Cheeky Jim

Hi all,

Anyone got anymore info on the new V8 powered Rovers shortly to be released? I have only read the info in AutoExpress, but they do look quite tasty. Just thinking that with a bit of breathing on, they will fly.

Anyone seen one in the flesh? Got any inside info on the cars or engines?

Jamie

Duck_Pond

I've seen on parked up in a local country pub car park. TBH, it wasn't that different to look at to the normal ZT-T 190, though it had 4 exhaust pipes, and said 260 on the ickle badge.

A friend's Dad who works for Rover has been taken out in one, and was very impressed not only at the straight line speed and torque of the car, but also how well it handled (was being driven through some country lanes).

My brother's dealership is apparently getting one soon, so hopefully he'll be able to bring it over, for a more detailed viewing!

Reffro

Overview
The ZT 260 is a fully engineered 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 robust bodyshell, without major visual changes. Below the skin the platform is largely new with significant changes to many functional vehicle systems to accommodate the revised drive-line layout, to produce a car of great driving character.
Recently a development ZT-T V8 was taken to the Salt Flats at Bonneville, Utah where the MG achieved a maximum speed of 225mph from a specially tuned V8 engine variant.

Design and Development
The development engineers were briefed to deliver the ultimate antidote to an anodyne world. The challenges involved in transforming the drive platform and packaging a large capacity V8 engine into the existing front-wheel drive vehicle should not be underestimated. Advanced computer techniques were used to package the new hardware without sacrificing the strengths of the established ZT platform. 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.
Given the magnitude of the changes, it is no surprise that ZT has been extensively tested, seeing action in climates ranging from the bitterly harsh conditions of the Swedish winter through to the burning heat of high speed testing in Arizona and Australia.

Body Structure
Externally there is little clue to the extent of body structure changes necessary to accommodate the new rear-wheel drive powerunit, indeed ZT 260 shares the same acclaimed style of the front-wheel drive ZTs. Extensive changes have been made to the underfloor, with new designs for the front and rear floor, as well as an enlarged transmission tunnel to accommodate the in-line gearbox. A new manufacturing facility has been commissioned alongside the existing sophisticated ZT manufacturing line to ensure these changes to the body are delivered to consistently high quality standards.

Powertrain
The ZT 260 utilises Ford’s 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 exhaust system, twinned for most of the length of the car, is distinguished by new quad-tailpipes. Outside the system produces a classic V8 burble, while inside the cabin remains quiet until aroused by the throttle when it resounds to the sporting note of a true thoroughbred.
ZT 260 features Tremec’s TR3650 five-speed manual gearbox, manufactured in North America. The unit has been extensively modified to meet MG’s needs and features unique gearing to suit the demands of European driving. MG’s engineers have also developed an all-new gear selection system and bespoke hydraulic clutch actuation to ensure precise and positive gear changes.
The rear axle features Dana’s Hydratrak® limited slip differential system, which 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 ZT 260’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 seamless, fluid and adjustable attitude 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, driven by a higher capacity pump, is now via a new forward mounted rack layout providing excellent feel and driver feedback to the leather-bound wheel.
The geometry of the ZT's MacPherson strut front suspension has been tuned to the requirements of the new chassis platform. 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 loadpath 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 Hyrdratrak® 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; the attractive ‘Straights’ design is specified on the ZT 260 with a new ‘Apex’ 10-blade design on the ZT 260 SE. Contisport 225/45 ZR18 tyres balance excellent lateral stability with crisp, precise steer response.

Braking
ZT 260 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 ZT 260. 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 ZT’s acclaimed air-blending system. All models feature ATC (Automatic Temperature Control), using the familiar user-friendly interface of other ZT models.

A discreet V8 badge in the centre of the fascia differentiates the interior of the car, while other aspects of the cabin environment are broadly similar to the existing 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.
Black leather trim, highline satellite navigation that includes a Teletext equipped TV tuner and park distance sensors are but a few of the features that distinguish the SE.

