For immediate release
NEW MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION IX FQ-360 SET FOR
Mitsubishi Motors
UK has unveiled a new and more powerful version of the iconic Lancer Evolution IX
supercar. 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
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. These figures underline Lancer Evolution’s
reputation as the supercar bargain.
By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, which costs almost twice as much,
takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph from rest.
Subtle exterior
enhancements differentiate the FQ-360 from the rest of the Lancer Evolution
range and improve its aerodynamic efficiency at high speed. One of the most
obvious changes is the introduction of a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, which
is attached to the front apron and provides additional downforce. At the rear,
a carbon fibre ‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic
lift.
Keen ‘Evo spotters’
will also note the introduction of a bespoke set of alloy wheels. Developed by
Speedline, they mimic the five-spoke design of Mitsubishi’s tarmac-spec rally
car and are not available as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod
with Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of
the Lancer Evolution range.
The interior of the
FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one notable addition, the space below
the stereo – which is used for oddments storage in the FQ-340 – is now occupied
by a Ralliart Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil
temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information to the
enthusiastic driver.
Fears that the
FQ-360 would be a stripped-out road racer can also be allayed. Its
comprehensive specification includes climate control, all-round electric
windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a category 1 alarm and four
airbags, proving that performance and comfort can go hand-in-hand.
The FQ-360’s
suspension steering is unchanged from the standard Evolution IX. The Evolution
IX’s Brembo brakes are also more than capable of coping with the increase in
performance. The 17in ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front
and 16in ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear are
supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). EBD
automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to match the vehicle
load and driving conditions.
Ends
For further
information please contact the Mitsubishi Press Office on 01285 647200
Gabi Whitfield, General Manager Press & Public
Affairs g.whitfield@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
Nicola Reglar, Press Officer, Product Affairs &
Events n.reglar@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
Oliver Compton,
Press Officer Product Affairs & Press Fleet o.compton@mitsubishi-cars.co.uk
All Mitsubishi press releases and pictures can
be found on Newspress www.newspress.co.uk
Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360 - Key Point Summary
§
366bhp version of the Lancer Evolution IX launched at
British Motor Show
§
On-sale now priced at £35,504 with first deliveries in
September
§
1997cc turbo engine modified with high pressure fuel pump,
high flow catalytic converter and reprogrammed ECU
§
MIVEC variable valve timing
§
Tuned for driveability: 366bhp@6887rpm and 363lb ft@3200rpm
§
Peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the Evolution
VIII FQ-400 produced, and is delivered
2200rpm lower down the rev range
§
0-60mph 4.1sec (est.), 160mph+
§
Unique five-spoke Speedline alloy wheels mimic tarmac-spec
rally car
§
Carbon fibre front lip spoiler and ‘sharks tooth’ rear
vortex generator improve aerodynamic efficiency
§
Interior features Ralliart Sports Meter Kit displaying
battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure
§
Comprehensive luxury specification includes climate control,
leather/Alcantara trim, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel
§
Leather trim can be deleted, reducing the price by £1000
§
Bilstein suspension, 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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