Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 (UK)

SPECIAL EDITION LANCER EVOLUTION LAUNCHED TO MARK END OF AN ERA FOR LEGENDARY SUPERCAR

Mitsubishi Motors UK has unveiled the final edition of the current generation Lancer Evolution supercar. Just one version of the new Evolution IX MR (‘Mitsubishi Racing’) will be available, powered by a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. 200 units of the Evolution IX MR FQ-360 are now available from Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers, priced from £34,539.

The Lancer Evolution IX MR is the final version of a car that can trace its roots back to the original Lancer Evolution of October 1992. Since then, success on the rally stage has been accompanied by a continuous evolution of the road car. This final incarnation of the current model marks the culmination of 14 years of continuous development and marks a fitting finale for the everyday supercar.

Subtle changes to the specification of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine have created a car that delivers an even higher level of performance. True to Mitsubishi’s philosophy of providing “overall driving quality”, the engineers in Japan have made subtle modifications to the turbocharger. The introduction of titanium aluminium alloy turbo fins and reduction in the compressor wheel inlet diameter have improved the engine’s response throughout the rev range.

When the cars arrive in the UK, further engine development work is carried out by Mitsubishi Motors UK’s tuning division, Ralliart, and the independent specialists, HKS. An HKS tuning kit delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft (492Nm) of torque at 3200rpm. Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing technology further enhances the engine’s efficiency, combining improved response with a 3% reduction in fuel consumption.

The Lancer Evolution FQ-360’s performance underlines its reputation as the most affordable supercar on the road. This is a practical, five-seater saloon car that can sprint from 0-60mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 157mph. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which costs almost twice as much, takes 0.9 seconds longer to reach 60mph from rest.

The engine upgrades are accompanied by subtle but effective changes to the ‘Evo’s’ MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Eibach springs have been introduced to complement the Bilstein shock absorbers. These new springs lower the ride height by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear, which enhances the car’s high speed stability and allows the Super Active Yaw Control (Super AYC) system to function more effectively. The latter has also been improved to provide a greater distribution of power between the rear wheels, increasing traction, especially on loose surfaces. Mitsubishi’s electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system (4WD) is carried over unchanged.

The aesthetic changes are modest and functional. A new carbon fibre front lip spoiler has been developed to provide additional downforce and improve high speed stability. A rear carbon fibre vortex generator comes fitted as standard. The 11-spoke Speedline Turini alloy wheels are also new and mimic those fitted to Mitsubishi’s tarmac spec rally car. The Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45 ZR17 tyres are carried over unchanged, while the Brembo braking system ensures that the Evolution IX MR has the stop to match its go.

The changes inside are equally subtle. Automatic headlights and privacy glass are introduced for the first time, the seats have been redesigned with ‘IX MR’ motifs, the dashboard panel is now finished in ‘Piano Black’ and there are ‘Lancer EVOLUTION’ aluminium scuff protectors on the door frames. Enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that the rally-bred Recaro seats and exquisite Momo steering wheel remain present and correct.

The Lancer Evolution has always been a thoroughly practical, everyday car, and the final edition is no exception. The cabin can seat five in comfort and the boot has a capacity of 530 litres. It is also comprehensively equipped with air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking and CAT 1 alarm included in the specification.

As you’d expect from Mitsubishi, the FQ-360 by HKS is covered by a 3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, a 3-year Pan European Recovery Service and a 6-year Anti-Corrosion Perforation Warranty.

MODEL RANGE

Pricing will be carried over from the previous Evolution IX FQ-360 as follows:

Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 2.0 Manual (Non Leather) £34,539

Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 2.0 Manual (Leather) £35,539

Keypoints:

