MITSUBISHI Motors UK has taken the wraps off the fastest saloon car ever produced by a major manufacturer - and this astonishing 175mph supercar is being completed in Southampton.

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 with final commissioning carried out by Rampage in Southampton, and is available to order now priced £46,999.

Mitsubishi Motors UK's Sales & marketing director, Lance Bradley said: "The new Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-400 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 Lancer Evolution VIII MR FQ-320 and was developed in the UK by Mitsubishi Motors UK's motor sports department, in association with tuning specialists Rampage, Owen Developments and Flow Race Engines. Together, they modified the Lancer's legendary 2.0 litre turbocharged engine so that it now produces a mighty 405bhp and 355lb ft of torque.

Rampage Performance Motorparts is a Weston-super-Mare-based company with branches in Southampton and Liverpool, with James Kaye (current works BTCC driver) and Steve Turvey (US Pro Rally Champion 2002) working as principal directors.

Rampage is the leading HKS performance engine parts distributor in the UK and has worked closely with Mitsubishi Motors UK on both Evolution VIII and Evolution VIII MR, being the key partner in the FQ power upgrades for these vehicles.

Rampage assigned Graham Neale, their in-house product development engineer, formerly a development engineer in the Prodrive drive train department, to work on the FQ-400 development project from the outset.

Rampage are responsible for parts specification, power unit, fuel delivery, all carbon trim products and provide the technical element to the programme. Rampage will be responsible for removing and reinstalling the engines for build and co-ordinating the production of all 100 FQ-400's.

The powerplant is enough to propel the FQ-400 from 0-60mph in an incredible 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 175mph where safe and legal to do so.

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 MR (Mitsubishi Racing) range, the FQ-400 benefits from Mitsubishi's electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system (4WD) and a Bilstein suspension system honed at the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife racetrack. The introduction of a new braking system on the FQ-400 also ensures that it has the 'stop' to match its 'go'.

Subtle aesthetic enhancements differentiate the FQ-400 from the rest of the MR range and improve its high-speed stability. Ralliart aero mirrors, a carbon fibre front lip spoiler and a 'sharks tooth' rear vortex generator, are as functional as they are attractive. And it further benefits from gloss black lightweight Team Dynamics alloy wheels and red 'FQ-400' badging.

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

The ambience is purposeful but the FQ-400 is no stripped out road racer. Electric windows and mirrors and climate control are all fitted as standard, highlighting the Lancer's appeal as the world's most practical and versatile supercar.