Britain’s independent MG Rover Group on Tuesday launched its long-awaited V8-powered MG ZT 260 V8.
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The rear-wheel drive vehicle, available in ZT saloon and ZT-T estate car (wagon) versions, has a 260bhp 4.6-litre V8 engine (a Ford Mustang unit) that delivers 410Nm of torque to deliver claimed class-leading acceleration, and is now available to order in the UK for an on-the-road price starting at £27,995 ($US46,310; €40,325).
MG Rover Group’s product development director Rob Oldaker, who first showed a driveable prototype back to journalists back in May 2001, said: “The ZT 260 V8 demonstrates our commitment to deliver cars of true pedigree and character. This is a truly rewarding car to drive. Our choice of a big, torquey engine has been vindicated as this is a deceptively quick and efficient cross-country car. The more you drive it, the more you appreciate its unique ‘muscle car’ character that flies in the face of our competitors’ trend towards buzzy high-revving engines.
“Its introduction means MG now has the broadest range in its 80-year history. The new V8 heralds the return of the practical British muscle car.”
The ZT 260 is an evolution of the front-wheel drive ZT. “Clever” installation techniques have permitted the larger capacity engine and rear-wheel drive power-train to be incorporated within the Rover 75-based body shell, without major visual changes though, below the skin, the platform is largely new with significant changes to many functional vehicle systems to accommodate the revised drive-line layout.
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By GlobalDataThe challenges involved in transforming the drive platform and packaging a large capacity V8 engine into the existing front-wheel drive vehicle were considerable.
Advanced computer techniques were used to package the new hardware without sacrificing the strengths of the established platform and sophisticated modelling techniques were used to refine the kinematics of the completely new multi-link rear axle configuration and to ensure that despite the revised engine installation, the car continues to meet the latest standards for occupant protection in all its markets.
Externally there is little clue to the extensive body structure changes necessary to accommodate the new rear-wheel drive power unit, but the front and rear floor panels have been redesigned, and the transmission tunnel enlarged to accommodate the in-line gearbox. A new manufacturing facility has been commissioned alongside the existing 75/ZT body line to ensure consistently high quality standards.
The ZT 260 utilises Ford’s proven 4.6-litre V8 engine modified for packaging reasons, and with new intake, exhaust and emissions control systems to meet European noise legislation with no loss of power or torque. Electronic engine controls have also been recalibrated to meet European emissions legislation.
The exhaust system, twinned for most of the length of the car, is distinguished by new quad-tailpipes. The system is said to produce a “classic V8 burble” with a sporting note under acceleration.
Tremec’s TR3650 five-speed manual gearbox, manufactured in North America is used, though it has been extensively modified to meet MG’s specifications and has unique gear ratios to suit European driving conditions. MG also developed its own all-new gear selection system and bespoke hydraulic clutch actuation.
The rear axle uses Dana’s Hydratrak limited slip differential system with vane-pump principles to ensure continuous and seamless torque transmission to both rear wheels in the event of wheel speed differential.
The ZT 260’s steering and suspension systems have been evolved from the front drive models to match the performance of the new V8 engine. MG says the engineers focused on honing the car’s classic rear-drive handling to provide seamless, fluid and adjustable attitude control under the widest range of conditions and claims to have built a car that blends day-to-day ease of use with the driver-rewards of a true thoroughbred.
Power steering, driven by a higher capacity pump, is now via a new forward mounted rack providing claimed excellent feel and driver feedback to the leather-bound wheel.
The MacPherson strut front suspension has been tuned to the requirements of the new chassis platform and a new design of upright is matched to Eibach linear rate springs and a new, larger diameter anti-roll bar. Wheel response is controlled by Bilstein monotube struts, which combine a large piston area for fine tuning resolution with very high bending stiffness for improved camber control. The design employs a significantly revised subframe, which provides a stable operating platform for the chassis while also acting as a key load path in the event of a major impact.
A new multi-link rear suspension has been developed specifically for the ZT 260 V8. A new six-mount subframe houses the 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 race specialist Eibach, work in conjunction with Bilstein monotube dampers to provide excellent wheel control. Roll behaviour is controlled by a new anti-roll bar.
Both ZT 260 models feature 18” alloy wheels in two styles, shod with Contisport 225/45 ZR18 tyres.
The ZT 260 has a new H-split braking system with front 325mm ventilated discs and sliding-pin callipers. At the rear, a new AP-Racing sourced brake system is specified with 332mm ventilated discs and opposed piston alloy callipers.
Other changes from the front-drive ZT range includes a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit of water-blend design with a dedicated electronic control unit to drive servo-motor valves to regulate the water flow around the heating circuit. This system has been refined to offer similar levels of response and control to the front-drive ZT line’s air-blending system. All models feature automatic temperature control.
A V8 badge in the centre of the dashboard is about the only interior clue to the V8 drivetrain; in other respects the cabin is broadly similar to the front-drive ZT models.
A new moulding below the boot floor accommodates the relocated battery and the CD autochanger (standard on the ZT 260 SE). Major controls, which include steering, clutch and gear selection have all been refined to suit the ZT 260 V8’s “more muscular” character, MG Rover said.
Standard equipment on both models includes electric front windows and heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ABS, driver, passenger and side airbags, and a Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm immobiliser system.
SE equipment includes black leather trim, highline satellite navigation that includes a Teletext equipped TV tuner, park distance sensors, side head impact protection for front seats, xenon lights, trip computer, electro chromatic rear view mirror, rain sensor, electric front seats and electric sunroof.
