25 May 2004:
The V8 derivative provides effortless performance to the Rover range. The highly specified flagship can be tailored in lavish Connoisseur SE trim specification and enhanced with a Plus Pack that combines ITS, rain-sensing wipers, message centre instrumentation, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric sunroof and rear sunblind for supreme luxury. Satellite navigation, including TV and teletext, is available as an option that embraces all the Plus Pack features.
The Contemporary SE model is more overt with less chrome, but more visual presence, and its Plus Pack includes ITS, electric sunroof, Xenon headlamps with powerwash, heated windscreen washer jets, and powerfold door mirrors.
The V8 has been represented in Rover products between 1967-1986 and is a hallmark of British cars with ‘power in reserve’. Her Majesty The Queen owns two Rover V8s. In their day Rover V8s were specified by Prime Ministers Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher. Previous V8-engined Rovers include the P5B 3.5-litre, P6B 3500, SD1 3500, V8S, 3500 Vanden Plas, Vanden Plas EFi and the 3.5-litre SD1 Vitesse.
Rover 75 V8 – Product Overview
The new full-depth open grille is reminiscent of the archetypal Rover P5B. Like the P5 and other V8-powered Rovers since, the imposing and distinctive appearance of V8 derivatives is matched by a motoring experience that has no peers in this segment of the market. The Rover 75 V8 four-door saloon is derived from the company’s much-respected large car platform. Driving the rear wheels, the in-line mounted 4.6-litre engine is matched to a smooth automatic transmission to offer refined yet effortless performance entirely in keeping with the long-distance, no object associations of this famous marque.
Rover’s famously comfortable seats have been trimmed in leather, designed to complement Rover’s new Light Oak theme on Connoisseur SE, or Dark Oak on Contemporary SE models.
Under the bonnet, the flagship V8 power unit develops 260Ps and 410Nm of torque that is fed to the road through the rear-wheels. Cruise control and traction control systems are standard equipment. The traction control ensures that the considerable torque is deployed to good effect, whatever the conditions, while delivering rapid acceleration up to a top speed of 151mph.
The proven 4.6-litre engine is now mated to a smooth automatic transmission. A new electronic engine management tune and unique exhaust and intake systems provide an impressive combination of refined cruising and an assertive soundtrack under hard acceleration.
The V8 chassis is derived from the acclaimed rear drive MG ZT platform, launched last year. However, substantial revisions to chassis tuning have delivered a more compliant ride without sacrificing the inherent confidence and stability of the basic platform. In keeping with the immense reserves of V8 torque, the chassis has been tuned to deliver a rewarding yet relaxing driving experience.
Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group’s Product Development Director, says: “This new derivative is an impressive addition to a distinguished Rover product range. The car’s performance and poise will shorten any long-distance journey, though on arrival occupants will be reluctant to leave the luxury of this sumptuous interior!”
Overview
The 75 V8 is the antithesis of the accomplished ZT 260 V8, for while the MG can capably deploy its power for performance and deliver high levels of driver involvement, the Rover is a wholly more refined experience. While the experience of the ZT has permitted the clever installation techniques of the large capacity engine and rear-wheel drive power train to be incorporated within the robust body shell, the change was to produce a car of supreme comfort, refinement and power-in-reserve characteristics.
Powertrain
The Rover 75 V8 utilises the proven 4.6-litre V8 engine, widely used in North America to power the iconic Ford Mustang. Modifications have been made to the Powertrain to assist in packaging the engine while MG’s engineers have also developed new intake, exhaust and emissions control systems to ensure the vehicle complies with stringent European noise legislation with no loss of power or torque. A new electronic engine calibration helps ensure the car exceeds current European emissions legislation. The automatic transmission has four speeds and is manufactured in North America.
The exhaust system, twinned for most of the length of the car, has four subtly mounted tailpipes, kept below the rear bumper. Outside the system produces a classic V8 burble, while inside the cabin remains quietly subdued, yet retains the note of a thoroughbred V8.
The Dana Hydratrak® limited slip differential system option, utilises vane-pump principles to ensure continuous and seamless torque transmission to both rear wheels in the event of wheel speed differential.
Steering and Suspension
The Rover 75’s steering and suspension systems have evolved radically to match the performance of the V8 power unit. Developed by driving enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the team focused their efforts on honing the car’s classic rear-drive handling to provide progressive control under the widest range of conditions. The result is a car that blends day-to-day ease of use with the driver-rewards of a true thoroughbred.
Power steering is now via a new forward mounted rack layout providing excellent feel and driver feedback to the leather-bound wheel.
The geometry of the 75’s MacPherson strut front suspension has been tuned to the requirements of the new chassis. 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.
A new multi-link rear suspension has been evolved from the design created for the ZT 260 V8. A new six-mount subframe houses the rear drive 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, sourced from specialist Eibach, work in conjunction with Bilstein monotube dampers to provide excellent wheel control.
Wheel designs are available in a 17″ Star-spoke design with 215/50 profile tyres provides supreme comfort levels, and in 18″ with Contisport 225/45 R18 tyres. Both have a unique machine-faced feature.
Braking
The Rover 75 V8 has a new H-split braking system providing excellent stopping power. At the front, proven large capacity 325mm ventilated discs and sliding-pin callipers are specified. At the rear a new AP-Racing sourced brake system is specified with 332mm ventilated discs and opposed piston alloy callipers.
Interior environment
A new HEVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning) unit is fitted to the V8. The new unit is a water-blend design featuring 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 existing 75’s acclaimed air-blending system. All models feature ATC (Automatic Temperature Control), using the familiar user-friendly interface of other 75 models.
Rover 75 V8 Connoisseur SE
- 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- 17″ Star-spoke ‘machined-finish’ alloy wheels
- Fully automatic climate control system with pollen filtration
- Light Oak style dashboard and console
- Wood gear knob and leather handbrake grip
- Power adjustable, heated leather seats with memory facility
- Chrome capped door mirrors
- Front fog lamps
- Rear parking distance sensors
- Front and rear electric windows, with driver’s one-shot up operation
- Folding rear seat with load-through
- Cruise control
Connoisseur SE with Plus Pack option adds:
- ITS
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Message centre instrumentation
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Electric sunroof
- Rear sunblind
- Satellite Navigation Pack (includes the Plus Pack features) option includes:
High-line satellite navigation
Teletext equipped TV tuner
Trip computer
Rover 75 V8 Contemporary SE
- 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Star spoke alloy wheels with ‘machined-finish’
- Black Oak style dashboard and console
- Fully automatic climate control system with pollen filtration
- Front and rear electric windows, with driver’s one-shot up operation
- Front fog lamps
- Black side window surrounds
- Body-coloured waist finishers and door mirrors with hallmark chrome sill strip
- Black leather Sports style seats and leather gearknob
- Powered adjustment and heated front seats
- Rear parking distance sensors
- Rain sensing wiper system
- Auto dimming rear view mirror
- Traffic Master Traffic Alert system
Contemporary SE with ‘Plus Pack’ includes:
- ITS
- Electric sunroof
- Xenon headlamps with powerwash
- Heated windscreen washer jets
- Powerfold door mirrors.
- Satellite Navigation Pack (includes the Plus Pack features) option includes:
High-line satellite navigation
Teletext equipped TV tuner
Trip computer
Pricing and Competition
The Rover 75 V8 is available in two trim level specifications, with ‘Plus Pack’ and Navigation options. A Tourer estate body style can also be specified. The Rover 75 V8 starts with an on-the-road price of £31,995.
With its large displacement engine offering 410Nm of torque, its rewarding driving experience and excellent feature specification, the Rover 75 V8 will attract buyers from established premium saloons such as BMW, Jaguar, Audi and Mercedes.
Rover 75 Saloon V8
| CO2(g/km) | VED | FRF | OTR Price | |
| Connoisseur SE | 319 | £160 | £38 | £31,995 |
| Connoisseur SE Plus Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £32,995 |
| Connoisseur SE Navigation Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £34,995 |
| Contemporary SE | 319 | £160 | £38 | £32,395 |
| Contemporary SE Plus Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £33,495 |
| Contemporary SE Navigation Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £35,495 |
Rover 75 Tourer V8
| CO2(g/km) | VED | FRF | OTR Price | |
| Connoisseur SE | 319 | £160 | £38 | £32,995 |
| Connoisseur SE Plus Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £33,995 |
| Connoisseur SE Navigation Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £35,495 |
| Contemporary SE | 319 | £160 | £38 | £33,395 |
| Contemporary SE Plus Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £34,495 |
| Contemporary SE Navigation Pack | 319 | £160 | £38 | £36,495 |
Options and Accessories
Rover V8 shares the wide range of options and accessories available across other 75 models, with the addition of an optional, factory-approved ‘Trackstar’ (stolen vehicle tracking) system available to supplement the Rover 75 V8’s sophisticated, standard fit theft prevention systems.
