MITSUBISHI has taken the wraps off the fastest saloon car ever produced by a major manufacturer.

Built to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mitsubishi's entry into the UK market, the new Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 will be built in a limited edition run of just 100 cars, and is available to order now, priced £46,999.

The car was the brainchild of Mitsubishi Motors UK's sales and marketing director, Lance Bradley. "The new Evolution is the ultimate expression of who and what we are as a brand. This is a versatile four-door saloon that can out accelerate supercars costing almost ten times as much."

The new model is based on the FQ-320 and was developed by Mitsubishi's motor sports department, working with tuning specialists and together they modified the Lancer's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine so that it now produces a mighty 405bhp and 355lb/ft of torque.

This is enough to propel the FQ-400 from 0-60mph in an incredible 3.5-seconds and on to a top speed not allowed here. It is a performance that even some of the world's most exotic supercars struggle to match. The £330,000 Porsche Carrera GT, for example, requires 3.9 seconds to sprint from 0-62mph, while the ultra-exclusive Pagani Zonda needs 3.7 seconds. The BMW M3 - hitherto the benchmark "everyday supercar" - takes 5.3 seconds to achieve the same feat.

The key to the MR FQ-400's performance lies not just in its engine, but also in its sophisticated chassis. Like every car in the Evolution VIII range, the FQ-400 is fitted with Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system and a suspension system honed at the legendary Nurburgring racetrack. A new braking system ensures that it has the necessary stopping power.

Design features include Ralliart aero mirrors, a carbon fibre front lip spoiler and a "sharks tooth" rear vortex generator, and it rides on gloss black lightweight Team Dynamics alloy wheels and carries red FQ-400 badging.

Inside, the sporting theme continues with a Momo steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats. The fascia has carbon fibre detailing and there is a plaque next to the gearstick, showing the car's production number.

Electric windows and mirrors and climate control are all fitted as standard.

Finally, the FQ-400 has a three years/36,000 mile manufacturer's warranty.

Updated: 09:30 Friday, November 05, 2004