Mitsubishi Evolution High Performance MeisterR Coilovers
Released to market twenty years ago back in 1992 the Mitsubishi Evolution high performance sedan has seen ten revisions with the latest, the Evo X still being manufactured. All ten generation Evolutions have been powered by a 2 litre turbocharged engine and boast four wheel drive, helping them to put their power down efficiently. Initially intended for domestic release only the Evolution created international demand that was difficult to ignore, and from 1998 became available across much of Europe. Seen by many as the nemesis of another high performance sedan also released in 1992, Subaru’s Impreza WRX began a unique rivalry.
Released in 2001 the Evo VII featured two key additions, an active central differential and a helical limited-slip differential at the front as well as an improved limited slip differential. These changes added approximately 50kg extra weight but increased torque to 385nm although power output officially remained at 276 bhp. 2002 saw a limited production of the five speed automatic GT-A featuring an ECU that would learn a drivers style and adapt the characteristics of gear changes.
Originally planned as a one-off revision, 2003 saw the release of the Evo VIII and with big demand coming from the US soon four variants were available; the standard GSR model, the sportier RS version, the stylish SSL and the high-end MR. Standard upgrades included grey 17 inch Enkei alloys, Brembo brakes and Bilstein suspension shock absorbers although plenty of optional extras were offered throughout the range.
Here in the UK demand fuelled further variants were offered including the FQ300, FQ320, FQ340 and the FQ400 producing 305, 325, 345 and 405 bhp respectively. The FQ400 was a joint effort of three tuning firms Owen Developments, Rampage Tuning and Flow Race Engines. The project was hugely successful as upheld by some of the related statistics; 202.9 hp output per litre, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100mph in 9.1, quarter mile in 12.1 seconds crossing the line at 117 mph, top speed of 175 mph, all this for the retail price of £48k.
The Evo IX released in 2005 featured variable valve timing Mivec technology and improved turbocharger producing 287 bhp. UK variants included; the FQ300, FQ320 and FQ340 with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and active yaw control, the FQ360 included a more aggressive looking bodykit, and at the top of the range the MRFQ360 included a new titanium turbo, Speedline Turini alloys and lowered Eibach coil springs with 10mm on the front and 5mm to the rear.
MeisterR produce sublime suspension setups combining state of the art components with outstanding technical expertise. We recommend fitting a set of Zeta-R coilovers; featuring aluminium with pillowball bearing and camber adjustment in front, and aluminium with a rubber bush at the rear. Front spring rate of 7kg and rear spring rate of 8kg, both coilovers are fully adjustable with 32 levels of damping.
This affordable upgrade with provide improved handling and minimal chassis roll, making your car truly responsive under cornering. The ride height is fully adjustable empowering you to select and even alter the ride comfort to your taste, whether you prefer the softer settings for maximum comfort or the harder settings to maximise performance and enhance cornering speed. Coilovers also represent a weight saving advantage over stock suspension.
