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Mitsubishi has added the FQ-330 SST to the Lancer Evolution X line-up.

It is equipped with Mitsubishi's "Sports Shift Transmission", which makes it the most powerful Evo X to get the six-speed twin-clutch 'box. It also has an additional 36bhp and 22lb ft torque over the FQ300.

The extra power has been liberated by adding a high performance exhaust and downpipe, an intercooler piping kit, racing suction pipe, and upgraded CAT.

There is also an ECU remap and breathing kit, gi...Read the full article

Last year I tried in vain to get a test drive off the garage in Hamilton (Scotland).   It was the manual FQ 300, exactly what I was looking for.   He put on so many conditions that it was pointless that I didn't bother.   Because the sales man had been to the Prodrive track, you weren't allowed to test the performance of the car.   But he'd tell you all about it!

Here's a few of things he said to me....

You can only do 4 launch control starts before you need to replace the clutch.   So that 0-60 that's quoted you can only do four times before you've got an expensive garage bill.

Take out the extended servicing package.   That's because various parts break down and are expensive to repair.   With the servicing package those are covered.

It is impossible to put 330bhp through the SST gearbox without breaking it.

 

After visiting the garage I decided the Evo wasn't for me as my then current Subaru had performed brilliantly and not let me down once.   But, I didn't buy the new Subaru either.

Further, have a look on Youtube of the FQ 300 SST doing 0-60 times and it's always bogged down trying to get away.

 well a year later 330bhp does go through the SST gearbox, as the new car demostrates.

 

beachland2:

well a year later 330bhp does go through the SST gearbox, as the new car demostrates.

A year later and I have in that time bought myself something that's not an Evo.   Mitsubishi Hamilton did a fantastic job of convincing me to buy something else!

Honestly went in to the garage with cash ready to buy, and he talked me out of it.

 

Does anyone care about all these ugly, noisy, pseudo rally specials any more? I thought their time had passed a while ago?

 yes, they are brilliant, some of the best cars on the road.

police interceptors shows they they are the cops favourite aswell.

 

RobotBoogie:

Does anyone care about all these ugly, noisy, pseudo rally specials any more? I thought their time had passed a while ago?

I agree - its a long time since Scoobys & Evos were competing in WRC.

The Skyline has matured into its own model  - a proper sports car rather than a tacked up saloon special, and the Scooby has retreated into the worlds ugliest family hatchback.  I'm sure the Evo has a great breadth of abilities but a lot of those people who found them so interesting in the first place have grown up and found they arent suitable as an everyday drive, and the reputation has failed to pass to the younger generation of buyers.