THE most powerful production Evo yet is on its way to Britain.

It comes in the shape of a special edition version of Mitsubishi's performance icon, being presented to help celebrate the company's 40 anniversary in the UK.

Called the Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR, the red-hot model will cost from £50,000 and be limited to 40 examples.

Beneath the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, with its power boosted to a whopping 440bhp thanks to a bespoke ECU re-map.

The car also features a six-speed twin clutch sports shift transmission and Jamspeed exhaust, intake and intercooler.

Ignition is keyless, with push button start, and there's a full-time four-wheel drive system.

Mitsubishi says the Evo's suspension will be lower by 35mms at the front and 30mms at the back and will ride on 18-inch forged alloy wheels.

Interior features include leather Recaro bucket seats, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio with SD card based music server, eight speakers and subwoofer plus seven-inch LCD touchscreen and Bluetooth.

And all cars will be fitted with a data recorder, connected through the on-board diagnostic system, to record details like driving style, performance, vehicle diagnostics and location.

There's only a single colour though - Frost White.