ZT 260 V8 – Product specification
ATC air conditioning
Electric front windows and heated door mirrors
Front fog lamps
Leather steering wheel and gear ****
ABS
Driver, passenger and side (thorax) airbags
18” ‘Straights’ multi-spoke alloys with 225/45 ZR18 tyres
CD tuner
Lip spoiler (on ZT saloon)
Thatcham Category 1* approved alarm immobiliser system

ZT 260 SE models include the following additional features:
High-line satellite navigation
Teletext equipped TV tuner
Side head impact protection (ITS) for front seats
18” ‘Apex’ 10-blade alloy wheels
A choice of ‘lip’ or ‘wing’ boot lid spoiler (on ZT saloon)
Moveable load restraint net cassette system (on ZT-T estate)
Xenon lights
CD autochanger
Trip computer
Electro chromatic self-dimming rear view mirror
Rain sensor
Electric front seats
Black leather seat trim
Parking distance control
Electric sunroof

Pricing and Competition
The range is launched in both ZT saloon and ZT-T estate models and is available in two trim specifications. The MG ZT 260 V8 starts from an on-the-road price of £27,995, with the higher specified SE model £32,750 OTR. MG ZT-T 260 V8 estate models start from £28,995 OTR.

With its large displacement engine offering 410Nm of torque, its rewarding driving experience and excellent feature specification, the ZT 260 V8 will attract buyers from established premium sports saloons such as the BMW 330i, Jaguar
X-TYPE 3.0 and Volvo S60 T5.

Cheeky Jim

perfect - looks like I might be first in line for a test drive. It is exactly what I need to ferry about wife, 2 kids and a golden retriever around!!

Thanks Reffro.

Jamie

p.s. where did you get all that info? dont tell me...the MG website!

Reffro

Close. I copied it from the MG press release that I received, That wasn't all the info though, but I couldn't get much more in, but the headline figures are 155mph limited, 0-60mph 6.2secs, 0-100mph 16.3secs, 314gms/km, 21.7mpg combined (ouch).

Cheeky Jim

My work pays all my fuel costs - so thats not too bad and they pay the first £500 of my insurance as well!

After having a scooby doing 20mpg - the rover seems reasonable!

Jamie

what would scooby do

Never heard a back of a *** packet called that before LOL

Jerry*

Looks pretty good from what I have read/seen.

Would have liked it if they had tweaked the looks a little bit more though.

Good on 'em - hope it works for them.

brickboy

See the new V8 ZT advert at Sniff Petrol

Reffro

This one you mean?

dosenöffner

Buy a Holden. They've been doing it for years and at least it's a little more unique over here.

ScoobyTal

will be a good second hand buy 1 year old £4k

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Yeah right, 260 bhp RWD car at one year old 4k, suspect they may just get a following, remember like the 4wd farmers car with a turbo in 1992 ?

Never mind 385 bhp versions !

Jonto

I hope cars like this do get a following, to get Rover back on track again, and give us Brits something to be proud of in the car market !

Keep up the good work ROVER !

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Believe me,if I had the money to buy a RWD 260 (or 385) bhp Rover I would be right at the front of the queue.

Butty

iTrader: (2)

As J4cko,
I have a ZT and the engine is gutless but the rest is a peach.
Far better package than my Scoob.
Will be counting my beans in anticipation for the supercharged model. Ijust hope MG don't fold before hand though
So don't knock em till you've driven one.

Nick

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

What chance is there of MG folding ?

Seem to see a lot of cars with the badge on so people are buying them, I reckon that they will sell quite a few of these , depends if the average BMW or Merc driver is tempted by a Mustang V8 ?

I would rather have a ZT260 than a 3 Series coupe, nice car but the roads are teaming with them, MG should get a one make series going with these with plenty of tail out action as nobody (apaprt from rallying) seems to do oversteer any more, remember touring cars in the 80s early 90s, as opposed to front wheel drive cornering on rails situation we have now ?