MG rolls out its first 'Extreme'
14 May 2001: This is the ‘MGF Extreme’, powered by a 450 horsepower MG XP20 ‘X Power’ Le Mans engine and road legal. It is the first of a series of 'Extreme' and 'Ultimate' derivatives of forthcoming MG saloons and roadsters, one-off vehicles which are being specially built for demonstration and promotional purposes.Under the specially-formed bodywork, suspension components have been modified to embrace this triple expanse in power output from the standard car, with its mid-engine layout remaining for obvious dynamic benefits.
Larger wheels, functioning aerodynamic body features – which include front and rear lift reducing body contours, larger side air intakes, lower body side mouldings and bonnet vents – are all part of an Extreme view of the MGF, clearly with influences from the MG Lola Le Mans EX257 race car.
The ‘MG ZT Extreme’ will have even more – 500 horsepower – this time from a large, highly modified V8 engine driving the rear wheels (standard ZTs are front wheel drive, Core ZTs are rear-wheel-drive V8s), and again, it is road legal.
MG ZR and ZS Extremes are based closely on the Rally car and Touring race cars respectively, but will have appropriate road-going modifications.