MG ZT

Development history

In 2001, three 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 saloon and estate versions respectively.

The basic shape and styling of the MG ZT remained the same as for the Rover 75 but with changes to the front bumper, now with an integrated grille, and detail alterations including colour coding of the chromed waistline, a new bootlid plinth, and different alloy wheels and tyres sizes.

The interior featured revised seats and dashboard treatment, with new instrument faces. Engineering changes ranged, from upgraded suspension and brakes to revised engine tuning for the petrol and diesel models. Development of the MG ZT was headed by Rob Oldaker, Product Development Director, with styling changes undertaken by Peter Stevens, who was previously responsible for the styling of the McLaren F1 and X180 version of the Lotus Esprit.

Flexible electronics design

The entire in car entertainment system (Radio Function, Navigation System, Television and Telecommunications systems) is based on a very flexible automotive computer system from BMW. As a result, the MG ZT can be easily upgraded with the newest technologies from BMW, including BMW's Bluetooth System, the DVD based navigation system, and widescreen displays as well as BMW's CD changers that play MP3s

V8

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 the range of the Ford Mustang. The model was converted from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, and was largely engineered by motorsport and engineering company Prodrive, before being completed by MG. The 4.6 version is regarded as a true Q-car. Apart from the badges, the only visual difference externally between the 260 and other ZTs are the quad exhausts.

Facelift

During the first few months of 2004, MG Rover facelifted the design of the ZT and ZT-T to a less retro look, at the same time as the Rover 75 received a facelift. While the facelift didn't feature any mechanical differences, the changes were merely aesthetic and the main changes to the facelift, included the replacement of the twin headlamps, with a new, clear single headlamp unit.

Engines

The MG ZT (and Rover 75 derivative) were powered by a combination of MG Rover's own petrol and LPG K-Series and KV6 engines as well as Ford's Modular V8 and BMW's M47 diesel engine. The latter was designated M47R to identify the unit as an MG Rover special, having been modified by MG Rover's engineers for transverse installation, with performance and refinement characteristics unique to MG Rover.

Production

The MG ZT and MG ZT-T were assembled at MG Rover's Longbridge plant in Birmingham, UK. The production figures for each year are given below

Land Speed Record

Also in 2003, the MG ZT-T became the World's Fastest (non production) 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, United States. This car used an 800+bhp Roush V8 engine, with other heavy modifications.

XPower 385

The XPower 385 ZT, was a set of concepts created by MG-Rover to show the "Ultimate" version of the 260 V8. The 385 was equipped with a 385PS 4 Valve Ford Modular V8. A similar engine that was fitted in the 385 concept car and the "ultimate" ZT was later fitted in the MG SV. The development of the cars was undertaken by Prodrive but the cars never appeared as MG-Rover closed in 2005. The cars were fitted with a wide bodykit and featured a spoiler on the rear of the car.

XPower 500

Before the ZT 260 was launched, MG created a special concept car: the MG XPower ZT 500. This car was intended to show off what MG can do with the ZT's chassis and was never intended for mass production. The XPower ZT is fitted with a 500PS supercharged 4.6 litre Ford Modular V8 similar the engine fitted to the 260 ZT. The XPower 500 has a more aggressive wide bodykit with larger spoiler similar the 385 concept car. The car was saved by the MG owners club and rebuilt using their extensive facilities and expertise. The car was allocated VIN no 001.

Competition cars

The last competition car built by MG Sports and Racing was a racing version of the V8 MG ZT260. This car was highly modified and lightened it had more power than the standard V8 and a lightweight racing bodykit. The car is now owned by an Australian MG Enthusiast who races it competitively. It is painted dark grey in colour.

Chinese production

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 the beginning of 2007, though in the form of the MG 7.

MG7

The MG7 is a sports saloon that is built by Chinese carmaker MG Motor, derived from the MG ZT. Production started in March 2007. The MG7 received praise from British car magazine Auto Express, who test drove it in May 2008, although it has not officially been sold in the United Kingdom.

The MG7 comes in two variants, the first which resembles the Mark I MG ZT with twin front lights, and the second, which resembles the Mark II Rover 75 V8. A long wheelbase version, called the MG7L, features the deeper radiator grille of the Rover 75 V8.

Roewe 750

Also released at the same time as the MG7, the Roewe 750 appeared from the company SAIC, of which SAIC & Nanjing later merged. The Roewe 750 showed how the two companies worked, while the MG7 retained the classic looks of the Mark 1 ZT, SAIC opted for the Mark 2 Style Rover 75 style exterior.

Owners Clubs

The cars are still actively supported by an owners club and an owners group specifically for the V8 model.