We don’t only feature full modified vehicles in NZ Performance Car — the mildly modified daily drivers get a look in too! It doesn’t matter what it is, if you’re passionate about it, modify it, and drive it to work every day, we’ll showcase it.
- Name: Erron Soon
- Location: Auckland
- Occupation: Fauxtographer
- Make/model: 2007 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR FQ360
- Engine: 4G63 ‘FQ360’ factory upgraded by Ralliart NZ
- Drivetrain: Factory six-speed manual
- Interior: Carbon-fibre MR trim, six-point rollcage
- Exterior: Factory MR
- Suspension: HSD coilovers
- Wheels/tyres: 19×10-inch (+25) Rotiform TMB directionals, 235/40R19 Falken FK452
NZ Performance Car: Hey Erron, what made you originally choose a Mitsubishi Evo as a daily driver?
Erron Soon: I’ve always been a Mitsubishi fanboy since the days of the VR4 Evo 0. The performance, functionality, style, and reliability of the Evo models has always been appealing to me and has resulted in me owning my fair share over the years.
What’s special about the FQ360 model and how does it affect performance?
The FQ variants were only a Mitsubishi UK dealership option for the Evo 7–9 and Evo X. In a nutshell FQ means F**king Quick and the following numbers would determine power level in horsepower. Essentially, they would take your order for a brand new Evo, modify it, and still give it a five year mechanical warranty, putting the Evo up as an affordable alternative compared to the likes of the M3, AMG, and other European performance cars. Torque, braking, and handling were also upgraded, adding to the overall performance package. This particular example originally started life as an already rare as hens teeth gunmetallic Evo IX MR ordered direct from Mitsubishi Japan by Ralliart NZ.
We understand the Rotiforms are a new addition. What were you running before, and why the change to such a different style of wheel?
Over the last couple of years I’ve had at least five sets of Rota Wheels on the business end of a set of HSD adjustables, always measuring at least 18×10 (+15 offset). The affordability and aggressive sizing meant that I could get the look that I wanted and drive daily without having to worry about forking out wads of cash if they were curbed or stolen. Despite what they say, I’ve never had any quality or performance issues with ROTA, however I have always liked the style and exclusivity of Rotiform. When I heard that a large range of Rotiform were going to be stocked locally in New Zealand I just had to get amongst the first container load, literally. The team at Platinum Wheels have always offered me a concierge service, giving in to my often particular requests, and when a brand new set of 19×10-inch Rotiform TMBs arrived on their doorstep with my name on them, they knew they had to “just make it fit”.
Do you have any modifications planned for the Evo anytime soon, or are you happy with its current performance?
I’ve got a few ideas on my mind, but as history goes, once I start there is just no end to the list of modifications. The most appealing factor was that it was already factory modified so it was easy to justify the new and impulse acquisition to my wife. Performance has been more than enough for any task that I throw at it. Currently, the Evo serves time being a kid taxi, and during the summer it’ll resume towing duties for the EPIK Eyewear mobile shop [that explains the towbar!]
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Erron, and good luck with your future endeavours.
This article was originally published in NZ Performance Car Issue No. 225. You can pick up a print copy or a digital copy of the magazine below:
