2004 ZT-T Range (Overview)

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General Information

Chassis Dynamics

As with all the new MG saloons, the chassis tuning of the ZT range is at the heart of its driving appeal.  Evolved from the superb R40/RD10 platform, the ZT is totally different in feel and character, whilst retaining all the fundamental engineering strengths of the design.

Strength is a key word here – with saloon and estate bodyshell torsional stiffness respectively of over 24,250Nm per degree and 20,000Nm per degree, providing an exceptionally rigid foundation for the all-independent suspension.  This, combined with specially engineered chassis mountings, steering rack, springs and dampers, helps to give the ZT razor-sharp precision of steering and handling.

Immediately apparent from the outside is the low sports suspension set-up of the ZT.  The front spring rate is 37 N/mm and the rear saloon spring rate is 58N/mm (On the ZT-T estate, the rear rate is 64 N/mm).  Using the latest and most advanced Delphi ‘2005+’ damping technology, with two-stage ‘digressive’ valving, the damping characteristics have been optimised for control precision while retaining a good secondary ride quality.

The front anti-roll bar diameter is 25mm, and the rear one is 23mm, giving excellent roll-resistance torques.  In addition the front dampers on ZT saloon models incorporate rebound springs, as used on all the estate car derivatives, further enhancing roll resistance.  Solid subframe mounts, together with suspension pivot compliance bushes that have their lateral stiffness optimised to enhance steering response and all-round stability.

A specially engineered MG steering rack is integrated, with a gearing ratio of 16.4:1 to provide a fast response, and the power assistance valve is tuned to suit.  Even the steering wheel has been tailored to suit sporting use, having a deep rim section without finger grips, based on current best ‘supercar’ practice.

While considerable effort has been put into giving the ZT models the right kind of sporting MG acoustic effects, the potential road noise generation of the low profile tyres was not regarded as part of this.  To tune out elements of this input from the rear wheels, radial absorbers are fitted to the hubs, operating on a similar mass/spring principle to that used for crankshaft torsional dampers.

Exterior Design Summary

Interior Summary

MG ZT models carry a distinct interior environment, combining body-hugging sports seats and a clear fascia layout, now using a special Technical Grey finish.  Black Oak treatment on the fascia and console is a new option, complemented by a Black Oak wood steering wheel.  Burr Walnut can also be specified.  New instrument graphics are now backlit illuminated in blue.

120, 160, 180 Sports Auto, CDTi and 190 models feature a new ‘Summit’ fabric sports seat.  Black leather trimmed sports seats are standard on SE derivatives. Rear passenger entry, egress and accommodation are improved with better foot and knee clearance from re–profiled seat cushions and squabs.

A leather and alloy gearknob, centre armrest with central storage, pollen filter and air conditioning are standard, with TrafficMaster Traffic Alert and TrafficMaster Smartnav navigation a UK model option.

Interior trim and equipment includes:

• Sports seats with Summit centre fabric

• Sports leather rimmed steering wheel

• Leather and alloy finish gearknob

• Perforated leather handbrake grip

• Technical Grey fascia and console finish

• Rear centre armrest

• Driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment

• Centre armrest with storage

• Rear seat load-though flap

• Bright doorsill tread strips

Other key features include:

• Sports suspension

• Rear lip spoiler (saloon)

• Solar controlled rear window glazing

• Air conditioning

• Pollen filter

• Courtesy light ‘wake up’ at unlock

• Courtesy light auto on with engine off

• Courtesy light off delay

• Pathway illumination facility

• Accessory socket provision

• Standard fit CD Tuner

• Central door locking, with Plip controlled superlocking and opening

• ingle point entry facility and interior master locking switch

• Automatic driveaway secure locking

• Perimetric alarm system with passive arming/disarming

Features unique to ZT saloon

• One-piece folding rear seat backrest

• Double hinged boot lid for wide opening and easy access

• Internal electric boot release button

• Storage provision in rear centre armrest

Features unique to ZT-T estate

• 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest

• Retractable carrying hooks in loadspace sidewall

• Loadspace floor lashing points

• Roller blind loadspace cover

• Plip unlock of tailgate and tailgate glass

• Rear wash-wipe with auto-on in reverse

• Illuminated underfloor loadspace compartment

Features unique to ZT/ZT-T 120

• 17" 5-spoke alloy wheels with 215/50×17 tyres

• Concealed rear exhaust

Features on both ZT / ZT-T

• Exhaust cut-out in bumper with heatshield finisher (CDTi/160/180/190)

• Twin exhaust with bright tailpipe finishers (CDTi/160/180/190)

• 18" ‘Grid Spoke’ alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR18 tyres (CDTi/160/180)

• Ventilated rear disc brakes (180/190/260)

• 18" ‘11 Spoke’ alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR18 tyres (190/260)

• Further uprated braking and chassis specification (190/260)

Additional features unique to 260

• 260Ps 4.6-litre V8 producing 410Nm torque at 4000rpm

• Quad exhaust with heatshield finishers in bumper outlets

• V8 and 260 ingot badging

• Automatic temperature control air conditioning

• Instant Tyre Repair system

• Volumetric alarm with battery back-up for alarm sounder

• ‘+’ Pack models – additional features

• ATC (automatic temperature control) air conditioning (full climate control with individual front temperature controls and adjustable rear vents)

• CD autochanger and radio cassette player (instead of CD Tuner)

• Electric rear windows

Loadspace safety net (ZT-T only)

SE (Special Equipment) models – additional features

• ATC (automatic temperature control) air conditioning (full climate control with individual front temperature controls and adjustable rear vents)

• CD autochanger and radio cassette player (instead of CD Tuner)

• Electric (front and) rear windows

• Loadspace safety net (ZT-T)

• Front side head airbags (ITS)

• 18” ‘Apex’ 10-spoke alloy wheels with shadow finish and 225/45 ZR18 tyres

• Highline satellite navigation, trip computer, TV and teletext

• Powered glass silde/tilt sunroof with blind and one-shot function

• Black leather seat facings, heated front seats with power adjustment

• Cruise control

• Message centre instruments

• Traction Control and heated windscreen washer jets

• Auto-dimming rear view mirror

• Rain sensing wipe system

• Rear parking distance sensors

• TrafficMaster Traffic Alert®

• Xenon gas discharge headlamps with dynamic levelling and powerwash

For security and peace of mind, Superlocking disables door and tailgate lock releases and sophisticated electronic networks stand ready to trigger the alarm. In a feature combining safety with convenience, the Saloon’s boot can only be opened by the remote control.  A robust engine immobiliser and remote control with continuously changing security code complete the anti-theft defences.