Remember when MG Rover announced that they would build an ‘Extreme’ version of the MG ZT, with a V8 engine and rear wheel drive? Then the sceptics said “Oh sure they will”. Well, here it is – the MG ZT X-Power 500 – one of a number of very special MG cars that have been produced to demonstrate the company’s design strengths and potential of the models developed by the engineers at MG.

Arches extended to accommodate huge 18″ alloy road wheels and 245/40 front and 275/35 rear ZR18 tyres

These MG X Power extreme vehicles are individual developments and not intended for series production. MG Extremes are developed from prototypes to illustrate the integrity and extremities of the chassis and powertrain engineering, with each one being design to be both outrageously powerful and road legal.

Just weeks after the company revealed an equally powerful MGF X-Power 500 the MG ZT X-Power 500 hits the streets. This time the power is produced from a muscular V8, producing 500Ps and a brutal 400lb. ft of torque.

Business-like flight deck with supportive racing seats

With 108bhp per litre, delivered by a 4.6-litre quad-cam V8, Vortec supercharging and aftercooled, the ZT X-Power 500 produces a power-to-weight ratio of 312bhp per tonne. Mated to a T56 six-speed manual gearbox, this MG ZT produces awesome acceleration reaching 100mph in 8.4 seconds. From a standstill to 60mph comes up in 4.5 seconds, providing the surface conditions allow you to get all that power down on the road.

This V8 installation is a first in the MG ZT and next spring there will be a road going 260Ps version, before an ‘ultimate’ version with 375Ps is introduced, itself heavily influenced by the ZT X-Power 500.

Special badges for a very special MG

Weight distribution is almost ideal with a balance of 56F: 44R which is a direct benefit from the front engine/rear wheel drive and this allows progressive and proportional breakaway when cornering hard, permitting complete driver involvement and the rewards of a controlled driving experience.

Exterior styling provides a purposeful stance while housing the huge 18″ alloy road wheels and 245/40 front and 275/35 rear ZR18 tyres. A new wider front bumper has been profiled with harder-edged forms, integrating the wider wheel arches, side skirts and aerodynamic aids.

Styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rover’s Product Design Director, a high mounted wing-type rear spoiler dominates the rear end, and provides essential aerodynamic control, tuned for zero lift, over a spectrum of road speeds and yaw angles. Stability is assured whether the MG is operating at 70mph or super-car speeds exceeding 170mph!

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

Underbonnet view 4.6-litre V8 Aluminium alloy block & heads

The rear suspension evolves the ZT’s Z-axle, with a tubular carrier for the Hydratrak torque control differential, which incorporates three transverse and one substantial longitudinal suspension link arms. Both front and rear suspension is tuned to provide complete and precise feel to the driver of road and vehicle behaviour.

Inside, Sparco two-tone sports-race seats and competition harnesses ensure that the occupants remain firmly restrained in the company of a product capable of generating outrageous acceleration, braking and cornering forces.

Rob Oldaker, Product Development Director, commented: “The MG ZT XPower 500 is an audacious illustration of the excitement, talent and passion, that was latent in our engineers. Given the opportunity to develop an Extreme MG super-car, high on driving exhilaration, their energy has been unleashed in producing a road going sensation.

This spoiler has some real work to with a top speed of 190 mph

“The lid that restrained development of MG products in recent years, has been blown off and the results are truly explosive. MG’s new approach – to be sensational and outrageous – is being seen in blistering style. Stunning performances in the Le Mans 24 Hour race and the amazing pace of new model introductions has attracted phenomenal interest.

“The MG ZT XPower 500 is ‘just another’ example of our engineering capability and enthusiasm for this fast accelerating MG brand. The launch in the next few days of the MG ZR, MG ZS and MG ZT, will give driving enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the MG brand strengths at first hand.” 

 For more photos and the full technical specification see the August edition of ‘Enjoying MG’.