MG ZT 260 V8 heads revised MG range for 2005

17 February 2005

MG ZT 260 V8 heads revised MG range for 2005

Subtle it is not. The new MG ZT 260 V8 sedan heads a face lifted range of MG sedans, hatches and touring wagons in 2005.

The 4.6 litre V8 is only available with a five speed manual gearbox and will be imported to customer order only.

"In this area of the market, most people want automatics," said Kerry Cheyne, MG Rover New Zealand's operations manager. "We realize the MG ZT V8 will only appeal to a select number of buyers, so it will only be available on indent order."

However a Rover version of the car will be available, only with an automatic transmission! It has a completely different character to the MG.

With 410 Nm of torque, the engine sounds great and has power to spare across the rev range.

The octagonal MG badge means one thing - sports car. The MG ZT V8 does not disappoint as a sports saloon. MG has sourced the V8 from Ford North America, where it is fitted to the Mustang.

British engineers have tweaked the engine to comply with the latest European exhaust emission regulations, but left its soul intact.

The chassis, which was originally designed to take front wheel, has been completely re-engineered to provide a rear wheel drive chassis for the V8. An all new multi-link rear axle with a limited slip differential puts the power on the road. The chassis is now better balanced, thanks to the revised engine and transmission layout.

There is also a new power assisted rack and pinion steering system. The MG ZT 260 V8 sits on 18 inch alloy wheels which enclose four ventilated AP disc brakes with standard ABS. Bilstein dampers are standard in the suspension which is tuned for handling and road holding, rather than ultimate ride comfort.

The MG ZT 260 V8 is a driver's car. Jeeves will not be getting behind the wheel!

Four front seat airbags are standard, together with side anti-intrusion beams. Other features include an alarm system combined with the remote control central locking.

Standard specification includes an adjustable steering column for reach and rake, leather trimmed steering wheel, gear lever and hand brake, electric windows, heated and power adjustable door mirrors and automatic temperature control air conditioning.

The MG ZT 260 V8 will sell for $87,990.

The MG styling cues are carried across the whole model range. These cars are not for shrinking violets or Mr and Mrs Anonymous. Only driving enthusiasts need apply as the character has not been engineered out of the cars, which look the part.

At the other end of the MG range, the ZR "hot hatch", which sells from $34,990 has been given a new look for 2005. MG makes no apologies for the fun factor in the ZR. It is not simply an econo box to get passionless people from A to B.

Lively performance from the 115 kWs engine in a relatively light body shell coupled with new 17 inch alloy wheels and precise steering makes the ZR an attractive alternative to other hot hatches. It is an involving car to drive.

And it looks the part to with a new front bumper, new clear lens covered twin halogen headlights, a new grille which is integrated into the bumper moulding and a new hatch and rear bumper to give the MG ZR a fresh and more sports focussed modern appearance.

In the cabin is a new dashboard and centre console with soft touch switchgear. The fascia now has four circular styled air vents with a satin chrome finish. The MG ZR is available as a three or five door hatch. Standard features include air conditioning, electric mirrors and windows, CD sound system, ABS brakes with EBD, height adjustable headlamps, remote central locking with alarm system and engine immobiliser and leather steering wheel, gear lever knob and handbrake grip.

At first glance, the MG ZS 180 sports sedan with a five speed manual transmission might appear to be the conservative model in the MG line-up. But under the bonnet is a 2.5 litre V6 with plenty of get up and go.

There is an overtly sporty look with a new front bumper and splitter, twin halogen headlights and a new mesh grille to complement the performance. Wheel arch and sill extensions accommodate wider 7.5J x 17 inch alloy wheels. At the rear is a new bumper and lip spoiler. It looks the part.

Like the ZR, there is a new fascia design with four satin chrome finish circular vents with automatic temperature control air conditioning.

The MG ZS 180 sits on sports suspension with a quick ratio steering rack with power assistance. There are ABS brakes with EBD. Only available with a sports ratio manual gearbox it sells for $39,990.

Standard equipment includes, electric front windows, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric headlight level adjustment, remote central locking with alarm system and engine immobiliser and temperature control air conditioning.

ENDS

© Scoop Media