Mitsubishi Evo
What's the fastest-accelerating four-door saloon produced by a major motor manufacturer? Surely it comes from BMW, Mercedes or maybe even Subaru? No. The manufacturer which claims that title is Mitsubishi, thanks to its incredible new Evo VIII MR FQ-400.
Few cars focus the driver's concentration quite like this 405bhp four-wheel-drive monster. It is one of the most exciting saloons on the market. We doubt many buyers will be able to justify the price.
Based on the FQ-320, the model takes the Japanese company's brand of rally-bred hypersaloons to another level, and aims to leave arch rival the Subaru Impreza trailing. Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi's UK importer has employed the help of several specialist tun- ers to achieve the incredible - 405bhp from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
With such an extreme set-up, it's no surprise that pulling away smoothly is quite a challenge. But once on the move, the range-topping Evo can shock even the most hardened performance enthusiast. Floor the throttle and very little happens below 4,000rpm, yet with the turbocharger spooled up this four-door saloon will leave behind virtually any other supercar on the planet. Only on a private test track can the FQ-400's monumental pace be used to the full.
Mitsubishi says its new range-topper can sprint from 0-60mph in a seemingly unfeasible 3.5 seconds, and reach 0-100mph in 9.1 seconds. The top speed is said to be in excess of 175mph - and we see no reason to disbelieve these claims. Given the immense performance, it's no surprise that the manufacturer offers a free driver training course for every FQ-400 buyer. Equally significant is how the machine stops. The standard system has been replaced by huge race-specification discs and calipers, providing the ultimate in controlled, safe braking.
However, there is a price to pay. A hefty £46,999, to be precise. That's £14,000 more than the FQ-340 - but if you must have the ultimate four-wheel-drive thriller, look no further.
