MG ZT

Infobox Automobile


name = MG ZT
manufacturer = MG Rover
production = 2001—2005
predecessor =
successor = MG 7
related = Rover 75
layout = FF layout, FR layout (260+)
class = Executive car
body_style = 4-door sedan
5-door estate
engine =

The MG ZT is a high-performance version of the Rover 75 executive car, produced by MG at their Longbridge site in Birmingham. They also manufactured estate versions of the vehicle, referred to as the MG ZT-T. Styling is similar to the 75, although uprated springs and chassis modifications make for a far firmer ride. Production of the cars ceased in 2005 amidst financial turmoil at MG Rover.

History

In 2001, 3 years after the launch of the Rover 75 and less than a year after the de-merger of MG Rover from BMW, the MG ZT and MG ZT-T were launched. During the cars development, the models were codenamed X10 and X11 for the sedan and estate versions respectively. The design of the car was based on the Rover 75 but with a more aggressive and sporting look. Peter Stevens, designer of the McLaren F1, took the lead role in the cars design.

In 2003, the 260+ version of the car was launched (codenamed X12 and X13 for the saloon and estate versions respectively), utilising a 4.6 litre V8 from a Ford Mustang. The model also had to be converted from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, and was largely engineered by motorsport and engineering company Prodrive before being brought back into MG Rover. The 4.6 version is regarded as a true Q-car. The only visual difference between the 260 and other ZT's are the quad exhausts.

MG Rover produced a few supercharged versions before going bankrupt. These were to be the flagship of the model producing 385 to 500bhp.

Also in 2003, the MG ZT-T became the World's Fastest Estate car with a top speed of 225.609 mph (360.9 km/h). It achieved this at 55th annual Bonneville Speed Week Nationals, on the Salt Flats in Utah, USA.

During early 2004, MG facelifted the design of the ZT and ZT-T to a less retro look at the same time as the rest of the MG Rover range.

Nanjing Automobile of China purchased MG Rover in July 2005, three months after the company went bankrupt. Production of the MG ZT effectively resumed in early 2007 in the form of the MG 7. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6497959.stm Chinese plant rolls out first MG] - BBC News. Retrieved 27 March 2007.]

Models

2001-2005 MG ZT and ZT-T
*115/115+ CDT (BMW sourced Common-Rail TurboDiesel unit in 114 bhp form)
*135/135+ CDTi (BMW sourced Common-Rail TurboDiesel unit in 131 bhp form)
*120/120+ (1.8 K series engine)
*160/160+ (Initially detuned 2.5 litre KV6, later turbocharged 1.8 K-series)
*190/190+ (2.5 litre KV6, 190PS)
*180+ (2.5 litre KV6 with JatCo automatic gearbox, 177PS)
*260+ (4.6 litre V8 derived from Ford Mustang)

References

External links

* [http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/r40indexf.htm Austin-Rover.co.uk Rover 75/MG ZT Index page]
* [http://www.75andztclub.com 75 and ZT Owners Club]
* [http://www3.mg-rover.com Rover Group]
* [http://www.two-sixties.com The 260s - V8 owners group]