Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is marking the end of U.K. sales of the current-generation Lancer Evolution supercar with a limited-edition model, the Evolution IX MR FQ-360 (the “MR” is short for “Mitsubishi Racing”). Only 200 of these cars will be made available at Mitsubishi Ralliart showrooms across the U.K., and will retail for £34,539 ($68,242).
This final version of the current-generation Lancer Evolution continues the work begun with the first-generation Lancer Evolution of 1992. Success on the rally circuit has led to improvements in features and performance in each subsequent model sold to the public. With this final version, Mitsubishi has stuffed a 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder under the hood, which produces a whopping 366 bhp—enough to propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The top speed is electronically limited to just 157 mph—so who knows how fast it can go if that speed chip were removed! That’s quite an achievement for a car that, except for the high rear spoiler and subtle badging, looks no different than many of the other four-door compact sedans on the road. However, be prepared to see other drivers’ jaws drop as you blast off from a standing stop in this vehicle. (That is, if you can even see the other drivers receding from you at warp speed in the rearview mirror.)
By contrast, a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which screams “high-performance vehicle!” to everyone else on the road, will be left behind by the Evo, because it can only go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Poor Porsche!
This ultimate-in-stealth performance vehicle has had some tuning modifications made to the twin-scroll turbocharger by adding titanium aluminium alloy turbo fins to it, and by reducing the compressor wheel inlet diameter; this allows for better engine response at all rpm levels.
The suspension has also been tuned up in this model, by complementing the Bilstein shock absorbers with Eibach springs; this lowers the car by 10 mm in the front, and 5 mm in the rear, which enhances stability at high speeds, and also helps the Super Active Yaw Control system to operate more effectively.
The limited-edition Evo can be distinguished from a stock Lancer Evolution by the aforementioned tall rear spoiler (called a “vortex generator” by Mitsubishi); a new carbon-fiber front-lip spoiler, which provides additional downforce and improves stability at elevated speeds; and 11-spoke Speedline Turini alloy wheels, which resemble the ones on Mitsubishi’s tarmac spec rally car.
Inside, piano-black finish can be seen on the instrument panel, automatic headlights and privacy glass are available for the first time, and this model retains the Recaro racing seats and Momo steering wheel of previous versions.
Our take? British buyers who want to snap up this stealth pocket rocket from Mitsubishi had better hurry to their dealers, because we’re sure that even at the high price set by Mitsubishi, these 200 cars will be gone before you know it.