The MR remains, by conventional standards, an extremely focused machine, but it's not so stiff that it threatens to lob you off the road at the first sign of a pothole. A firm, jiggly ride about town is replaced by superb body control on the open road. The damping is terrific and this car has a degree of subtle sophistication that was missing from the early EVOs. It makes the experience both more accessible and more enjoyable.
The extra thrust also makes it easier to exploit the car's performance. It's a testament to the EVO's trick differentials, to its Yokohama rubber and to the basic brilliance of the suspension setup that this car feels far from overpowered. Unleash the engine's potential in a tight second-gear corner and the car does no more than lean slightly, take a set and launch an assault on the cohesive properties of the tarmac. To get it out of shape on the road, you either need to drive it badly-lift and flick, then jump on the power-or employ gonads the size of Jupiter. It really is that capable.
The steering is also nothing less than stupendous. Crisp, accurate and deliciously communicative, it imbues the car with a sense of agility that's simply unrivaled. Without such a positive helm, this supercar would be 10 times more challenging to drive than it actually feels. It hides its size extremely well, to the extent that it feels every inch as agile as the much smaller, lighter EVO VI.
Praise should also be heaped on the brakes. The FQ-400 boasts larger, track-derived discs that stop proceedings with the alacrity of a heavyweight's jab. The pedal is track-car firm and wonderfully communicative. Proponents of the heel-and-toe technique are also pampered by the pedal layout. This car would be an ideal track-day tool.
It would be fun to explain that the subtle aerodynamic modifications such as the carbon-fiber wing mirrors, the deeper chin spoiler, the carbon-fiber windscreen wipers and the bizarre, roof-mounted 'vortex generator' also add to the driving experience, but we'd be lying.
Even Mitsubishi's boffins admit the changes are simply to differentiate this ber-EVO from its lesser brethren. And inside, the workmanlike interior is enlivened by no more than a discreet, numbered plaque.
There's no doubt this new EVO is a magnificent tool and, in dynamic terms, the greatest of the breed. But such ability does carry a hefty price. The FQ-400 costs $91,048, or $27,121 more than the FQ-340, which boasts just 65 hp less. Nor will it be cheap to run; our first tank of fuel lasted for 114 miles of road driving.
From a rational perspective, it's therefore difficult to make a case for the FQ-400. But who the hell cares about rational? For the aspiring few who simply must have the ultimate, the FQ-400 offers a dose of motoring nirvana.
Happy birthday, Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ-400Estimated Price: $91,048EngineEngine Code: 4G63Type: Inline four, turbocharged and intercooled, cast-iron block, aluminum headValvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinderDisplacement: 1997ccBore x Stroke: 85.0 mm x 88.0 mmCompression Ratio: 8.5:1Claimed Crank Hp: 405 hp @ 6400 rpmClaimed Crank Torque: 355 lb-ft @ 5500 rpmRedline: 7400 rpm
DrivetrainLayout: Transverse front engine, all-wheel driveTransmissionGear Ratios 1st: 2.909:12nd: 1.944:13rd: 1.434:14th: 1.100:15th: 0.868:16th: 0.693:1Final drive: 4.583:1DifferentialsFront: Helical limited-slip differentialCenter: ACD (Active Center Differential): Active electrohydraulically controlled, clutch-type limited slipRear: AYC (Active Yaw Control): Active electrohydraulically controlled, clutch-type limited-slip diff
ChassisChassis Code: CT9AExterior dimensions Curb Weight: 3087 lbsOverall Length: 176.8 in.Wheelbase: 103.3 in.Overall Width: 69.7 in.Track F/R: 59.6 in./59.6 in.Height: 46.7 in.
Suspension Front: MacPherson struts with Bilstein dampers, anti-roll bar Rear: Upper and lower control arms, one trailing link, Bilstein dampers, anti-roll bar
BrakesF: 13.5-in. vented discs, fixed six-piston Alcon calipersR: 12.0-in. solid discs, two-piston fixed calipers
Electronic driving aids/inhibitorsElectronically controlled, all-wheel-drive system incorporating Super AYC (Active Yaw Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), Sport ABS (anti-lock brakes)
Wheels And TiresWheels: 17x8-in. aluminum by Team DynamicsTires: 235/45ZR-17 Yokohama ADVAN AO4