LAUNCH SURPRISE OF MG SPORTS ESTATE VARIANT

MG Rover launches another surprise with the show debut of an MG sports estate version at the Geneva motor show today (February 27). Code-named MG X11, the new MG is launched in the company of four new product reveals, which include the stylish and capacious Rover 75 Tourer, the new MG ZR compact sports hatch, the MG ZS five- and four-door saloons, and the range-topping MG ZT saloon.

The sports estate version MG X11 extends the MG brand still further from the MGF, the UK’s best selling roadster, to a bold and energetic five-model product range incorporating 22 engine configurations.

Deliveries of the new MG X11 estate version will commence in late autumn 2001, initially with the 2.5-litre KV6 quad-cam alloy engine. 260Ps and 375Ps V8 engine versions are due in 2002 as radically re-engineered cars with rear wheel drive. A sports gearshift for the Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox provides crisp, short throws between ratios.

The new MG X11 estate version will feature all the benefits of an estate, but its focus will be overtly sporting, with supreme handling and cornering ability. The integral body strength of 20,000Nm/^o will enable the sports suspension to function with race-bred intent.

Chassis components, which influence the handling qualities, have been tuned to combine with unique MG-style alloy wheels and lowered suspension to provide a road-hugging cornering ability. Massive 325mm diameter front brake discs, backed by uprated braking systems and a higher-geared steering rack with revised valving will sharpen steering response and feel.

The new, deep front air-dam enhances the aerodynamics of the car with reduced lift, while also increasing air intake. MG external style cues include a body-colour MG radiator grille, with bright stone-guard mesh, matching that of the large lower air intake plus black cappings around all the glass areas. The sports exhaust tailpipes, housed within a heat shield, fit into the rear bumper for good ground clearance plus a racy look.

Inside the MG X11 estate version, there are specially developed front sports seats, carefully shaped to give good support and location – essential given the cornering prowess of the car. The interior features unique MG style instrumentation, a new ‘technical’ finish for the main fascia and console, special trim fabrics and a sports steering wheel with a thicker rim.

The capacious load carrying potential of over 1200-litres ensures the practicality of the estate version giving owners greater access and functionality. The wide 1.1m aperture lift-up tailgate, incorporates a separate opening rear window for extra convenience and by lowering the 60:40 split-folding rear seat backrest, the flat loadspace area extends to 2.06m.

The MG X11 estate version has an outstanding body rigidity of around 20,000Nm/^o. This body rigidity provides an excellent foundation for optimising suspension tuning, giving the Tourer a sports handling characteristic.

Bootspace is recorded at 400-litres and 680-litres if filled to the roof when the loadspace cover is removed. Maximum capacity with seats folded is 1222-litres.

Issued by MG Rover Group Communications

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