[Source: Mitsubishi press release]

The car was the brainchild of Mitsubishi Motors UK's Sales & Marketing Director, Lance Bradley. 'The new Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ400 is the ultimate expression of who and what we are as a brand. This is a versatile four-door saloon that can out accelerate supercars costing almost ten times as much.'

The new model is based on the Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ320 and was developed in the UK by Mitsubishi Motors UK's motor sports department, in association with tuning specialists Rampage, Owen Developments and Flow Race Engines. Together, they modified the Lancer's legendary 2.0-litre turbocharged engine so that it now produces a mighty 405 bhp and 355 lb-ft of torque.

This is enough to propel the FQ400 from 0-60 mph in an incredible 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 175 mph. It is a performance that even some of the world's most exotic supercars struggle to match. The £330,000 Porsche Carrera GT, for example, requires 3.9 seconds to sprint from 0-62 mph, while the ultra-exclusive Pagani Zonda needs 3.7 seconds. The BMW M3 – hitherto the benchmark ‘everyday supercar' – takes 5.3 seconds to achieve the same feat.

The key to the MR FQ400's performance lies not just in its engine, but also in its sophisticated chassis. Like every car in the Evolution VIII MR (Mitsubishi Racing) range, the FQ400 benefits from Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system (4WD) and a Bilstein suspension system honed at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife racetrack. The introduction of a new braking system on the FQ400 also ensures that it has the ‘stop' to match its ‘go'.

Subtle aesthetic enhancements differentiate the FQ400 from the rest of the MR range and improve its high-speed stability. Ralliart aero mirrors, a carbon fibre front lip spoiler and a ‘sharks tooth' rear vortex generator, are as functional as they are attractive. And it further benefits from gloss black lightweight Team Dynamics alloy wheels and red ‘FQ400' badging.

Inside, the sporting, focussed theme continues with a Momo steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats. The fascia has carbon fibre detailing and there's a discreet plaque next to the gearstick, which reveals the car's production number. The ambience is purposeful but the FQ400 is no stripped out road racer. Electric windows and mirrors and climate control are all fitted as standard, highlighting the Lancer's appeal as the world's most practical and versatile supercar.

As befits its status as an official Mitsubishi Motors UK product, the FQ400 has undergone extensive reliability testing and is supplied with a three years/36,000 mile manufacturer's warranty. This exciting flagship can be ordered now from approved Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers in the UK.

Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ400 parts list:

• Custom built Garrett GT Dual Ball bearing Turbocharger
  

• Owen Developments custom manufactured cast Stainless Steel Exhaust Manifold and Exhaust Elbow
  
• Omega Forged Pistons
  
• HKS Forged Con Rods
  
• HKS 680cc Injectors
  
• Zytec ITP116 High Pressure Fuel Pump
  
• HKS 1.6 mm Steel Head Gasket
  
• Motec M800 OEM ECU
  
• HKS Iridium Spark Plugs
  
• Jan Speed High Flow Sports Cat
  
• Alcon competition derived 240 mm high clamp mode, heavy duty clutch complete with Cera-metallic 6 paddle sprung centred drive plate
  
• HKS High Strength Head and Big End Bolts
  
• Alcon Mono6 Brake Kit incorporating Monobloc 6 pot road caliper with 343 mm curved vein Disc on a Aluminium mounting bell assembly with Ferodo DS2500 brake pads
  
• Ralliart Aero Mirrors
  
• Carbon Fibre Front Lip Spoiler
  
• Carbon Fibre 'Sharks Tooth' Rear Vortex Generator
  
• PIAA High Performance Light and Wiper Upgrade
  
• Gloss Black Team Dynamics Lightweight Alloy Wheels
  
• Driver Training Course