2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 by HKS - #43 of 200

The last-hurrah iteration of the Evo IX was a very special machine; launched 12 months prior to the Evo X, Mitsubishi didn’t hold back with creating the ultimate Evo IX. Called the Lancer Evo IX MR FQ-360 HKS, it was the new pinnacle of the Evo IX range and was seen as something of a successor to the Evo VIII FQ-400 (the FQ-360 producing less power, but importantly more torque, making it easier to drive and allegedly quicker from A to B). With more driveability and better road manners, the FQ-360 combined the firm’s most potent engine, aerodynamic styling tweaks, suspension updates and interior extras and is now rightly considered one of the best Evo models ever made.

With a UK production run limited to only 200 models, it was certainly exclusive. At £35,539 new, it was £7,500 more than the FQ-300, which was itself pretty special. As the name suggests, this Evo packs a considerable punch; notably – and it is not lost on the collectors of Japanese performance cars - the Evo IX MR FQ-360 HKS was the last Evo model to use the revered ‘4G63’ engine. The manufacturer made sure it was given a proper send-off, with a titanium turbo impeller, MIVEC, HKS hard-pipes, a high-flow fuel pump, an HKS exhaust and ECU, and many more special components,. The 2-litre four-cylinder generates 366bhp at 6,887rpm and peak torque of 492Nm at 3,200rpm.

And it’s not only the engine that has been tweaked; new Bilstein springs lower the car 10mm at the front and 5mm at the rear, whilst the Super Active Yaw Control system – which distributes torque between the four wheels – is improved for greater traction, whilst rear Brembo callipers and front Alcon brakes provided the stopping power. In the search for better high-speed stability, in came a new carbon fibre front spoiler, while ridges on the rear window also help reduce lift. New Speedline 11-spoke alloys and automatic headlights complete the exterior up-dates. Inside, there’s tinted rear glass, redesigned Recaro sports seats with IX MR logos, Piano Black dashboard trim and there are new aluminium door sills.

Performance-wise, with the exception of a few £100,000-plus supercars, nothing on the road can feel as fast as an Evo, especially when it’s a limited-run ‘halo’ model. The Evo IX MR FQ-360 manages the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in just 3.9 seconds (quicker than a Porsche GT3 RS and a Ferrari F430), whilst the top speed is limited to 157mph.

The car presented here is a 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 HKS and is #043 of the 200. It’s accompanied by the original Bill of Sale, a full main dealer service history and corresponding invoices, which fully support its conservative 63,000 miles (a mere 3,705 miles per year). Finished in Flame Red, this very rare and special car has had just two former keepers who have ensured its overall condition and mechanical health.

In reassuringly factory-standard specification and a conscientious low-ownership history, this Evolution IX MR FQ-360 HKS is guided sensibly and would make a shrewd purchase given the market growth for rare rally-derived modern-classics.