(Wed 27 May 09)

The fastest version yet of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will go on sale in the UK in June, priced (slightly alarmingly) at £49,999.

Not a cheap car, then, but the specification is pretty impressive. Thanks to a remapped ECU, high-flow fuel injectors and a new turbocharger, the two-litre FQ-400 produces 403bhp and a maximum of 387lb/ft of torque, the latter being achieved quite low down in the rev range at 3500rpm.

The result is a 0-62mph currently estimated at 3.8 seconds (less than that of a standard Ferrari F430 and only two tenths off the pace of a Scuderia), while the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

The FQ-400 has a wider track and lower ride height than other models in the Evo X range, thanks to Eibach springs, Bilstein shock absorbers and 18" alloy wheels. Grip comes from Toyo Proxes R1R tyres, and sensibly enough the brakes have been uprated to match the extra performance. Recaro bucket seats are fitted as standard, to help stop the driver falling out during wild cornering.

There will be no mistaking the FQ-400 on the road, since Mitsubishi has given it something of the look of the Evo VI, with new front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, composite side skirts, a roof-mounted vortex generator and a rear wing with a Gurney flap to increase downforce.

Not everything about the FQ-400 is performance-oriented, though. Standard equipment also includes Bluetooth connectivity, an audio system with a 30G hard drive, DVD satellite navigation, privacy glass and automatic headlights and wipers.

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