Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-440 MR (2014) first official picture

By Ollie Kew

First Official Pictures

26 March 2014 16:00

Mitsubishi is unleashing a comeback-special Evo X to celebrate the company’s 40th Anniversary in the UK.

The FQ-440 MR is the most powerful Evo ever sold by Mitsubishi, thanks to a storming 440bhp output from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Mitsubishi claims this ultimate Evo X develops a maximum of 412lb ft at 3100rpm: 25lb ft more than the previous top-dog Evo X achieved. The only transmission available is a six-speed dual-clutch paddleshift affair, sending power to all four 18in forged BBS wheels.

The Evo 440 has been lowered by 35mm at the front and 30mm at the rear versus the standard Evo X, and also boasts upgraded Alcon brakes with six-piston calipers up front.

It’s no paint-job run-out special then, but at £50,000 (yes, fifty grand), you’d be right to expect a fancy spec.

Though Mitsubishi hasn’t released performance figures for the car, it’s sure to be even faster than the manual-transmission Evo 400, which could hit 62mph in a scant 3.8sec, and 155mph flat out.

In addition to bi-xenon headlights and motorsport-spec wiper blades (really), the Evo 440’s cabin gets a few trinkets, including leather Recaro bucket seats, an upgraded eight-speaker audio system, and an on-board diagnostic system which records the driving style, location and performance of the car. Sounds a little bit ‘Big Brother’, but it’s a condition of the car’s warranty that this super-Evo is monitored remotely.

Oh, and despite the price being an exorbitant £50k, you can only have your Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ-440 MR in white. Just 40 will be made available to buy, so if you’re a die-hard Evo fan, get your order in fast.

By Ollie Kew