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You've got to hand it to those in charge at MG. They've taken a brand that was the subject of much derision (by the likes of us!) and turned it into something exciting. We never thought we'd see the day that we'd get excited about an MGF! Using Le Mans as a backdrop, MG have unveiled the latest weapon in the PR war on mediocrity with the unveiling of hte MGF X Power 500. Sadly it's purely a demonstrator but the bright green roadster is somewhat desirable being powered by a race-bred 500Ps (493bhp) engine and 6-speed sequential transmission. This is housed in a much modified MGF monocoque structure.
The links between the MG X Power motorsport programmes and the MGF X Power 500 are evident throughout the car. Power is courtesy of the MG Le Mans XP development engine, mounted transversely behind the cockpit and driving the rear wheels via an X-Trac competition gearbox.
Seam Welded
While externally MGF X Power 500 appears radically different from the standard car, much of the original structure remains. The body is seam welded throughout and has a fully integrated cage. Front and rear subframes are modified to accommodate the new powertrain and handle the 3-fold increase in power output.
The track becomes 100mm wider at the front and 150mm at the rear. Four-pot AP Racing brakes ensure effective stopping performance. Wider tyres are specified for the task of managing the extreme power available 225/35 R17 at the front and 265/35 R17 at the rear on MG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Flares
Covering these huge wheels and extended track has involved some radical changes to the exterior style of the car the wheel arches are flared and connected by a sill-mounted side-skirt. The front end is completely revised and is clearly influenced by the MG Lola Le Mans EX257 race car, and styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rovers Product Design Director. At the rear a high mounted wing-type spoiler balances the high downforce front end.
Engine cooling is optimised by an increased radiator capacity, fed by a much larger aperture in the front bumper and exiting through vents in the bonnet. The side air intakes are also enlarged to feed cold air into the engine bay.
Inside, race seats and competition harnesses ensure the occupants remain firmly in place.
Not for Sale
The MGF X Power 500 is not for sale, but has been developed to be outrageous fun. In this respect it sets the scene for what is to follow as the Extreme treatment is progressively revealed on versions of the MG ZT, MG ZS and MG ZR models; each one a one-off purpose-built demonstration vehicle.
Rob Oldaker, Product Development Director, commented: The MGF X Power 500 is proof that MG will be sensational and outrageous, and this is only the beginning. It can also compete with the best in the highest echelons of the performance car scene. MG is a fast moving bold brand with an appetite to thrill.
The links between the MG X Power motorsport programmes and the MGF X Power 500 are evident throughout the car. Power is courtesy of the MG Le Mans XP development engine, mounted transversely behind the cockpit and driving the rear wheels via an X-Trac competition gearbox.
Seam Welded
While externally MGF X Power 500 appears radically different from the standard car, much of the original structure remains. The body is seam welded throughout and has a fully integrated cage. Front and rear subframes are modified to accommodate the new powertrain and handle the 3-fold increase in power output.
The track becomes 100mm wider at the front and 150mm at the rear. Four-pot AP Racing brakes ensure effective stopping performance. Wider tyres are specified for the task of managing the extreme power available 225/35 R17 at the front and 265/35 R17 at the rear on MG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Flares
Covering these huge wheels and extended track has involved some radical changes to the exterior style of the car the wheel arches are flared and connected by a sill-mounted side-skirt. The front end is completely revised and is clearly influenced by the MG Lola Le Mans EX257 race car, and styled under the leadership of Peter Stevens, MG Rovers Product Design Director. At the rear a high mounted wing-type spoiler balances the high downforce front end.
Engine cooling is optimised by an increased radiator capacity, fed by a much larger aperture in the front bumper and exiting through vents in the bonnet. The side air intakes are also enlarged to feed cold air into the engine bay.
Inside, race seats and competition harnesses ensure the occupants remain firmly in place.
Not for Sale
The MGF X Power 500 is not for sale, but has been developed to be outrageous fun. In this respect it sets the scene for what is to follow as the Extreme treatment is progressively revealed on versions of the MG ZT, MG ZS and MG ZR models; each one a one-off purpose-built demonstration vehicle.
Rob Oldaker, Product Development Director, commented: The MGF X Power 500 is proof that MG will be sensational and outrageous, and this is only the beginning. It can also compete with the best in the highest echelons of the performance car scene. MG is a fast moving bold brand with an appetite to thrill.