- Final edition of the current legendary Lancer Evolution supercar
- On-sale now priced from £34,539
- 1997cc turbo engine modified with ECU remap and HKS tuning pack (racing suction pipe, intercooler piping kit, stainless steel down pipe, super dragger exhaust system, high pressure fuel pump assembly, sports cat)
- New turbo with titanium aluminium alloy turbo fins and reduction in compressor inlet diameter
- MIVEC variable valve timing
- Tuned for driveability: 366bhp@6887rpm and 363lb ft@3200rpm
- 0-60mph 3.9 seconds, electronically limited to 157mph
- 17in, 11-spoke Speedline Turini alloy wheels mimic tarmac-spec rally car
- Redesigned carbon fibre front lip spoiler improves aerodynamic efficiency
- Rear carbon fibre vortex generator
- Subtle interior revisions include introduction of ‘Piano black’ fascia inserts and aluminium scuff protectors in the door frames
- Comprehensive luxury specification includes climate control, leather/Alcantara trim, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel
- Automatic headlights and privacy glass introduced for the first time
- Spacious five seater with 530litre boot capacity offering everyday practicality
- Eibach springs introduced to complement Bilstein shock absorbers. Car lowered by 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear for improved stability
- Uprated Super Active Yaw Control (Super AYC) system
- Brembo brakes and electronically-controlled 4WD system unchanged
- 3-year Unlimited Mileage warranty, 3-year Pan European Recovery Service and 6-year Anti-Corrosion Perforation warranty
- Supported by highly-trained network of Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers

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-Mitsubishi Motors UK

Two new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, the SE (US) and FQ-360 (Europe)

Mitsubishi Motors has will release two new variants to its current model line-up of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX edition. The US will get a Special Edition Evo IX while the European market will get the FQ-360 variant. Please read through the press statement from MMC below.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360 (Europe, 2006)



A development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366bhp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. Available to order now, priced at £35,504, it reaffirms the ‘Evo’s’ reputation as the everyday supercar, offering pace and practicality at an affordable price.

Making its debut at the British Motor Show, the new FQ-360 joins a three car Lancer Evolution line-up, consisting of the FQ-300, the FQ-320 and the FQ-340, all of which continue. Orders can be placed at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in September.

Model range
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-300 £28,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-320 £30,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-340 £33,039
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360 £35,504

The FQ-360 has been developed by engineers from Mitsubishi ’s motor sport and performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the limited edition FQ-400. Launched in 2004, the FQ-400 was the fastest-ever production Mitsubishi and the new FQ-360 shares some of its key components.

Mitsubishi’s engineers sought to improve the performance of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been fully reprogrammed to create a car that delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft of torque at a lowly 3200rpm.

The torque output is the key to this car’s character. The peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range. It’s also 18lb ft more than the FQ-340. “We’ve worked hard to optimise the FQ-360’s driveability,” says Paul Brigden, general manager, Ralliart. “We wanted to deliver the best possible driving experience, rather than concentrating on a headline-grabbing power output.”

The FQ-360 may have been tuned for driveability, but that doesn’t mean that its supercar-bashing performance has been compromised. This car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1sec and top 160mph.


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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Special Edition (US, 2006)
Thrilling Visual and Performance Enhancements



Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is applying the "Special Edition"; treatment to its critically acclaimed ninth-generation Lancer Evolution. The 2006 Lancer Evolution SE offers special features at a competitive price of $33,249 MSRP to make this legendary performance vehicle even more thrilling. The new SE trim level represents the final enhancement to a Lancer Evolution body style that has been on sale in the U.S. market since 2003.

Inside the Special Edition trim level, supportive, red-stitched RECARO seats accentuate the interior while the exterior receives a new front airdam extension that adds style while reducing front end lift. A lightweight aluminum roof panel, also found on the Lancer Evolution RS and MR, helps control body roll by lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. The feather weight 17"; forged BBS(R) alloy wheels, now in a new "Diamond Black"; finish, add style while reducing unsprung weight to improve suspension performance. The SE trim level also includes high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with halogen fog lamps giving the vehicle a distinctive look. The available exterior color choices for the Lancer Evolution SE are Apex Silver, Graphite Gray and Tarmac Black.

True to the Lancer Evolution's heritage, the SE is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC intercooled-turbocharged engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) that is mated to a rugged 5-speed transmission.

The revised airdam, Recaro seats with red stitching, and forged BBS wheels with "Diamond Black"; finish are available on the MR trim level as well in the form of an Appearance Package which sells for $500.00.


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(story and photos: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation)