Search Car Reviews



See all makes



MG's X-Rated Show Surprise

British car maker MG Rover is upping the power. The Birmingham-based company used its home Motor Show to show off a ZR-X concept - and announced that the car would be a production reality this autumn.

By Craig Cheetham

02nd June 2004

A spokesman for MG Sports and Racing, which is developing the prototype, said the newcomer was the first of a fresh breed of performance MGs that will rival the most extreme sporting models in each market sector.

"The ZR-X is a sign of things to come," he explained. "It will debut in September or October, and will be followed closely by an XPower version of the TF, known as the TF-X, which is already under development."

These two models will be joined by a ZS-X and a ZT-X next year, both of which will take styling cues from the concept shown at the NEC. They include exclusive five-spoke alloy wheels, pearlescent paint and extra mesh trim in the front and rear bumpers. There will also be deeper side skirts, as well as an uprated sound system.

Although MG Rover refused to re-veal what was under the bonnet of the ZR-X, the engine is believed to be a derivative of the 158bhp K Series unit already used in the ZR 160. The turbo-charged powerplant will deliver about 200bhp, and be complemented by a close-ratio gearbox and sports exhaust.

Prices for the car have yet to be announced, but expect to pay around ΂£17,000. It is thought the TF-X will deliver a similar output, while the ZS-X and ZT-X will both give about 250bhp from modified 2.5-litre V6 units.

XPower styling kits will also be on offer, allowing drivers who can't stretch to the extreme models to modify their standard ZRs to look like the real thing.
See P30 of this week's issue: New ZS exclusive first drive

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -