Adding another listing in the chapter of ‘we wish we could have that car in the States’ comes this Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution that is called the FQ-440 MR Special Edition. Sold only in the UK, the 440 celebrates Mitsubishi’s 40th anniversary in the UK and will feature a specially tuned Evolution X with 440 horsepower in factory form.
Powering the Inline-4 engine will feature a HKS turbocharger, that will up the boost and power by producing 440 hp at 6800 rpm and 412 lb.-ft. of torque at 3100 rpm. All the piping duties have been regulated to Janspeed, with a high flow catalytic converter, Janspeed intake and intercooler along with a Janspeed tubular manifold.
Putting the power to the ground is Mitsubishi’s proprietary Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and a 6 Speed Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (SST) that mean business. Bringing it all to a stop is a fresh set of Alcon 6 pot mono-block front calipers with floating disc and bell assembly in front with Alcon rear calipers and floating disc with bell assembly in rear.
The exterior of the car gets a slight overhaul with larger rims with a terrific set of Forged 18” BBS alloy wheels, that snug the brakes under them very nicely. The Evo X has a new set of Bi-Xenon headlights with an active adaptive front lighting system ( AFS ) meant to bring light to any situation.
The Recaro branded leather seats are almost a given for the new Evolution, and other interior upgrades suggest that Mitsubishi is truly taking the 40th anniversary in stride. An upgraded Rockford Fosgate stereo system with premium audio and SD card capabilities, this Special Edition Evolution will rock out with it’s turbo out.
With all the news that Apple Car Play and the Google Android are making in the news, unfortunately neither made the cut for Mitsubishi’s special edition Evolution X. But the 7 inch standard LCD touch screen with optional SD card support is still standard in this version of the Evolution.
The Lancer Evolution X is considered a legend in the UK, as it is here in the States, because of its past rallying successes and awesome all-wheel-drive performance. And who can blame them? With decades of rally experience and testing, Mitsubishi has quickly taken a place in the heart of enthusiasts everywhere, not just the UK or the United States.
Sadly as Mitsubishi North America is just into it’s 33rd year now, it doesn’t look like we’ll ever get a 40th anniversary version of the Evolution X any time in the near future. Even if it was the 40th anniversary of Mitsubishi North America, we highly doubt that we’d get anything as cool as this Evolution X landing here in the States.
Have you see our Civic Type R turbo petition? Click here for more information and how to sign / support the petition to bring the Civic and other cars to the States.
As usual, Americans never get any of the cool toys that other countries get to enjoy. I guess we’ll just have to wait it out and see what happens in seven some odd years. Hey.. you never know!
Happy Boosting!
[…] pundits are expecting the Special Action Model to bear some semblence to the Evolution X FQ440 MR Special Edition that launched in the UK this year. The FQ440 MR was an Evolution that underwent a facelift to […]