Wiki: MG ZR

[Sam]

"The MG ZR is a high-performance MG-branded "hot hatch" version of the Rover 25 supermini-class car, produced by MG Rover at their Longbridge plant in Birmingham from 2001 to 2005. Compared to the Rover 25, the ZR featured a number of styling modifications and performance enhancements such as uprated sports suspension and a less baffled exhaust."

Manufacturer
MG Rover

Production
2001 - 2005

Assembly
Longbridge, Birmingham, UK

Class
Hot hatch


Layout
Front Engined, Front Wheel Drive.



Engine
1.4 L K-Series Straight-4
1.8 L K-Series Straight-4
1.8 L K-Series VVC Straight-4
2.0 L L-Series Straight-4


MG ZR 105
ZR 105 came with a 1.4 K series engine which produced 102 bhp (76 kW; 103 PS) and 123 N·m (91 lb·ft) torque giving a 0-60mph of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 111 mph (179 km/h). It featured 262mm solid disks up front, and drum brakes at the rear. These brakes were widely regarded as not being adequate for such a high performance 1.4 engine.

MG ZR 120
The ZR 120 came with a 1.8 K series engine which produced 115 bhp (86 kW; 117 PS) and 160 N·m (120 lb·ft) torque giving a 0-60mph of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 119 mph (192 km/h). This had a more advanced brake set-up despite the small power increase, featuring same diameter 262mm discs upfront, but this time vented for aided cooling. The drums at the back were also replaced with 239mm solid disks to maintain braking balance.

MG ZR 160 (3D)
The range-topping ZR 160 came with a 1.8 K Series VVC engine producing 159 bhp (119 kW; 161 PS) and 174 N·m (128 lb·ft) torque giving a 0-60mph of 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph (211 km/h). This featured the most advanced brake set-up available with 282mm vented front discs, and even larger solid 260mm rear disks, all of which provided excellent stopping force in a vehicle only weighing 1145kg.

There were also two diesel variants of the ZR, the first being the ZR TD 100 which had a 2.0 L Series engine that made 99 bhp (74 kW; 100 PS) and 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) torque giving a 0-60 mph of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph (183 km/h).

The other diesel-engined ZR was the TD 115 which came with the same 2.0 L series engine but with some minor performance enhancements (improved ECU map), to produce 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) and 260 N·m (190 lb·ft) torque, which saw the car have a 0-60 mph of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph (187 km/h). The ZR TD 115 also came equipped with disc brakes at both the front and the rear sharing its brake set-up with the ZR 120, whereas the ZR TD 100 had drums at the back, sharing its brake set-up with the ZR 105.

The 2.0 diesel L series engine is highly tunable for very little money, and is consequently very popular with modifiers. The turbo boost pressure can be manually increased up to a safe limit of 19psi. The injectors can be replaced with Rover SDI injectors out of an older diesel engine, these injectors feature a nozzle with a higher flow rate allowing more fuel to be injected. Coupled with breathing modifications and a remap, for under £500 these diesel engines can see 150-160 bhp which will give the ZR 160 a run for its money due to the comparable power the diesel engine then produces.

Other common modifications on the ZR are brake upgrades. Most convert to the ZR 160 set-up, which only requires the correct rear beam, and the disks, pads and larger callipers from a donor car, making it a very simple job.

The K series petrol engines are less easily modified unless a lot of money is spent, this has resulted in a common engine conversion to the Rover 2.0 (T16) T series turbocharged engine. This engine in standard form puts out 197 bhp, however depending on how much work is done to the engine, they have been known to produce anywhere up to 900 bhp.

Models
In 2003 the MG Express was introduced, effectively a fast two-seater van. Not many of these were produced and are highly sort after by some due to the fact they were lighter from having no rear seats, making them fractionally quicker, and also the lack of rear window is believed to add stiffness to the chassis.

In 2004, the ZR was facelifted with the rest of the MG Rover range, the new design was created by Peter Stevens who designed the McLaren F1. A new, more modern look was given to the car through new front and rear bumpers, headlights, tailgate and various other exterior features. The 2004 model also received a revised interior with new seat materials and a new dash design incorporating the use of soft-touch buttons. This gave the cars a far more modern feel and matched the clean, more angular lines of the exterior.

The facelifted Mk2 ZR also saw the introduction of the Trophy and Trophy SE models. The MG ZR Trophy featuring a sunroof, 16-inch 'Grid-spoke' alloys, new rear light clusters, leather steering wheel and side sill and rear bumper extensions. The Trophy SE featured 17-inch 'Straights' alloy wheels and had air conditioning in the place of a sunroof.

Under the Monogram programme buyers could also select a wide range of options to customise their ZR such as choosing optional extras from the Rover 25 list. An example of this being rear parking sensors or heated seats.

[DannyZR]

love the white mk2 and great thread sam

[JamesD]

Nice thread, good info! I have a bit of info you could add about the express if you want. Its the windows and the frame for the van floor that add to the stiffness of the chassis. Most of the extra stiffness is prob down to the bolted in frame for the floor.

[SteveMG]

That white zed is stunning good thread mate

[Sam]

Post any additional information here and i'll edit it in, thanks guys

[Ashas_ZR]

The K series petrol engines are less easily modified unless a lot of money is spent, this has resulted in a common engine conversion to the Rover 2.0 (T16) T series turbocharged engine. This engine in standard form puts out 197 bhp, however depending on how much work is done to the engine, they have been known to produce anywhere up to 900 bhp. <--- really?! =\

[Sam]

Ive seen a 900 ~ bhp rally ZR not sure what the engine was.

[JamesD]

This is a T-series at 800 bhp http://www.an-racing.com/bubble.html I actually thought this was 900 bhp but according to the website its 800. Alot of work to get it at 800 though :S

[Ashas_ZR]

Fair play like. Thought someone was telling porkies

[rakester]

I think it's running more in the 900bhp region now, just the site hasn't been updated for a while.

Impressive figures!