MG

2001 September: X80 prototypes shown.

2001 June, right: The MGF X-Power 500, first of MG's "extreme" cars built is one-off demonstrators. This one is based on the rear engined MGF which normally has a modest 1.8 litre 4-cylinder motor, but in this case a 370 (500Ps) unit is fitted driving a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The engine is based on the 2001 MG Le-Mans race engine. The track is 4" wider than standard at the front, 6" wider at the rear. The car is not for sale; its purpose is to help create a new image for MG.

2001 June: MG announced that it will launch a 4.6-litre V8 sports car, the [X80], in 2002.

2001 May: Two MG Lola prototypes are entered in the 2001 Le Mans 24-hour race. (They retired with mechanical problems.) This is part of a big push into motor sport by MG. A new subsidiary `MG Sport & Racing Ltd' has been created together with a new brand, `MG X Power'.

2001 March, Geneva: MG Rover revealed the MG ZR hot hatch (right), MG ZS 4-door & hatchback, and MG ZT saloon (below).

The ZR uses the 1.8-litre engine also found in the MGF Trophy 160 SE. A special model, the Ultimate, will be based on a works rally car.

The MG ZS is based on the Rover 75 and has a 130 2.5 litre V6. (This sort of grille engineering is what the old BMC used to do to no great effect; let's hope MG Rover does not fall into the old traps.)

The MG ZT (left) uses an "uprated version of the new Rover 75's [dohc] V6" (145). It drives a Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox. The suspension is said to be considerable firmer than that of the Rover 75. The top model will be a rear wheel drive (!) 190 V8. Now that could be a genuine BMW rival if MG Rover gets it right.

2001 March: The MGF sports car range now includes the 1.8i at 42,270, MGF Steptronic 45,490 (right), and MGF VVC (Variable Valve Control, 107) 49,990 ( 3/2001).

All MGFs have a mid-mounted 1.8 litre 4-cylinder engine, rear wheel drive and Hydragas interconnected springs. The Steptronic gives a choice of automatic or 6 speed sequential manual gear selection.

The MGF Trophy 160SE (left) is a limited edition (500 world wide) version of the VVC, breathed on the give 117, with an AP racing brake system, and 16" wheels - 54,990.

Warranty is 3 year/ 100,000km. Rivals: Lotus Elise, Mazda MX 5 & Toyota MR 2.

MG and Rover cars are now no longer under BMW and are separate from Ford-owned Land Rover. MGs are sold in Australia through 11 MG Rover dealerships.

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