RE: MG V8 Saloons

Tuesday 23rd September 2003

MG V8 Saloons

Much awaited barnstormers hit the road


After a long wait, MG finally have a new range topping saloon in the shape of the MG ZT 260 V8. The Rover 75 has been thoroughly re-engineered with a Ford V8 dropped under the bonnet and drive switched to the rear wheels.

Motor

The ZT 260 utilises Ford’s well proven 4.6-litre V8 engine, widely used in North America to power the Mustang.  Power is 260PS (hence the 260) and there's an even more impressive 302 lb-ft of torque available at 4000rpm. Top speed is limited to 155mph. 0-60mph is achievable in a claimed 6.2 seconds with the standing quarter mile done in 14.9 seconds.

MG ZT 260 V8

Some mods have been required in order to get the motor under the bonnet and MG’s engineers have also developed new intake, exhaust and emissions control systems to ensure the vehicle complies with stringent European noise legislation with no loss of power or torque.  A new electronic engine calibration helps ensure the car exceeds current European emissions legislation.  The exhaust system, twinned for most of the length of the car, is distinguished by new quad-tailpipes producing a familiar V8 burble.

The gearbox is Tremec’s TR3650 five-speed manual, manufactured in North America.  It's been extensively modified to meet MG’s needs and features a unique set of ratios.  MG’s engineers have also developed an all-new gear selection system and bespoke hydraulic clutch actuation.

Suspension

Under the familiar body, all manner of changes have been required to suit the new car. At the front new design of upright is matched to Eibach linear rate springs and a new, larger diameter anti-roll bar.  There's a significantly revised subframe, which provides a stable operating platform for the chassis whilst also featuring as part of the impact absorption system in the event of a crash.

MG ZT 260 V8

MG ZT 260 V8

At the rear a new multi-link rear suspension has been developed specifically. A new six-mount subframe houses the Hyrdratrak differential, while each wheel is located by three lateral links (two steel and one light-alloy) and a light alloy trailing arm.  Compound rate springs, also sourced from Eibach, work in conjunction with Bilstein monotube dampers.  Roll behaviour is controlled by a new anti-roll bar.

Pricing

Both saloon and Estate versions will be available and prices start at £27,995 OTR. A higher spec SE model is also available at £32,750.

More exciting than today's news though is the prospect of the supercharged version still under development which promises 385bhp.

Links

Author
Discussion

jamesc

Original Poster:

2,820 posts

283 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Great!!!!

Cacatous

3,157 posts

272 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
I do like these... Looks like MG will become the UK Holden?

GregE240

10,857 posts

266 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Quite how they got the car sideways in the final snap beggars belief....at Silverstone last Friday both vehicles understeered like crazy.

Still, nice package overall. Rather a poor (old?!) man's M5.

daver

1,209 posts

283 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
I wonder why they chose the single OHC 16v version of Ford's V8 and not the 32v? Surely it would have been worth the effort of a different shaped bonnet if space is the issue?!

FourWheelDrift

88,375 posts

283 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
daver said:
I wonder why they chose the single OHC 16v version of Ford's V8 and not the 32v?


Cheaper I guess or maybe Ford didn't want to sell the better engine to a rival manufacturer to their executive model range (Jaguar).

v8thunder

27,646 posts

257 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Bye-bye M3

loudpedal

3,925 posts

268 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
What is this crpa about European noise regulations? not too clued up on this... are all cars subject to noise checks?

is it ok to increase the volume with aftermarket mods?

like the MG btw, nice idea, hope the production car's not an understeering nightmare as greg says...

domster

8,431 posts

269 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
GregE240 said:
Quite how they got the car sideways in the final snap beggars belief....


It looks like it is understeering whilst turning left up a corner to me

The V8 will give it a ton of character. Good luck to them. I may get one when depreciation has done its worst (like with most Rovers) and you can pick it up for half price a year later.

ScoobyManchester

1,163 posts

261 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Superb, beautiful, fantastic!

JonRB

74,394 posts

271 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
The new Rover SD1? Would be nice if it were so.

zumbruk

7,848 posts

259 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
JonRB said:
The new Rover SD1? Would be nice if it were so.


Preferably with the paint stuck on, the interior not disintegrating, the door handles not made out of reconstituted baby poo and the rear axle held on with something more than elastic bands.

loudpedal

3,925 posts

268 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
zumbruk said:

JonRB said:
The new Rover SD1? Would be nice if it were so.



Preferably with the paint stuck on, the interior not disintegrating, the door handles not made out of reconstituted baby poo and the rear axle held on with something more than elastic bands.


but surely that would spoil the fun?

XM5ER

5,087 posts

247 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Some one slipped grandad the amphetamine again.

loudpedal

3,925 posts

268 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
This has 4 things that are HUGE plus points:

British
Rear wheel drive
V8
saloon

Grandad car or not, I want one (subject to the magic dust being sprinkled on the handling)

Jezza

5 posts

281 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
At long last a machine I will be buying and justifiably proud to own!

Jerry

Cacatous

3,157 posts

272 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
Ooh baby! Then there's a 385hp one...

I wonder if they'll make an AMG bashing Estate (Touring) version?

cyberface

12,214 posts

256 months

Tuesday 23rd September 2003
quotequote all
I actually really like it... an estate with the supercharged V8 would be coooool....

Also seems like pretty good value, assuming the supercharged one isn't on 'special-order' pricing...

huge

1,138 posts

283 months

Wednesday 24th September 2003
quotequote all
260???...from a 4.6 v8....bit weedy isnt....should sound good though ?

Buffalo

5,435 posts

253 months

Wednesday 24th September 2003
quotequote all
300lb-ft of torque though... Useful for 90% of driving....

loudpedal

3,925 posts

268 months

Wednesday 24th September 2003
quotequote all
huge said:
260???...from a 4.6 v8....bit weedy isnt....should sound good though ?


If it is the same engine as used in the Mustang, surely it will be 'tweakable'?

mod no.1: sports exhaust...