2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 (UK)

The Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 was an official Mitsubishi UK programme with an announced limit of 100 cars. Developed around the MR FQ-320, it combined a heavily revised turbocharged engine with chassis and braking changes. Its identity comes from that importer programme and its paperwork, rather than from the ability of an ordinary Evolution to reach a similar power figure.

A thirtieth-anniversary UK programme

The original Mitsubishi Motors UK announcement, reproduced by Ultimatecarpage and labelled as a company press release, specifies a 100-car edition celebrating 30 years in the UK. This is the VIII MR FQ-400, introduced in 2004. The later Evolution X FQ-400 is a different model and programme. The shared number in the name does not make their engines, bodywork, transmission or quantity statements interchangeable.

Mitsubishi Motors UK original announcement, reproduced as a company press release by Ultimatecarpage

The importer’s 405 bhp engine reference

The announcement names Rampage, Owen Developments and Flow Race Engines as development partners and quotes 405 bhp and 355 lb ft from the 2.0-litre turbo engine. Those are the period programme figures. They should remain in bhp and lb ft when cited, with conversions clearly labelled if added elsewhere. A dyno sheet for a surviving car describes that car’s current setup and test conditions; it cannot establish original FQ-400 supply history.

Mitsubishi Motors UK original announcement, reproduced as a company press release by Ultimatecarpage

Performance equipment as a combined specification

The manufacturer text describes Bilstein suspension and a revised braking system alongside the power increase. This combination is central to understanding the car. As an editorial interpretation, the programme’s interest lies in the relationship between power delivery, body control and the ability to manage repeated braking. Selecting the largest engine number while overlooking the chassis would give an incomplete description of the edition’s intended character.

A numbered identity behind familiar Evolution bodywork

The release identifies a numbered plaque near the gear lever and describes a carbon front lip, aerodynamic mirrors, rear vortex treatment and dark Team Dynamics wheels. These are useful period reference details. Many are detachable, however, and replacement parts may be fitted over a car’s life. Record what is present now, then compare it with the original supply documents. A plaque or wheel set should support provenance rather than carry the entire authentication claim.

Mitsubishi Motors UK original announcement, reproduced as a company press release by Ultimatecarpage

How to distinguish this car from a later conversion

Begin with the full vehicle identity and documentation connecting the car to Mitsubishi UK’s original programme. Sales paperwork, contemporary service records and dated photographs can help establish a coherent history. Then describe subsequent engine rebuilds, software changes and replaced components separately. A later conversion may be interesting in its own right, but matching a headline output does not recreate a factory-backed importer edition or its original numbered position.

What the hundred-car figure means

The matched original announcement establishes an edition limit of 100. It is not an audited census of completed cars or a count of those still registered today. The profile therefore records the announced limit in its own field and leaves the worldwide completed-production total unassigned. This car is also kept separate from the Japanese VIII MR GSR and RS grades already covered, whose catalogue-record quantities use another market and another counting method.

Comparing two approaches to a high-output Evolution

The 2015 Final Concept is the closest comparison within this batch. It is a show project with a manufacturer-announced tuning specification, while the FQ-400 is a customer importer edition. Keeping those classifications visible helps a reader compare the engineering briefs without confusing a physical exhibit with a road-series production commitment. Photographs and period output references remain attached to their particular named programmes.

Specification and identity reference

Rarity and production scope

Manufacturer/importer-announced UK edition limit of 100; not an audited completed-production or survivor census.

Identifying the documented subject

Match the complete model name, date and programme to the linked evidence. Keep any chassis-specific provenance separate from a general description of the model. A period image confirms what was photographed, while a production or technical claim requires the corresponding document.

Comparisons and related profiles

Continue through these connected Mitsubishi records, each with its own factory identity and production scope.

• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Concept
• Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR13

Frequently asked questions

Is the rarity figure a worldwide production total?

Manufacturer/importer-announced UK edition limit of 100; not an audited completed-production or survivor census.

How should an individual example be authenticated?

Match the complete original model information to the appropriate dated documentation, then record the present condition and modifications separately. A badge, colour scheme or stripped interior alone is insufficient evidence of a factory grade.

Sources and further reading

1. Mitsubishi Motors UK original announcement, reproduced as a company press release by Ultimatecarpage

Research checked 15 October 2026. Original manufacturer announcements, official competition history and photographic evidence are identified separately. Design readings and documentation guidance are editorial interpretation.