MG has today (September 11) unveiled a show surprise at the
2001 Frankfurt Motor Show with the MG ZT XPower 385 – a road going development
of the ZT XPower 500 Extreme, due on sale in the summer of 2002. With a price of
under £40,000 it promises to deliver excellent power for money with a
performance capable of propelling the MG to 60mph in less than 5.0 seconds, to a
potential 175mph maximum speed.
A 4.6-litre V8 engine powers the MG ZT XPower 385, with drive
to its rear wheels. Styling emanates from the current V6 MG ZT range and takes
further aerodynamic forms and detailing from the awesome XPower Extreme concept,
developed to produce 500Ps for chassis and installation engineering integrity.
MG’s ultimate performance saloon is also capable of
accelerating to 100mph in 11 seconds. The muscular 4.6-litre supercharged V8 is
mated to a six-speed manual gearbox producing impressive torque of 522Nm (385
lb.ft.).
A 260Ps version – the MG ZT 260 – will go on sale first, in
spring 2002, preceding the summer introduction of the MG ZT and ZT-T XPower 385.
Styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rover’s
product design director, the 385’s overall design performs a functional
aerodynamic role. Formed in the wind tunnel, the rear spoiler provides an
essential aerodynamic control, tuned for minimum lift over a spectrum of road
speeds and yaw angles. Stability is assured whether the ZT XPower 385 is
operating at 70mph or supercar speeds where permitted exceeding 170mph.
Exterior styling emphasises a purposeful stance while housing
the huge 18" multi-spoke ‘Straights’ alloy wheels and 245/40 front and 275/35
rear ZR18 tyres. A deep section front bumper has been profiled with harder-edged
forms, integrating the body-coloured wider wheel arch extensions and sill
mouldings.
The strong visual appearance is emphasised by Xenon headlamps,
front driving lamps, bright mesh grille with integral aerodynamic wing and
bonnet vents. A purposeful boot spoiler and XPower badging complete the strong
identity.
On the inside, XPower high-back sports seats give comfort and
support to a driver capable of generating the acceleration, braking and
cornering forces that the 385 can produce. The fascia features a Rhodium silver
technical finish, with backlit instrumentation dials. Air conditioning and a
sophisticated alarm system are standard equipment.
Front strut suspension uses a similar layout to the ZT190 and
features a tubular subframe, Bilstein dampers, uprated springs and anti-roll
bars. Large alloy 4-pot brakes that harness the 330mm ventilated discs, are all
specified to give a truly awesome driving experience.
The rear suspension features a tubular carrier for the
Hydratrak torque control differential, which incorporates three transverse and
one substantial longitudinal suspension link arms. Front and rear suspension is
tuned to provide precise feel for the driver.
Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group’s Product Development Director,
commented: "The MG ZT XPower 385 provides a thrilling and exciting
road-experience. It has a purposeful presence, yet combines the practicality of
a comfortable five-seater saloon or estate with supercar performance. When you
arrive in this MG, everyone will know you have arrived."
Note:
The MG ZT XPower 385 is due on sale in the summer of 2002 and
an estate version – MG ZT-T XPower 385 will also be available. It will compete
with established products like the BMW M3, Mercedes C32 AMG and Audi RS4.
The MG ZT is displayed in a new ‘Typhoon’ multi-colour flip
pearlescent paint finish, soon to be available to customers of Rover and MG
cars.
MG is currently introducing a family of sports saloons – the
MG ZR, MG ZS and MG ZT – that will complement the popular MGF roadster.
At the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, MG also unveiled the MG X80 – a luxury
performance sports car – details are available in a separate release.
MG ZT XPOWER 385 – TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Indicative performance:
0 – 60mph
<5.0 seconds
0 -100mph
<11.0 seconds
Top Speed:
175mph
Weight:
1595 kg
Engine
Type
4.6 litre V8
aluminium alloy block and cylinder heads
Max Power
385Ps @ 7000
rpm
Max Torque
522 Nm/385
lb.ft. @ 3500 rpm
Specific
Output:
84Ps per litre
Power to
weight:
241Ps per tonne
Installation:
Front,
longitudinal, rear wheel drive.
Induction:
Supercharged
Gearbox
Type:
Six
speed manual
Ratios:
1st
2.66:1
7.4mph/1000
2nd
1.78:1
11.1mph/1000
3rd
1.30:1
15.2mph/1000
4th
1.00:1
19.7mph/1000
5th
0.80:1
24.7mph/1000
6th
0.63:1
31.3mph/1000
Final Drive Ratio:
3.73:1
Hydratrak speed
sensing limited slip differential
Chassis/Suspension
Low sports
suspension
Quad tailpipe
sports exhaust system
Front:
MacPherson
struts, coil springs and anti-roll bar
Track increased
by 50mm over ZT 160/190
Rear:
Independent,
multi-link, trailing arms, coil springs,
anti-roll bar.
Track increased by 100mm over ZT 160/190