MG Rover Group has applied to the Guinness World Records for the World's Fastest Estate car / Station Wagon record. The MG ZT-T, codenamed X-15, reached a top speed of 225.609 mph (360.9 km/h) at the August 2003, 55th annual Bonneville Speed Week Nationals, on the Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
In 2002 Nick Stephenson, deputy chairman of Phoenix Venture Holdings, himself an accomplished drag racer in the UK, together with MG Rover design director Peter Stevens, of McLaren F1 fame, decided to build a 200 mph estate derived from the forthcoming MG ZT-T V8.
Their reasoning was four-fold: to leverage MG's illustrious Bonneville history which dates back to 1951 and a string of records; to demonstrate the fundamental qualities of strength and safety inherent in the MG ZT range; to halo the introduction of some exciting new V8-powered MG models and to support engine development work for the planned ultra high performance versions of MG's XPower SV sports car. "This is not just about setting world records, this is about testing MG's vehicles to their limits, in some of the most extreme conditions you can find in the world. The added challenges of meeting strict technical and safety regulations which are set by the Southern California Timing Association make our achievement of 225.609 mph with a virtually stock MG ZT-T all the more satisfying," says Peter Stevens.
Famous names such as Stirling Moss and Phil Hill have set records driving for MG in the harsh and challenging environment of the Utah salt desert. Daily temperatures of more than 100 degF/38 deg C, the high altitude and the low grip surface of the smooth salt have always meant that high-speed record breaking at Bonneville is never easy.
In 2002, MG Rover approached the legendary, California-based, So-Cal Speed Shop to build and run the car. Custom car specialists So-Cal are professional land speed racers, well known for their Bonneville achievements in the late-forties and early-fifties.
Roush Performance was chosen for the powertrain development and they delivered an awesome 6.0-litre V8 with electronic fuel injection that develops 765 horsepower without the aid of an intercooler, let alone a blower or turbo. More than enough, it was felt, to propel the ZT-T to its goal of 200 mph.
In 2002, MG Rover approached the legendary, California-based, So-Cal Speed Shop to build and run the car. Custom car specialists So-Cal are professional land speed racers, well known for their Bonneville achievements in the late-forties and early-fifties.
Roush Performance was chosen for the powertrain development and they delivered an awesome 6.0-litre V8 with electronic fuel injection that develops 765 horsepower without the aid of an intercooler, let alone a blower or turbo. More than enough, it was felt, to propel the ZT-T to its goal of 200 mph.
In August, Bonneville veteran Pat Kinne clicked off an initial licensing pass of 207 mph on the Bonneville 'short course', backed up with a blistering 223 mph pass on the long course. Some minor pitch-attitude tweaking saw the ZT-T make a final run at 225.609 mph (306.9 km/h).
"Bonneville and record breaking is a very important part of MG history," says Nick Stephenson. "225 mph with our ZT-T is part of our future, because it signals the direction for further high performance models." "Having the ratification for a world record would be the icing on the cake," said So-Cal President Pete Chapouris, "However, regardless of that record, we are totally ecstatic with the performance of the MG ZT-T which exceeded our goal of a 200 mph estate by a comfortable margin."
"Bonneville and record breaking is a very important part of MG history," says Nick Stephenson. "225 mph with our ZT-T is part of our future, because it signals the direction for further high performance models." "Having the ratification for a world record would be the icing on the cake," said So-Cal President Pete Chapouris, "However, regardless of that record, we are totally ecstatic with the performance of the MG ZT-T which exceeded our goal of a 200 mph estate by a comfortable margin."
"We were completely thrilled," said Peter Stevens. "We had high hopes that the X-15 would perform as predicted, but in a competitive situation, exaggerated by the extremely harsh environment of Bonneville, you can never be certain. Not only are we tremendously pleased with the outright achievement, but that this form of extreme performance testing has demonstrated the capability of future powertrain and chassis developments."
This exciting project was launched on 28th May 1998. The MGF parentage is definitely present, although heavily disguised and MG Cars hope that a successful record attempt will give the car not only well-deserved status in its own right, but also to continue MG's place in record breaking history. In line with all other famous EXs that have attempted great speeds, the colour of EX255 (please note the significance of the code and hoped-for mph) is green. When questioned as to the name of this pale, almost pearlescent, shade, the answer was Andes Green (just remember the pilot's name). So there is a jovial side to the serious nature of producing the 'fastest MG in the world' as well!