2 March 2004:
MG Rover Group today, at the 74th Geneva Motor Show, unveils a new 75-derived top-of-the-range Rover V8 saloon, in the marque’s centenary year. The Rover V8 incorporates a bespoke Monogram interior and is distinguished by a new exclusive front-end treatment with large grille, wholly reminiscent of previous V8 engined Rover cars. The Rover V8 marks the return of this illustrious derivative, first introduced as the archetypal Rover P5B.
The V8 derivative provides effortless performance to the Rover range. Available initially as a highly specified flagship derived from the Connoisseur SE specification, the bespoke interior brings new levels of luxury to a car already renowned for its inherent comfort and quality. The lavish trim specification is complemented by a prestigious new development of the latest 2004 Rover 75 exterior style theme, incorporating a new full depth radiator grille and imposing front bumper design.
Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, commented: “The return of the illustrious Rover V8 combines perfectly with the distinctive identity of this high-specification flagship and signifies an expanding confidence for the Rover marque, in its centenary year. Like its predecessors, it is a product of distinction and presence, with the new full-depth grille and front-end treatment a characteristic reminder of the refined delivery of power available from the 4.6-litre V8 harnessed under the bonnet.”
Rover V8 – Product Overview
The new full-depth open grille is reminiscent of the archetypal Rover P5B. Like the P5 and other V8-powered Rovers since, the imposing and distinctive appearance of V8 derivatives is matched by a motoring experience that has no peers in this segment of the market. The Rover V8 four-door saloon is derived from the company’s much-respected large car 75 platform. Driving the rear wheels, the in-line mounted 4.6-litre engine is matched to a smooth automatic transmission to offer refined yet effortless performance, entirely in keeping with the Grand Touring associations of this famous marque.
The vehicle displayed at Geneva incorporates a number of elements from MG Rover Group’s extensive customer personalisation Monogram range of paint colours, trims and individual features, and is an ideal way for the discerning customer to individualise this exclusive car still further. Rover’s famously comfortable seats have been trimmed in leather, designed to complement Rover’s new Light Oak wood theme. Wood and leather are used, with an elegant wood and leather steering wheel and handbrake grip. Underfoot, superior quality carpets have been specified, with additional tailored convenience mats.
A comprehensive range of high technology features is available to complement the opulent interior of this flagship car. These include GPS guided satellite navigation, in-car Teletext TV and multi-disc DVD player with motorised screen, while audiophiles will appreciate the exceptional Harman/Kardon Hi-Fi system. These interior refinements are complemented by prestigious large diameter alloy wheels and discrete exterior badging.
Under the bonnet, the flagship V8 power unit develops 260Ps and 410Nm of torque that is fed to the road through the rear-wheels. Cruise Control is standard equipment. MG Rover Group’s unique traction control system ensures that this
considerable torque is deployed to good effect, whatever the conditions, whilst delivering rapid acceleration up to a top speed in excess of 150mph.
Derived from the power train installation first used in the MG ZT 260 V8, the proven Ford sourced engine is now mated seamlessly to a smooth automatic transmission. A new electronic engine management tune and unique exhaust and intake systems provide an impressive combination of refined cruising and an assertive, sonorous soundtrack under hard acceleration.
The V8 chassis is derived from the acclaimed rear drive MG ZT platform, launched last year. However, substantial revisions to chassis tuning have delivered a more compliant ride without sacrificing the confidence and stability inherent in the basic platform. In keeping with the immense reserves of V8 torque, the chassis has been tuned to deliver a rewarding yet relaxing driving experience. A new traction control system provides fast engine intervention to wheel slip. This has been developed in a partnership between MG Rover Group, British electronics experts Racelogic and American engine specialists Roush Industries.
Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group’s Product Development Director, says: “This new derivative is an impressive addition to a distinguished Rover product range. The car’s performance and poise will shorten any long-distance journey, though on arrival occupants will be reluctant to leave the luxury of this sumptuous interior!”
Performance and pricing
The Rover V8 has a maximum speed in excess of 150mph/240km/h, with acceleration to 60mph comfortably below 7 seconds. Precise market specification and pricing will be announced in due course. UK sales are expected to commence in May, followed across Europe mid-year.
The Rover V8 has been represented in products between 1967-1986 and is a hallmark of British cars with ‘power in reserve’. Her Majesty The Queen owns two Rover V8s. In their day Rover V8s were specified by Prime Ministers Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher. Previous V8-engined Rovers include the P5B 3.5-litre, P6B 3500, SD1 3500, V8S, 3500 Vanden Plas, Vanden Plas EFi and the 3.5-litre Vitesse.