Meet the flagship Evolution VIII MR FQ-340, the ultimate expression of Mitsubishi's giant-killing, rally-bred rocket ship. The most attention-grabbing figure here is the massive 340bhp Mitsubishi has managed to coax from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that graces Evos ranging in output from 260bhp to 320bhp. That's impressive enough, but there's actually much more to this latest Evo than a tweaked-up powerplant.

The sharp focus on the latest Evo's dynamics is breathtaking. The roof, for example, is now made of aluminium, which reduces the car's weight by 7.5kg, but more crucially, lowers its centre of gravity. The effect, say Mitsubishi engineers, is the equivalent of lowering the roof by 50mm. In a further obsessive quest to save weight, the Evo gains unique, lightweight alloy wheels, which shaves off another 3.2kgs. And as with the previous generation Evo, the bonnet is made of aluminium and that massive rear wing is sculpted in carbon fibre. Elsewhere, the Evo VIII gains new Bilstein shock absorbers. The idea is to improve the car's ride quality, as well as improve traction and roadholding.



Top-dog Evo pumps out 342bhp from just two litres and four cylinders 
Ralliart, which is Mitsubishi's motorsport and performance division, has also re-tuned the Evo VIII's electronic four-wheel drive system 'in response to feedback from competition drivers'. On the previous-generation Evo, the electronic control unit gave priority to the ABS brake system to stabilise the car under heavy braking. In these circumstances, the Active Centre Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (AYC) were disengaged. These programmes help achieve optimum traction on variable-grip surfaces, as well as reducing understeer. Now, these programmes remain operational, even when the car's ABS is activated. Mitsubishi says that this just recognises that some drivers use the brakes to alter the balance of a car to set it up for a corner, and not just to scrub off speed.



The Evolution MR (Mitsubishi Racing) FQ (effing quick, apparently) 340 generates 342bhp at a peaky 6600rpm and 305lb ft of torque at 5000rpm. That enables the little saloon to reach 60mph in a quite sensational 4.4 seconds. To put that in perspective, the (long) list of cars that the Evo will blow into the weeds includes the BMW M3, Porsche 911, Honda NSX, Aston Martin DB9 and Jaguar XKR SVO. And for the record, the Evo's top speed is 157mph.

Power is transmitted through a slick shifting, positive action six-speed manual gearbox. And acceleration is, predictably, quite savage. The way that this frantic engine delivers its punch also takes a bit of getting used to. Initial response to the throttle is strong, but once the turbocharger has spooled up, the thrust is sensational, and as peak power and torque are developed so high in the rev range, the fantastic surge of acceleration actually increases when you'd expect it to begin tailing off. As you have probably gathered, the Evo's thrust isn't exactly linear, and those new to the experience can find themselves going quicker than they'd anticipated on the first few serious applications of throttle. If ever a car deserved careful respect, this is it.

But it's this Evo's ability to go around corners in a way that rewards and amazes in equal measure that sets it apart from virtually anything else currently on sale. The communication through the steering wheel of the available grip is superb, and the balance of the car is just about unmatched. Combine those super-sticky Yokohama tyres with advanced yaw control and the ability to send torque to whichever wheel has the most grip, and you have a point-to-point machine that will redefine your notion of what constitutes a fast road car.

Be aware, though, that the Evo VIII is an extraordinarily focussed driver's car. The Evo, with an exhaust quite literally the diameter of a can of coke, is loud and raucous, even at a stop-light idle. The ride, although better than in the previous model, is still firm enough to elicit complaints from passengers. And they won't thank you for the savagery of even half-throttle acceleration. But at least the front seat passenger will be grateful for the enormously supportive Recaro seat trimmed in Alcantara and leather. There is also standard-fit air conditioning, electric windows all round and a category 1 Thatcham alarm.

The Evolution VIII MR FQ-340 costs £32,999, which is £1000 less than its most obvious rival, the Subaru Impreza Type 25. Peace of mind comes standard with the Evo, too, in the form of an unlimited-mileage three-year warranty. Which is significant as the production of 342bhp is asking rather a lot of 2.0 litres and four cylinders.

If you regard the Evo as a (very) hot version of an entry-level saloon car range, it might seem very expensive. But regard it as one of the most highly developed and capable road cars on the planet and it begins to look like extraordinarily good value.

So what next for Mitsubishi's hero car? Well, 4Car has word that the UK importer is working on a 400bhp version to celebrate Mitsubishi's 30th anniversary of selling cars in Britain. The car, which would be sold with Mitsubishi's full warranty, could go on sale late 2004.