MG Rover is giving its ZR hot hatch the XPower treatment to potentially create one of the most powerful hatchbacks on sale. The ZRX was shown at last week’s Autosport International Show, and could produce up to 250bhp.
However, the first production vehicles will make do with the 160bhp 1.8 VVC engine – the same as the current ZR’s – but gain the butch body kit inspired by MGR’s rally car.
More powerful versions, developing 210bhp and 250bhp, could use a K-series engine bored out to 2.0 litres. The show car’s engine was built by race specialists Engine Developments.
It also featured a close ratio ’box, competition clutch and limited-slip diff. Suspension is adjustable all round and the car sits on 18-inch wheels with low-profile 215/35 rubber.
Cars will be built to customers’ specifications and MG wants buyers to visit the factory to talk about their requirements.
‘It will be like the ’70s, when customers would come to Abingdon to talk about the modifications they wanted to their MGBs and Midgets,’ said an MG spokesman.
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