Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400: The Fastest Evo X Hits UK Roads
With 403bhp and a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400 became the most powerful and accelerative Evo ever sold by the brand.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400 stands as the fastest and most extreme version of the Lancer Evolution series ever released by Mitsubishi. Launched in June 2009 and available exclusively in the UK, the FQ-400 was developed to push the boundaries of what a four-door performance saloon could achieve, offering a level of power and acceleration that rivalled many contemporary supercars. With its motorsport-inspired engineering and limited production, the FQ-400 quickly became a highly desirable model among enthusiasts and collectors.
Key Facts: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400
Introduction: The Fastest Lancer Evolution
The FQ-400’s arrival marked the pinnacle of the Evolution lineage in terms of factory performance. Building on the already formidable Evolution X platform, Mitsubishi’s engineers created a car that not only outperformed its predecessors but also offered a unique blend of everyday usability and track-ready capability. Its exclusivity and technical advancements cemented its status as a flagship for the brand.
Engine and Performance Upgrades
At the heart of the FQ-400 lies a highly tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC engine, producing 403bhp at 6,500rpm and 525Nm of torque at 3,500rpm. These figures represented a substantial leap over the standard Evolution X, achieved through a series of motorsport-inspired enhancements. Mitsubishi equipped the FQ-400 with high-flow fuel injectors, a hybrid turbocharger with low-friction bearings, and an upgraded intercooler to manage increased boost and heat. The exhaust system was upgraded to a 3-inch high-flow stainless steel unit, while the ECU was meticulously calibrated over 500 hours to ensure reliability and driveability under the increased power.
The result was a saloon capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in a claimed 3.8 seconds, placing it ahead of many supercars of its time in terms of outright acceleration. The top speed was electronically limited to 155mph, in keeping with many high-performance vehicles of the era.
Chassis, Handling and Braking
To harness the FQ-400’s formidable power, Mitsubishi implemented a range of chassis and suspension upgrades. The car featured a wider track and a ride height lowered by 30mm at the front, with Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers providing improved body control. These changes contributed to sharper handling and greater stability at speed.
Central to the FQ-400’s handling prowess was Mitsubishi’s advanced Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This system integrated Active Stability Control, an Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control, and Sport ABS. Drivers could select between Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow modes via a wheel-mounted button, allowing the car to adapt to different driving conditions and maximise traction.
The FQ-400 rode on lightweight 18-inch, nine-spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres, delivering exceptional grip. Braking performance was enhanced with Alcon front calipers and floating discs made from aerospace-grade aluminium, ensuring strong and consistent stopping power.
Distinctive Exterior and Interior Features
Visually, the FQ-400 set itself apart from other Lancer Evolution models with a range of unique exterior features. The car sported a vented bonnet, a composite front bumper with carbon-fibre elements, a prominent rear wing with a gurney strip, and a roof-mounted vortex generator. Composite side skirts and a rear carbon diffuser managed airflow and aided cooling, while the lowered ride height gave the car a more aggressive stance.
Inside, the FQ-400 was equipped with Recaro bucket seats and exclusive trim details. These additions reinforced the car’s motorsport pedigree, offering both support and comfort for spirited driving. The interior enhancements helped underline the FQ-400’s status as a flagship performance saloon.
Production, Price and Exclusivity
Mitsubishi priced the FQ-400 at £49,999, positioning it at the top of the Evo X range. Production numbers were limited, and the car was sold exclusively through official UK dealers. This exclusivity, combined with its extreme performance, made the FQ-400 a highly desirable choice for enthusiasts seeking a supercar-rivalling four-door saloon with the reassurance of a factory warranty and dealer support.
The FQ-400’s blend of performance and practicality meant it appealed to drivers who wanted everyday usability without sacrificing speed or handling. Its rarity and unique specification have since made it a sought-after collector’s car among Mitsubishi fans and performance saloon enthusiasts alike.
Legacy of the FQ-400
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400 remains the most powerful and accelerative production Evo ever officially sold by the brand. Its combination of extreme performance, rally-derived handling, and everyday usability set a benchmark for high-performance saloons in its era. Even years after its release, the FQ-400 is remembered as a unique proposition that showcased what Mitsubishi’s engineers could achieve when pushing the boundaries of a road car.
- Most powerful production Lancer Evolution to date
- Advanced four-wheel-drive and handling systems
- Limited production and UK exclusivity
- Highly sought after by collectors
For those fortunate enough to experience it, the FQ-400 delivered supercar-challenging acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and a level of exclusivity rarely seen in the world of four-door performance saloons. Its legacy endures as a testament to Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess and commitment to performance.
