Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (or Evo X)

It featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, offering powerful performance with 0-62 mph times around 4.5-4.7 seconds. The Evo X was available in various trims, like the base GS and the more powerful FQ-300, FQ-330, and FQ-360 variants, with the top-spec FQ-360 being a UK exclusive. Key features included its sophisticated handling, a more mature interior with a soft-touch dashboard, a standard touchscreen, and a large boot. Common potential issues to watch for in 2008 models include failures of the AYC pump and issues with dip pins and timing chains, which were more prevalent in pre-2011 models.

Key Features & Performance

Engine: A 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (4B11T) engine.
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in about 4.5 to 4.7 seconds.
Transmission: Available with a standard manual gearbox and the Twin-Clutch SST sequential automatic transmission.
Handling: Known for exceptional grip and neutral handling, offering a sublime and less tiring experience on high-speed drives compared to earlier models.
Interior: A higher standard of finish with a soft-touch dashboard, a substantial feel to the doors, and a clear, modern interior.

Notable versions and trims

Beyond the standard GS and GSR trim levels, several variants were offered, especially in the UK:

FQ-300: A UK-market trim that offered around 300 bhp and was available with both the five-speed manual and six-speed SST transmissions.
FQ-330: A more powerful version offered in the UK.
FQ-360: A top-tier UK model with 354 bhp, achieved through HKS tuning upgrades.
FQ-400: An even more extreme UK version, released later, that produced over 400 bhp.
RS: A stripped-down, rally-focused model with a five-speed manual transmission, minimal interior features, and a limited-slip differential. The RS was not officially sold in the UK and is a rare import.

The Evo X legacy

The 2008 Evolution X was the tenth and final generation of the iconic rally-bred sedan. After nearly a decade of production, Mitsubishi retired the Lancer Evolution in 2016, making the Evo X the last of its kind. For this reason, the 2008 model is a significant car in the series’ history.

Many Evo X builds in the tuning scene typically include:

Bodywork & Aero: Carbon fiber hoods, widebody kits (like Varis), front splitters, and rear wings for dramatic presence Fast CarSpeedhunters.
Mechanical Upgrades: Coilovers, upgraded brakes, intercoolers, performance exhausts, tuned ECUs, and reinforced drivetrains—turning the already potent 4B11T turbo engine well past stock performance Fast CarautoevolutionVivid Racing.
Wraps & Paint: From chameleon color shifts to full livery wraps, these cars often become rolling canvases expressing cultural, racing, or personal stylistic themes