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Click here for ZT 190 photo gallery
MG-Rover South Africa boss Piet Rademeter has previously told Wheels24 that he would bring MG saloons into this country when the time is ripe. It would appear that time is now.
The MG Extreme models are descibed by MG-Rover in the UK as "are one-off demonstrators, not intended for series production, and will each be outrageously powerful and road legal."
Outrageous as in fire-breathing 370 kW V8 engines with a top speed in excess of 270 km/h and 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 5 seconds. They won't be sold here.
Heading up the MG saloon range, the ZT models bring a new sporting aura to the upper-medium and compact executive car sectors. The ZT 190 has an upgraded 140 kW version of the 2.5-litre V6 engine as found in the Rover 75.
The MG ZT 190 uses the basic Rover 75 bodywork, but much modified to bring it to the sporting levels required by MG.
True to MG's sports pedigree, the MG ZT makes a strong visual impact with a purposeful stance and style. Aerodynamic features and various chassis dynamic elements have been developed to influence handling qualities to produce a real sports-driving characteristic.
The front end is dominated by a bold MG grille, its surround painted to match the body colour, and incorporating bright mesh.
The deep bumper moulding contains stylish circular indicator lamps, front fog lamps and bright mesh for optimised cooling performance and high-speed stability.
A body coloured aerodynamic rear spoiler is available on the MG ZT models, which has been harmonised with the front bumper design to substantially reduce aerodynamic lift, benefiting straight-line stability, controlling high-speed lane change characteristics and increasing high-speed braking efficiency.
Rear bumpers incorporate a stainless steel heat shield, surrounding the twin stainless steel large-bore exhaust tailpipes tuned for low back pressure and to produce a characteristic sports sound.
The outrageous MGF Extreme - not for sale
The interior focuses on a "technical" look with fascia panels and console finished in silver, with matching silver finished instrument dials.
Octagon badge
The traditional MG octagon badge features at the centre of the black leather trimmed steering wheel, perforated on the grip sections. A similar approach co-ordinates the spherical alloy/leather gearshift and handbrake.
Front seats complement the MG driving experience, providing exceptional lateral support.
The seat fabrics have been designed to co-ordinate with the dark grey overall theme, with the centre panels trimmed in flat-woven fabric, inspired by the chequered racing flag and coloured to match the bold body colour range with red/green or blue/yellow fabric panels and decorative top stitching.
A folding rear seat with load-through facility is standard.
Additional standard features include twin front and side (thorax) airbags, ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), alarm and immobiliser, driver?s height and lumbar adjustment, remote central door locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, air conditioning, pollen filter and 18" alloy wheels.
On the suspension front there are firmer spring rates, stiff engine and subframe mounts, and a quicker 16.4:1 steering rack for incisive turn in.
MG-Rover will also show the Rover 75 and the new Rover 75 Tourer on its stand.
Click here for ZT 190 photo gallery
