauges.
The basic price is £35,504, which is just under £2500 higher than that of the FQ-340, though customers can save £1000 by deleting the standard leather trim. Three years' unlimited mileage warranty, a three-year pan-European recovery service and a six-year anti-corrosion perforation warranty are all included. The FQ-360 is available to order now, and deliveries are due to start in September. More Mitsubishi Evo IX Photos |
