Model Page
MG Montego Turbo
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Production Run: |
7,276 |
|---|---|
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Production Date: |
1985 - 1991 |
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Engine: |
Austin 2.0 4 Cylinder O Series |
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Built: |
Cowley (UK) |
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0-60: |
7.3 Secs |
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Max Speed: |
126 Mph |
The MG Montego Turbo was a special edition of the newly launched Montego, fitted with a 2.0 O Series Turbocharged engine the car achieved a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds going on to a top speed of 126 Mph at the time of launch the car was the fastest MG ever produced.
MG Montego Turbo Front Shot
The Montego was based on the floor-pan of the hatchback design Maestro, the vehicle was some 16” longer and 2” wider than the Maestro and was of a four door saloon body style sharing around 60% of its body pressings with that used for the Maestro upon which it was based but still retained a reasonable drag co-efficient of 0.35. This arrangement provided more room for occupants with a significant improvement to leg room for rear passengers. The car came equipped with a large boot providing 18.4 cubic foot of storage space.
The Montego range of vehicles was introduced in April 1984 shortly after the release of the Maestro. Released as the fastest production MG ever (at the time), the MG Montego Turbo was released in 1985 as the fastest production MG to date in an attempt to bring a little glamour to the range. Visual improvements included a deep front spoiler and a boot mounted spoiler, large Turbo decals were fitted along the side of the car and the addition of 15” TD cast alloy wheels shod with low profile 190/65 HR tyres.
The MG Montego Turbo was fitted with the ‘O’ series turbocharged four cylinder 1,994cc single overhead camshaft 8 valve engine with a cast iron block and alloy cylinder head. The engine had a bore of 84.5mm and stroke of 89.00mm with a compression ratio of 8.5:1. Fuelling was provided through a single choke SU HIF44 Carburettor fed fuel through a high pressure Bosch electronic fuel pump, breaker-less electronic ignition was fitted to increase reliability. The Carburettor was mounted at a 35 degree angle mated to a unique inlet manifold that had short inlet tracts, these being designed to improve the response gained by the Garret AiResearch T3 Turbo running a pressure of around 10 psi, pressure was controlled by means of an integrated wastegate. An air to air intecooler was fitted between the air cleaner and carburettor to provide a cool dense charge. The carburettor and plenum chamber was kept at a constant temperature through the installation of a thermostatically controlled cooling fan with ducting thus avoiding fuel evaporation and providing precise throttle response under all conditions. In this configuration the engine produced 150 bhp @ 5,100 rpm and 169 lb/ft @ 3,500 rpm.
MG Montego Turbo Rear Shot
Power was transferred from the engine to the front wheels through a close ratio five speed manual gearbox supplied by Honda, power applied through a diaphragm spring clutch. Steering was provided through a power assisted rack and pinion unit that required 2.3 turns lock to lock, to give the required steering feel a heavy gauge torsion bar was fitted within the rack housing.
The car was fitted with a suspension setup that was revised and up-rated from the EFi Montego. With independent front suspension made up of MacPherson struts with lower wishbones, coil springs, gas filled dampers and a 22 mm anti-roll bar. The rear suspension was made up of a semi independent trailing arms with a H beam, coil springs and gas filled dampers coupled to a 14mm anti-roll bar. To provide adequate stopping ability the car was fitted with diagonally split servo assisted 241mm ventilated discs at the front and 203mm rear drums.
MG Montego Turbo Interior
The model gained a strong interior specification befitting of the top of the line Montego, standard fit items included a steel tilt and slide sunroof, four speaker stereo cassette system, central locking, electric windows and electronic controlled and heated wing mirrors. A three spoke leather steering wheel, MG instrumentation binnacle with speedometer, a rev counter and digital clock completed the instrumentation. The seats were trimmed with Marle Deco and Plain Velour trim and were finished off neatly with a red piping finish.
The car was not particularly well received, with an underdeveloped chassis and bundles of torque steer the driving experience was not incredible. However by 1987 the torque steer issues had been addressed and was much more manageable, none the less the car can be considered a success with over 7,000 vehicles having been produced during its lifecycle.
The Facts
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Engine: |
Austin / Rover O Series |
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Capacity: |
1,944cc |
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Valves: |
8 |
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Compression Ratio: |
8.5:1 |
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Fuel System: |
SU HIF44 Carburettor |
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Maximum Power: |
150bhp @ 5,100 rpm. |
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Maximum Torque: |
169lb/ft @ 3,500 rpm. |
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Transmission: |
Manual 5 Speed. |
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Top Gear: |
- |
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Brakes: |
Servo Assisted Front Discs / Rear Drums |
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Kerb Weight: |
1098 Kg |
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Max Speed: |
126 Mph |
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0-60: |
7.3 Secs |
