MG ZT-T 260 V8 profile
MG Rover launched the V8 powered MG ZT 260 V8 in September 2003 as a rear wheel drive vehicle, available in ZT saloon and ZT-T estate car formats, powered by a 260bhp 4.6-litre V8 engine with an awesome 410Nm of torque able to deliver class-leading acceleration. With an on-the-road price starting at £27,995, the ZT 260 offered an unbeatable combination of price and performance.
Externally there is little clue to the extent of body structure changes necessary to accommodate the new rear-wheel drive powerunit, indeed the ZT 260 shares the same acclaimed style of the front-wheel drive ZTs. Extensive changes have been made to the underfloor, with new designs for the 		front and rear floor, as well as an enlarged transmission tunnel to accommodate the in-line gearbox. A new manufacturing facility was been commissioned alongside the existing sophisticated ZT manufacturing line to ensure these changes to the body were delivered to consistently high quality standards.
The ZT 260 utilises Ford's proven 4.6-litre V8 engine, widely used in North America to power the iconic Ford Mustang and features Tremec's TR3650 five-speed manual gearbox, manufactured in North America.
See ZT-T 260 photo profile. More
Brochure 6095 2003, MG Rover. More
Our road test, September 2003. More
ZT 260 V8 review, February 2004. More
MG ZT-T 260 V8 facts
Produced: 2001 to 2005.
Bodywork: Four door estate car with an all steel monocoque construction.
Engine: Ford V8 aluminium alloy V8 engine with a single overhead camshaft per bank, sequential multiport fuel injection and Ford EEC-V ignition system producing 256bhp.
Performance: 0-60 mph: 6.3 secs and top speed: 155 mph.
Fuel consumption: 15-25 mpg. Fuel tank 14.25 gallons (64.8 litres).
Production: 151 including 36 (ZT-T 260) and 114 (ZT-T 260 SE) and 1 (ZT-T 385).
Specification: Five speed Tremec TR3650 manual gearbox (optional Ford four speed automatic), MacPherson strut and coil sprung with antiroll bar front and bespoke multi-link sub-frame rear suspension and Dana Hydratrak LSD, PAS, front and rear vented discs, ABS and bespoke cast alloy wheels. Electronic traction control on the SE models.
Spares and servicing availability: Good, particularly from the specialist ZT 260 V8 spares and servicing traders.
Garage fit? L 15ft 7" (4.75m) x W 5ft 10" (1.78m) x H 4ft 8" (1.42m).
Prices new: £27,995 ZT-T 260 and £32,750 ZT-T 260 SE.