MG ZT XPower 385

ULTIMATE THRUST FOR ROAD-GOING MG ZT XPOWER 385

MG has today (September 11) unveiled a show surprise at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show with the MG ZT XPower 385 – a road going development of the ZT XPower 500 Extreme, due on sale in the summer of 2002. With a price of under £40,000 it promises to deliver excellent power for money with a performance capable of propelling the MG to 60mph in less than 5.0 seconds, to a potential 175mph maximum speed.

A 4.6-litre V8 engine powers the MG ZT XPower 385, with drive to its rear wheels. Styling emanates from the current V6 MG ZT range and takes further aerodynamic forms and detailing from the awesome XPower Extreme concept, developed to produce 500Ps for chassis and installation engineering integrity.

MG’s ultimate performance saloon is also capable of accelerating to 100mph in 11 seconds. The muscular 4.6-litre supercharged V8 is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox producing impressive torque of 522Nm (385 lb.ft.).

A 260Ps version – the MG ZT 260 – will go on sale first, in spring 2002, preceding the summer introduction of the MG ZT and ZT-T XPower 385.

Styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rover’s product design director, the 385’s overall design performs a functional aerodynamic role. Formed in the wind tunnel, the rear spoiler provides an essential aerodynamic control, tuned for minimum lift over a spectrum of road speeds and yaw angles. Stability is assured whether the ZT XPower 385 is operating at 70mph or supercar speeds where permitted exceeding 170mph.

Exterior styling emphasises a purposeful stance while housing the huge 18″ multi-spoke ‘Straights’ alloy wheels and 245/40 front and 275/35 rear ZR18 tyres. A deep section front bumper has been profiled with harder-edged forms, integrating the body-coloured wider wheel arch extensions and sill mouldings.

The strong visual appearance is emphasised by Xenon headlamps, front driving lamps, bright mesh grille with integral aerodynamic wing and bonnet vents. A purposeful boot spoiler and XPower badging complete the strong identity.

On the inside, XPower high-back sports seats give comfort and support to a driver capable of generating the acceleration, braking and cornering forces that the 385 can produce. The fascia features a Rhodium silver technical finish, with backlit instrumentation dials. Air conditioning and a sophisticated alarm system are standard equipment.

Front strut suspension uses a similar layout to the ZT190 and features a tubular subframe, Bilstein dampers, uprated springs and anti-roll bars. Large alloy 4-pot brakes that harness the 330mm ventilated discs, are all specified to give a truly awesome driving experience.

The rear suspension features a tubular carrier for the Hydratrak torque control differential, which incorporates three transverse and one substantial longitudinal suspension link arms. Front and rear suspension is tuned to provide precise feel for the driver.

Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group’s Product Development Director, commented: “The MG ZT XPower 385 provides a thrilling and exciting road-experience. It has a purposeful presence, yet combines the practicality of a comfortable five-seater saloon or estate with supercar performance. When you arrive in this MG, everyone will know you have arrived.”

The MG ZT XPower 385 is due on sale in the summer of 2002 and an estate version – MG ZT-T XPower 385 will also be available. It will compete with established products like the BMW M3, Mercedes C32 AMG and Audi RS4.

The MG ZT is displayed in a new ‘Typhoon’ multi-colour flip pearlescent paint finish, soon to be available to customers of Rover and MG cars.

MG is currently introducing a family of sports saloons – the MG ZR, MG ZS and MG ZT – that will complement the popular MGF roadster. At the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, MG also unveiled the MG X80 – a luxury performance sports car – details are available in a separate release.

MG ZT XPOWER 385 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Gearbox