ZT
The MG ZT is a high-performance version of the Rover 75 executive car, produced by MG at their Longbridge site in Birmingham. They also manufactured estate versions of the vehicle, referred to as the MG ZT-T. Styling is similar to the 75, although uprated springs and chassis modifications make for a far firmer ride. Production of the cars ceased in 2005 amidst financial turmoil at MG Rover.
n 2001, 3 years after the launch of the Rover 75 and less than a year after the de-merger of MG Rover from BMW, the MG ZT and MG ZT-T were launched. During the cars development, the models were codenamed X10 and X11 for the sedan and estate versions respectively. The design of the car was based on the Rover 75 but with a more aggressive and sporting look. Peter Stevens, designer of the McLaren F1, took the lead role in the cars design.
In 2003, the 260+ version of the car was launched (codenamed X12 and X13 for the saloon and estate versions respectively), utilising a 4.6 litre V8 from a Ford Mustang. The model also had to be converted from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive, and was largely engineered by motorsport and engineering company Prodrive.
Also in 2003, the MG ZT-T became the World's Fastest Estate car / Station Wagon with a top speed of 225.609 mph (360.9 km/h). It achieved this at 55th annual Bonneville Speed Week Nationals, on the Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
In early 2004, MG facelifted the design of the ZT and ZT-T to a less retro look at the same time as the Rover 75.
Nanjing Automobile of China purchased MG Rover in July 2005, three months after the company went bankrupt, and production of the MG ZT is expected to resume in early 2007.
