Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR FQ-400

With such an extreme set-up, it's no surprise that pulling away smoothly is quite a challenge. But once on the move, the range-topping Evo can shock even the most hardened performance enthusiast. Floor the throttle and very little happens below 4,000rpm, yet with the turbocharger spooled up this four-door saloon will leave behind virtually any other supercar on the planet. Only on a private test track can the FQ-400's monumental pace be used to the full.

Mitsubishi says its new range-topper can sprint from 0-60mph in a seemingly unfeasible 3.5 seconds, and reach 0-100mph in 9.1 seconds. The top speed is said to be in excess of 175mph - and we see no reason to disbelieve these claims. Given the immense performance, it's no surprise that the manufacturer offers a free driver training course for every FQ-400 buyer. Equally significant is how the machine stops. The standard system has been replaced by huge race-specification discs and calipers, providing the ultimate in controlled, safe braking.

However, there is a price to pay. A hefty ΂£46,999, to be precise. That's ΂£14,000 more than the FQ-340 - but if you must have the ultimate four-wheel-drive thriller, look no further.