MGs at Autosport International

There was no gentle easing into the new year for MG and motorsport enthusiasts as the first major motor show of the year, Autosport International opened at the NEC on the 8th January. It is the shop window of the UK motorsport industry and the number and variety of displays present showed how active and important this industry is to UK Plc. However, it is the MG perspective that was of prime interest here and fortunately, there was much to see.

With the K series engine being such a favourite with so many tuners, there is always a wide variety of products on display for it. This year was no exception, but this time there was an extra K series element following significant developments.

At the 2003 Show MG Sport and Racing announced that they had commissioned Engine Developments Ltd (the Judd Formula 1 and other very high profile international racing engine builder) to develop a 2-litre version of the 4-cylinder K series engine for motorsport use. This may seem a small item from a distance, but when the K series came out it was said at the time that 1400cc was the largest possible capacity from the design. Clever development has showed that statement to be incorrect, with 1600 and 1800cc versions in the mid 1990s, accompanied with further comment that 1800cc was indeed the largest available capacity.

MG Sport and Racing Stand at Autosport International 2004

However, in just a few short months Engine Developments created a full 2-litre version, with assistance from Powertrain Ltd, the K series engine builder. Initial positive testing and specifically the excellent result from the Thruxton round of the Britcar Endurance Championship in September 2003, led to the engine becoming available in November 2003 as a complete motorsport engine, but at considerable cost, direct from Engine Developments.

On the impressive MG Sport and Racing stand at this year’s show, the K200 programme took another significant step with the first true road going application of the K2000 displayed in a new product called MG ZRX. This car is a road modified ZR, which used new suspension, wheels, brakes and other upgrades from the new XPOWER range of available products, together with the K2000 engine in a complete package. This is an extension of MG Sport and Racing’s growing portfolio of high performance MG cars that can be bought direct from them. Unfortunately there was no hoped for announcement of 2004 motorsport activities.

MG ZRX

ZRX Wheel and brake detail

The MG ZRX sported a prominent XPOWER 210 badge on its rear, which in this case reflected the K2000 engine power output. In fact, the engine can be supplied in forms from 160 to 250ps, but of significance was that this 210ps version utilised the familiar standard VVC type of cast alloy inlet manifold and 52mm throttle body in turn fed by a proven ITG designed air filter system. Significant because some tuning circles have indicated that this manifold and throttle arrangement supposedly becomes restrictive at about the 180ps level. 210ps shatters that concept and provides an important connection to the current road cars using this configuration. There were other interesting points about this engine, which will be covered in a more comprehensive future feature, but the impact of 210ps in road going form that can be used in any MG where there is a current four cylinder K series is immense.

ZRX rear end badging

MG SV interior

Also on the stand were three other cars, an SV of course, a rally prepared ZR and a near standard TF160 that had been fitted with a number of new XPOWER products, including a close ratio gearbox, roll hoops and a range of other personalising products. These were all taken from the rapidly increasing range of XPOWER products that are now being sold through MG Sport and Racing and their distributors. Their first product catalogue was distributed at the show and it is being firmly aimed at the road environment. In a feature speculating on MGs future, published in the autumn of 2000, I suggested that the recreation of the old Special Tuning Dept would be a very positive thing to generate income, raise performance profiles and most importantly not need the expensive requirement for new vehicle type approvals, as products would be fitted to vehicles already registered.

Whilst arriving a little late I am delighted to say that the old BMC days of Special Tuning are back, where the Competition Dept cars and their developments can be bought by the public. Today the Competition Dept is now MG Sport and Racing and Special Tuning is XPOWER. Racing does genuinely improve the breed.

Another significant K series engine announcement at the show was actually another 2-litre engine development, this time by well-known K series tuner PTP Ltd. PTP with their partner, the PMI Group, followed a similar theme with enlarged bores and longer stroke. The dimensions are in fact different to those of the K2000 engine though. The result is a similar capacity and they brand their engine K2.0EVO, available only in fully built form at a price slightly under that being asked for the K2000 seen in the ZRX. The engines may share similar capacities, but there are many detail differences and power levels are said to be easily capable of exceeding 235ps.

PTP also announced a couple of other new items. Firstly a 1.9 litre conversion where they use just the enlarged bore from their K2.0EVO engine. This will appeal to many as an economic way of gaining torque for their 1.8 litre engines without having to replace the whole engine. Secondly, a new cylinder head casting that follows the principle of the old Motorsport casting which combined the VVC porting and valves without the VVC cam system. This new head called Vulcan has adopted most of the improvements PTP used to have done to the old Motorsport castings that added an extra 10 hours labour to each head. Now this is cast into the head that out of the box is able to out perform the previous modified motorsport castings. The cost of one of these bare head castings will be approx £1000.

MG TF interior gets X power treatment

Reaching 2 litres is a major milestone for the four cylinder K series engine, enabling it to stand on the same platform as other manufacturer’s engines and not be playing catch up by being 200cc down. Having this engine in a road going format is another milestone and leads to the obvious question as to possible use as a full production engine. Gordon Poynter, Powertrain Commercial Director, indicated that they have assisted throughout the development of the new capacity engine but that moving from a specialist engine to production engine requires many justifications. However, he was at pains to point out that they have a very open mind and are keeping a close eye on all aspects, as indeed they are in respect of all their other products.

Elsewhere at the show the MG TF 200 HPD hybrid, using both standard 160ps engine driving the rear wheels and a 40ps electric motor driving the front wheels, was on display on the MIRA stand. MIRA’s very enthusiastic project development manager, Derek Charters, was on hand to discuss details of the car, and of his vision for future developments if investment is forthcoming. In addition to the already stated obvious benefits of the development, such as four wheel drive, quite low emission for 200ps output, plus the ability for it to be driven on the electric motor only so that the TF HPD 200 can comply with zero emission zones if introduced. All of the equipment used in this car was deliberately chosen not to be leading edge, which in turn means it’s also relatively inexpensive and proven.

PTP’s 2 litre K series race engine

An immediate development possibility includes the opportunity to add a second electric motor so there is individual drive to each front wheel. Not only does this add to the total power capacity of the car, increasing performance even further, (already sub 6 seconds to 60mph) but allowing the engineers to develop positive steering benefits by varying the power each electric motor delivers. More power added to the outer steering wheel to actually help ‘pull’ the car in the steered direction.

It was also interesting to hear feedback about the aerodynamic changes to this car and learn that the modifications done actually work, as demonstrated in MIRA’s advanced wind tunnel. It was revealing to hear that their testing shows that the TF front slats between the headlamps actually allows air to escape before it passes through the radiator, and that the two standard air vents on the boot lid actually force air into the engine bay when the car is moving, not out.

TF 200 HPD on the MIRA racing stand

Another highlight was the presence at the Show of Sean Hyland whose company Sean Hyland Motorsport supplied the engine fitted to the 2002 Motor Show MG SV. The company’s experience with the Ford Modular V8 engine range, as used in both the ZT 260 and SV ranges, is renowned in North America but less well known outside (unless you have a car using one of these engines). In conversation Sean was delighted to discuss many aspects of the engines and was keen to learn that the V8 MGs are starting to become available as he sees considerable tuning potential for them. There will be future discussions here!

Autosport International is always an interesting show for any MG enthusiast and the 2004 show was certainly above average.

Roger Parker