2010 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ330 SST review and pictures

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X FQ330 SST review:

MORE FQ- POWER ADDED TO TWIN-CLUTCH SPORTS SHIFT TRANSMISSION (SST)

Lancer Evolution FQ-330 SST adds 36 bhp and 22 lb ft torque to the Sports Shift Transmission line-up

Since its introduction in 2008, the Lancer Evolution X has been an enormous success, gaining popular acclaim from customers and the media alike. Now, after extensive testing, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has added the eagerly awaited FQ-330 SST to its already impressive line-up.

The FQ-330 SST model utilises a breathing kit and ECU re-map to accomplish its enhanced power output, and has been systematically tested over the past 6 months to achieve successful results. This power upgrade noticeably improves not only the acceleration, but also significantly enhances the drive.

Power increased to 329 bhp
The power upgrade to 329 bhp is achieved by the addition of a high performance exhaust and downpipe, an intercooler piping kit, racing suction pipe, and upgraded CAT, which delivers an additional 36 bhp and 22 lb ft of torque mated to the advanced 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission.

The performance figures for the FQ-330 SST are:


Max. output (kW (bhp) / rpm)
FQ-300 SST 217 (295) / 6500
FQ-330 SST 242 (329) / 6500

Max. torque (Nm (lb ft) / rpm)
FQ-300 SST 407 (300) / 3500
FQ-330 SST 437 (322) / 3500

Acceleration 0-62 mph (secs)
FQ-300 SST 4.7
FQ-330 SST 4.4

Max. Speed (mph (kph))
FQ-300 SST 155 (250)
FQ-330 SST 155 (250)

Price
FQ-300 SST £32,999
FQ-330 SST £35,999

Product line up and specification

The Lancer Evolution X FQ-330 SST includes the following standard equipment:

* Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
* 18" Enkei alloy wheels
* Brembo braking system, including 2-piece front brakes
* Eibach coil springs
* Bilstein shock absorbers
* HID xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
* Recaro front seats
* Bluetooth hands-free system
* Leather sports steering wheel with audio controls
* Front, side, curtain and knee airbags
* Privacy glass
* Front fog lamps
* ISO Fix
* Automatic headlamp and wiper sensors
* Remote central locking
* CAT1 approved alarm/immobiliser
* CAT5 approved tracker system + 1 year free subscription
* HDD satellite navigation system
* Rockford premium audio & Music Server - 6 premium speakers + subwoofer
* iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port

SST transmission
The GSR SST benefits from the fitment of Mitsubishi`s 6 speed TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission) automated manual gearbox with steering column mounted magnesium paddle shifters.

This advanced transmission puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each with its own clutch, and switches between these clutches to produce an almost seamless and lightning-fast gear change in either fully automatic or manual transmission modes. A switch located at the base of the gear selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for optimum shifts in a wide variety of situations ranging from driving around town to taking tight lines on winding roads. Because the TC-SST uses clutches rather than a torque converter to transmit power it benefits from improved efficiency and better fuel economy.

Colours and price1
The FQ-330 SST is available in Cool Silver (M); Orient Red (M); Lightning Blue (P); and Phantom Black (P) colours with metallic and pearlescent paint included in the price of £35,999, £3,000 more than the FQ-300 STT variant.

Insurance groups and servicing
A testament to Mitsubishi`s confidence in the FQ-330 SST`s reliability comes in the form of its 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, and pan-European breakdown and recovery service.

Servicing too is highly affordable with the first 3-years / 30,000 mile servicing available for just £495 with the Mitsubishi Service Plan. The insurance group rating for the new model is 20A, in line with the 5-speed manual variant with the same power output.2


NOTES:
Initially offered as a Post-Registration pack on the current FQ-300 SST variant, Mitsubishi has stated that once the current eSVA regime has been replaced by the new IVA regime, the FQ-330 SST will be available as a variant in its own right, as per all other Evolution products.3

1 List price includes VAT but excludes First Registration Fee and Road Fund Licence

2 The insurance group under the new insurance group regime due in January 2010 will be 42A

3 The Power Upgrade Pack will also soon be available as an Accessory Option for all current FQ-300 SST customers.