MG ZT
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| MG ZT | |
| Manufacturer: | MG Rover |
|---|---|
| Production: | 2001–2005 |
| Class: | FF Executive car |
| Body style: | 4-door sedan 5-door estate |
| Related: | Rover 75 |
The MG ZT was an 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. The car was based on the Rover 75 and styling is simular 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.
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[edit] 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, 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.
Also in 2003, the MG ZT-T became the World's Fastest Estate car / Station Wagon 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.
In early 2004, MG facelifted the design of the ZT and ZT-T to a less retro look at the same time as the Rover 75.
Nanjing Automobile of China purchased MG Rover in July 2005, three months after the company went bankrupt, and production of the MG ZT is expected to resume in early 2007.
[edit] Critical Reaction
Reaction in the press was largely favourable towards the car. Autocar rated it amongst the Top 10 cars of 2001, and later awarded the 260+ model 4 out of 5 stars [1]
[edit] Models
2001-2005 MG ZT and ZT-T
- CDTi (Common-Rail TurboDiesel unit in 110 bhp and 130 bhp forms)
- 160/160+ (Initially detuned 2.5 litre KV6, later turbocharged 1.8 K-series)
- 190/190+ (2.5 litre KV6)
- 180+ (2.5 litre KV6 with JatCo automatic gearbox)
- 260+ (4.6 litre V8 derived from Ford Mustang)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Austin-Rover.co.uk Rover 75/MG ZT Index page
- 75 and ZT Owners Club
- Rover Group
- The 260s - V8 owners group
