Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-330 news - Evo FQ-330 goes flappy - 2009

Good news for clutch-haters: the Evo X FQ-330 is now available with Mitsubishi's flappy-paddle dual-clutch gearbox.

The SST gearbox was previously only available on the standard, sedate 295bhp Evo – the FQ-330 got a five-speed manual as standard. But Mitsubishi has somehow worked out how to wedge the dual-clutch box into the 329bhp FQ-330 without rapidly creating a million shards of splintery metallic transmission.

In dual-clutch mode, the FQ-330 will hit 62mph in 4.4 seconds – a full 0.3 seconds quicker than the 295bhp Evo. If you’re wondering what that 'FQ' stands for, that figure might give you a hint...

The only fly in the clutch-free ointment in the price: the FQ-330 with dual-clutch gearbox will cost you £36,000, a full three grand more than the manual FQ-330.

Dangerously expensive? Or a relative bargain for something that’ll show a BMW M3 Coupe a clean pair of heels? We can’t decide…