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Check out the Ford V8 with supercharger. |
A dream machine – SILENT! |
A badge that a BMW driver would have
difficultly in reading! |
An 18" wheel with AP Racing Brakes for
serious stopping! |
NO AC – but a RED starter button! |
These superb images are from
a MG-Rover Enthusiast Site and taken by Roger Parker. |
MG has today (July 2) unveiled another Extreme model – MG ZT
XPower 500 – one of a number of Extreme MG cars that have been produced to
demonstrate the strength, potential and very soul of their outrageous ability.MG
Extreme vehicles are individual developments, not intended for series
production, but developed from prototypes to illustrate the integrity and
extremities of the chassis and powertrain engineering, with each one
outrageously powerful and road legal.
The MG ZT XPower 500 comes just weeks after the company
revealed an equally powerful MGF XPower 500, but this time the power is produced from a muscular
V8, producing 500Ps and combined with a brutal 400 lb. ft of torque. With 108bhp per litre, delivered by a
4.6-litre quad-cam V8, Vortec supercharging and aftercooled, the ZT XPower 500
produces a power-to-weight ratio of 312bhp per tonne. Mated to a T56 six-speed manual gearbox,
the MG produces awesome acceleration to 100mph in 8.4 seconds. 60mph flashes past from a standstill in
4.5 seconds, dependent on surface traction.
The V8 installation is the first in the MG ZT and preludes the
launch in the spring of road going 260Ps versions, before an ‘ultimate’
version with 375Ps is introduced, itself heavily influenced by the ZT XPower
500. Front engine/rear wheel drive configuration has a weight distribution
balance of 56F:44R, producing an ideal mass distribution and yaw inertia, that
allows progressive and proportional breakaway at the limits of adhesion,
permitting complete driver involvement and the rewards of a controlled driving
experience.
Exterior styling provides a purposeful stance while housing
the huge 18” alloy road wheels and 245/40 front and 275/35 rear ZR18 tyres. A new wider front bumper has been
profiled with harder-edged forms, integrating the wider wheel arches, side
skirts and functional aerodynamic appendages.
Styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rover’s
Product Design Director, a high mounted wing-type rear spoiler dominates the
rear end, and provides essential aerodynamic control, tuned for zero lift, over
a spectrum of road speeds and yaw angles. Stability
is assured whether the MG is operating at 70mph or super-car speeds exceeding
170mph!
Front strut suspension uses a similar layout to the ZT190 and
features a tubular subframe. Bilstein
dampers, rated springs, anti-roll bars and large alloy 4-pot AP Racing brakes
harnessing 330mm ventilated discs, are all specified to give a truly awesome
driving experience.
The rear suspension evolves the ZT’s Z-axle, with a tubular
carrier for the Hydratrak torque control differential, which incorporates three
transverse and one substantial longitudinal suspension link arms. Both front and rear suspension is tuned
to provide complete and precise feel to the driver of road and vehicle behaviour.
Inside, Sparco two-tone sports-race seats and competition
harnesses ensure the occupants remain firmly restrained in the company of a
product capable of generating outrageous acceleration, braking and cornering
forces.
Rob Oldaker, Product Development Director, commented: “The
MG ZT XPower 500 is an audacious illustration of the excitement, talent and
passion, that was latent in our engineers.
Given the opportunity to develop an Extreme MG super-car, high on driving
exhilaration, their energy has been unleashed in producing a road going
sensation.
“The lid that restrained development of MG products in recent years, has been
blown off and the results are truly explosive.
MG’s new approach – to be sensational and outrageous – is being
seen in blistering style. Stunning
performances in the Le Mans 24 Hour race and the amazing pace of new model
introductions has attracted phenomenal interest.
“The MG ZT XPower 500 is ‘just another’ example of our engineering
capability and enthusiasm for this fast accelerating MG brand. The launch in the next few days of the
MG ZR, MG ZS and MG ZT, will give driving enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy
the MG brand strengths at first hand.”
MG ZT XPOWER 500 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: |
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Eight cylinders in Vee: |
4.6-litre V8
Aluminium alloy block & heads |
Maximum Power: |
500Ps @ 7000 rpm |
Maximum Torques: |
400 Ibs ft @ 5000 rpm |
Specific Output: |
108 bhp per litre |
Power to Weight: |
312 bhp pr Tonne |
Installation: |
Front, longitudinal, rear wheel
drive. |
Valve Gear: |
4 per cylinder DOHC |
Compression Ratio: |
9.35:1 |
Induction: |
Vortec supercharger with after
cooling. |
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Gearbox: |
6 – speed manual. |
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Ratios: |
1st |
2.66:1 |
7.4mph/1000 |
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2nd |
1.78:1 |
11.1mph/1000 |
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3rd |
1.30:1 |
15.2mph/1000 |
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4th |
1.00:1 |
19.7mph/1000 |
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5th |
0.80:1 |
24.7mph/1000 |
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6th |
0.63:1 |
31.3mph/1000 |
Final Drive Ratio: |
3.73:1 Hydratrak speed sensing
LSD |
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Suspension: |
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Front: |
MacPherson struts, coil
springs, anti-roll bar. |
Rear: |
Independent, multi-link,
semi-trailing arms, coils springs, anti-roll bar. |
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Braking System: |
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Front: |
AP Racing 330 mm vented discs, 4-pot
alloy callipers. |
Rear: |
AP Racing 306mm vented discs,
2-pot alloy callipers. |
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Wheels & Tyres: |
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Front: |
8.5J x 18" Alloy |
245/40 ZR18 |
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Rear: |
9.5 J x 18" Alloy |
275/35 ZR18 |
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Performance |
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0-60 secs |
4.5 secs |
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0-100 secs |
8.4 secs |
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Weight |
1600 Kgs |
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