Yes, but they're more ridged - saloon all the way!

This is how it is 22-03-2006

Originally Posted by WSR e-mail

Alasdair


Thanks for your interest in the WSR designed & built MG ZS BTCC car.

It is always a good debate, 4 door (saloon) V 5 door (hatch).

It was WSR that recommended the 4 door saloon to MG Rover, as the aero
efficiency is better on the 4 door than a 5 door.

The torsional rigidity of the production shell doesn't really effect the
race shells, as each race shell takes approx 800 hours to produce.

The shell is modelled on CAD, then we use FE Analysis to determine the
most efficient stiffness V weight, whilst also complying with the
BTCC/FIA cage regulations.

Due to the age of the Rover 45/MG ZS, the shells are quite light
compared to
modern generation shells, which have to comply with the latest crash
tests.

Since switching from the KV6, to the k series 4 cylinder engines, it has
saved us approx 30-33 kgs.

We now carry ballast to bring the car up to the minimum weight, which in
2005 was 1150kgs, however, for 2006, all BTCC spec cars will start the
season with a minimum weight of 1175kgs. We always try to keep the
weight as low as possible, for the C of G, & also use it for weight
distribution, from track to track.

Yes, a model is being looked into.

Yes, there are further changes to the look & livery of the car, so the
Media Day on March 28 will reveal all.

WSR, Team RAC, are looking forward to all the support that you guys give
us, & we appreciate it very much.

**** Bennetts

www.teamrac.com (New)
www.rac.co.uk/teamrac (New, & will be on line in the next 72 hours)
www.wsr-racing.com

Shroon

Having owned both i have no preferences.

Both are great cars and both were a thrill to Drive

Snap! :D

Glad I got the 5 door 180, looks well smart in starlight silver, no regrets whatsoever :hooray::hooray:

4 door all the way for me the 5 door does look quite nice but the saloon looks more btcc style if ya know were i,m comin from :tease:

Interesting that WSR said that the 4 door was better aerodynamically, as the 5 door has a lower Cd according to the original figures published by MGR. The 4 door is also supposed to have a stiffer body as standard.

Based on this information the 5 door would be better for dragging and the 4 door would be better for track use.

I have now had the pleasure of both a 2003 4 door 180 and now a 2004 5 door 180 both are brilliant cars to drive and I would say that it is just down to your personal preference at the time I wouldn't rule out either until you have had a good look around.

I very nearly bought a hatch as my first ZS, the only thing that stopped me was the deal and the fact it had some rust on the bonnet edge. I really preferred a saloon as I am a BTCC fan, saloon seems the natural choice, but the hatch is a bit more practical.

The hatch looks better in MKII guide than MKI, then again that is my choice.

Horses for courses.