The 300-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine under the hood of the 2009 Ford Focus RS definitely gives it an edge over many of its rivals. The folks at Fifth Gear think that the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X can definitely give the Focus RS some strong competition so they decided to put the two cars head-to-head in a series of tests… on a track.

Check out the video after the jump to see who wins.

- By: Omar Rana

Following GM’s decision to not offer a 2009 Saturn Astra, Mitsubishi spokeswomen Christine Jew said the high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sedan will take a break for 2009.

Jew said that there were no changes planned for a 2009 Evolution Lancer and that there is enough inventory to last until the 2010 model is released until later this year. According to KickingTires, Cars.com’s listings show 887 Lancer Evolutions from the 2008 model year are still available.

Sales of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution were up over 50 percent in 2008. Jew said that there will be minor changes to the 2010 model year.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Source: KickingTires

The South Yorkshire Police has added a new police specification Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to its Road Crime Unit. Inspector of the South Yorkshire Police applauded the new Evolutions strong visual appearance, performance and safety credentials.

While it’s no Lamborghini LP560-4 used by the Italian police, the Evolution X Police car will still help law enforcement catch criminals with its 300-hp engine that helps it go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds while taking corners like a pro.

The new Evolution X Police cars will be fitted with the latest Police hardware and software. One key feature is the Automatic Number Plate Recognition that allows officers to check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything suspicious about the vehicle they are in pursuit of.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Mitsubishi South Yorkshire Police Lancer Evolution X:

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X holds a very special place in our hearts and when we heard almost 2 months ago that Mitsubishi is working on a FQ400 405-hp limited edition inspired by the 400-hp Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X, you can be sure that we were very excited. Well, the new 2008/2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400 has landed and it’s everything we expected although its not that different performance wise than the 2005 EVO FQ400.

Power comes from the same 2.0L engine but Mitsubishi has added a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold and revised ECU to extract a total of 405-hp and a peak torque of 298 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Upgrade brakes were added for some extra stopping power.

Appearance wise the new Lancer Evolution X FQ400 doesn’t look very different from the standard EVO but it does get minor changes like lightweight body panels, new vents near the foglamps for extra engine cooling, side sills and twin-pipe exhaust system.

Mitsubishi will only be producing 100 units of the FQ400 which will go on sale in the UK in March of 2009 with prices starting at  £45,000 ($79,015 USD).

Source: AutoExpress

Just when you thought the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X couldn’t get any better, Mitsubishi has approved plans to build a new range-topping model called the FQ400. Joining the FQ300 and the FQ360, the FQ400 will go on sale next year.

Inspiration came from the recent 400-hp Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X that took part in the Britcar 24-hour race. The Racing Lancer Evo X finished 5th in its class and 25th overall.

According to AutoExpress, there aren’t any firm details on the street-legal version but it will produce close to 400-hp with a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold, a revised ECU and fuel system. 0 to 60 mph will come in 3.5 seconds with top speed coming in at more than 170 mph. It’ll also get other tweaks like bigger brakes and an upgraded suspension. Pricing is expected to be around £45,000 ($79,015 USD).

Click through for more high-res images of the Racing Lancer Evo X and the 2008 Lancer Evolution X.

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X at Britcar 24-hour Endurance:

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Source: AutoExpress

Mitsubishi confirmed today that it is developing a race-going version of the new Lancer Evo X which will take place in the popular Britcar Championship. Mitsubishi is teaming up with SVA-UK with the car being driven by the company’s managing director and former BTCC, James Kaye.

ADR Motorsport will be building the car with the first public appearance scheduled for Sept 20th and 21st. The car will compete there for the first time in the Britcar 24-hour at Silverstone driven by Kaye.

“As I”m yet to race this season I”m not only looking forward to getting back behind the wheel, but also driving the new Mitsubishi”, said Kaye. “It is anticipated that the engine will develop around 400bhp which, together with the Evo”s four-wheel-drive system and inherently good chassis, should make it a highly-competitive package.”

We wish you luck Kaye – don’t let the Evo fans down.

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evolution X: