Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ-400 - FQ-360

It Would Be Very, Very Easy To Slate The FQ-400, The Most Extreme Model In The Already Potent Mitsubishi EVO X Lineup

Sadly, the FQ still can't stretch to the full five-star rating, but that's not a reflection on its dynamics, which are resolutely top notch. No, what counts against it is the interior with its off-beam ergonomics (the excellent bucket seat is perched too high and the steering wheel won't adjust for reach, leaving the shorter-limbed to experience the essence of an airboat ride across the Everglades), the unsatisfying 5-speed gearbox (the dual-clutch transmission isn't offered on anything more powerful than the FQ-330) and that M3-chasing price. Yet this is a compelling proposition, whatever your preconceptions.

Before I drove this car, I already had a conclusion rattling around in my brain. It went something like, "Save $14K, stick with the 360 and, if you really have to have more power, go the aftermarket route."

Bad news, FQ-360 owners: the 400 is better in every respect. The frankly absurd power is delivered with a carefully honed finesse (so much so that you can believe Mitsubishi's "500 hours of ECU development" claim) and the dynamics are subtly and significantly better without drawback. Whether the FQ-400 is worth the extra money is largely subjective, but the improvements are very tangible and very tempting.