Over the course of its life, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution became one of the most famous performance cars ever. Fuelled by World Rally Championship success and the Playstation game Gran Turismo’s indelible effect on car culture, the ‘Evo’ built a reputation as a true four-wheel-drive rocket ship.
In any weather, it was as fast as any supercar in the real world. And of course, if the rain came, your drive would be nothing like as hampered as it would be in a Porsche or Ferrari.
It received renown as a drivers’ car, or a ‘B-Road blaster’, to borrow some UK motoring press shorthand. This arguably reached its peak with the Evo IX; in some eyes the last of the proper cars to wear the ‘Evolution’ badge. It was the last Evo to compete in the main World Rally Championship, and was more in-line with its predecessors than the wildly different Evo X.
The Evo IX we have here is the MR FQ-360, the most potent example, fettled by Mitsubishi’s Ralliart performance division and legendary tuning firm HKS. With 366bhp on-tap, it will accelerate from 0-62 in 3.9 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 160mph. With aerodynamic upgrades to keep the car stuck to the tarmac, including a carbon fibre frontlip, as well as its rally-style four-wheel drive system and active yaw control, the car is equally as special in the corners, too.
The MR FQ-360 also receives Bilstein monotube shocks and a Ralliart sports meter kit.
Visual upgrades to the MR FQ-360 include a large bonnet vent and 17-inch Speedline alloy wheels, as well as the aforementioned aero upgrades. The MR is distinctive for its red-badging and stitching, as well as the iconic HKS logo on the tailgate.
Our car has just 17,910 miles on the clock, and is in prime condition. This a great opportunity to own one of the greatest 4WD Japanese super saloons of the 2000s.