MG has unveiled
another Extreme model – MG XPower ZT 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 XPower ZT 500
comes after the revelation of 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 XPower ZT 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 of road
going 260Ps versions, before an ‘ultimate’ version with
375Ps is introduced, itself heavily influenced by the
XPower ZT 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 XPower ZT 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.
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