The current MG ZT and ZT-T suspension dynamics
have been widely praised by sports car enthusiasts and journalists for their set
up and responsive handling. In
order to further broaden the appeal of these vehicles to an even wider audience,
a suspension set up with a slightly more pliant feel and an emphasis towards
ride comfort will be introduced.
This is of particular importance amongst our
key target markets of high mileage business users. The new MG suspension differs
through a modification to the front and rear spring and damper assemblies. This
suspension will still provide an exceptionally agile feel but with greater
occupant comfort.
As there is anticipation that the newly
developed suspension set up will prove very popular, it will be the standard
condition on all MG ZT and ZT-Ts. The MG Sports Suspension set up will
undoubtedly be favoured by performance driving enthusiasts and available as an
option, priced at £175.
MG's first estate car - the ZT-T - is soon to be evaluated by
Police Forces across the UK in a motorway patrol demonstration programme to
promote the new car for active Police duty, following the introduction of Police
MG ZT Saloons.
The Zircon Silver Police specification Sportwagon is a largely standard ZT-T 190
'showroom model' which includes air conditioning, electric front windows (Police
spec inhibits use of the rear windows) and comfortable seats.
The ZT's sports suspension and V6 engine produce an accomplished on-road
performance characteristic that is entirely suitable for Police requirements.
These features have received considerable media praise. This combines well with
its versatile estate bodystyle, particularly for the traffic Police's special
equipment carrying needs, which include: traffic cones, lights, road signs,
first aid kits, brooms and shovels, etc.
ZT-T features a stylish tailgate with separately hinged opening rear window and
rear wash wipe. Inside there is a potential 1222 litres of practical loadspace.
Gavin Thompson, MG Rover Group's Police sales manager, said: "On the basis that
you need one to catch one, the MG ZT-T is precisely the dual-purpose vehicle
that the traffic police require. With its powerful quad-cam V6 engine and
versatile luggage capacity, the ZT-T provides the necessary combination of a
sports performance car and functionality of an estate -
ideal for Police forces throughout the UK."
Livery was fitted by decal specialists Halo Blue Light, West Sussex and Police
light roof bar and ancillaries by Woodway of Coventry.
Note: MGs have been popular Police cars for many decades, with the force using
MG TCs, Z-type Magnettes, MGAs, Bs and Cs. The ZT-T is MG's first estate car.
MG's ZT-T has been
chosen by West Midlands and Shropshire Ambulance Services as their
'Rapid-Response Vehicle', specified to attend emergency incidents, ideally
within 8 minutes of notification. The Trophy Yellow estate cars, with green
reflective Battenburg livery, will soon be patrolling the counties.
The MG ZT-T features sports suspension and a 2.5-litre quad-cam V6 engine to
produce an accomplished on-road performance characteristic that is entirely
suitable for rapid response requirements. Combined with its versatile estate
bodystyle, with stylish tailgate, separately hinged opening rear window and a
potential 1222-litres of practical loadspace, the ZT-T will carry the Incident
Commander and Paramedic Technicians quickly to their emergency destination.
The rapid-response MG specification is a standard ZT-T 190, with a multitude of
standard features that include air conditioning and 18" alloy wheels. An
optional integral loadspace cassette has been specified for the safe carriage
and restraint of the considerable incident equipment, which includes; oxygen
therapy, cardiac defibrillators, entonox, maternity and paediatric pack, burns
bag, cervical collars, splints and first aid bag. Plans for major incidents,
site maps, body bags, triage cards and contacts for agencies and hospitals are
also carried.
Additional special items include the light roof bar, radio communications and a
reverse-decal 'Ambulance' livery on the bonnet and on the West Midlands
Ambulance Service car 'RESPONDER' on its tailgate.
Bob Seaward, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations for both West
Midlands and Shropshire Ambulance Services said: "I am always looking at new
initiatives to assist in the delivery of patient care to the communities. When
we evaluated the MG ZT-T we were most impressed with its performance and
considered this would help our staff in providing the best possible response to
emergencies within our operational area.
"The two MG ZT-T vehicles will be used by Incident Commanders who will operate
these vehicles 24 hours per day, responding to life threatening incidents across
the West Midlands and Shropshire."
Gavin Thompson, specialist sales manager, MG Rover Group, said: "The feedback
prompted by the Police specification MG ZT-T, has generated a number of
emergency service enquiries for this Rapid Response Vehicle. With its powerful
quad-cam V6 engine and versatile luggage capacity, the ZT-T provides the
necessary combination of performance motoring and estate car functionality -
ideal for an emergency Rapid Response Vehicle.
"I'm confident the new MG will be a popular choice - both in active use and for
those that see it performing an active role. You certainly won't miss seeing
the bright yellow ZT-T!"
The MG ZT-T continues to be successfully evaluated by Police Forces across the
UK for motorway patrol and a number have already been ordered for active Police
duty, following the introduction of Police MG ZT Saloons.
Note:
The Incident
Commander's role is multi-functional and varies from managing a large incident
with other Emergency Services and agencies, to assisting with any difficulties
they may encounter throughout their tour of duty. The West Midlands Ambulance
Service Trust vehicle fleet covers an area of over 364 square miles and answers
over 1,000 emergency calls every day, servicing the emergency needs of the
community of the West Midlands.
The choice of yellow for Paramedic Ambulances is soon to become an EEC
directive.
The MG ZT-T 190 has an on-the-road price of £21,765 and is MG's first estate.
Three times British Drag Racing Champion Barry Sheavills is
driving a MG ZT-T 190 station wagon as he motors through Europe in his quest to
regain the European Top Fuel Dragster Championship title.
Barry currently leads the field and is now preparing for the
final round at Santa Pod this coming weekend. He won the European title in 1998
and still holds the 0-1/4 mile record in 4.94 seconds and top speed of 298 mph.
The thirty feet long Dragster is enormously powerful, capable
of achieving a 0-100 mph time in under 1 second – just a little faster than the
ZT-T. Also, with a top speed approaching 300 mph the Dragster may just have the
edge on the ZT-T. However, when it comes to cornering ZT-T reigns supreme.
Commenting on the MG ZT-T, Barry said: "My thanks to MG Rover
Group for supplying me with a vehicle. This is a demanding time and I now have a
reliable vehicle that can eat up the many miles I need to travel. Since I took
delivery of the MG ZT-T just six weeks ago, I have driven through nine different
countries clocking up seven thousand miles. The car is a real head-turner and
I’m regularly stopped by other motorists who just love it."
