MG TF 200 HPD
Technical Specification
K Series 160Ps, 1.8-litre VVC petrol engine driving rear wheels
40Ps high-output electric motor driving front wheels, through CVT drive train
Engine driven generator
Hawker SBS8 battery pack delivers 72v at 400 amps
BRUSA BRMD 506 motor controller
Mathworks XPC vehicle management
Aerodynamic Cd 0.32, zero front & rear lift
50 / 50 weight distribution
Performance summary
Sprint power increased from 160 to 200Ps
0-60mph time improved from 6.9 to sub 6.0 seconds
All wheel drive traction, maximum tractive effort and ‘low mu’ handling
‘Hotshift’ delivers continuous power through front wheels during gear changes
‘City mode’ feature enables relaxed urban motoring using electric front drivetrain
"An exciting new technology concept was unveiled at the Motorsport Industry Association’s ‘Clean Racing Conference’, by Rob Oldaker, product development director, MG Rover Group and John Wood, managing director, MIRA."
"The ‘Hybrid Performance Development’ is a petrol/electric powered MG TF featuring a combined output of 200Ps deployed through its four road wheels. MIRA engineers in consultation with MG Rover Group have produced the ‘200 HPD’ specification, derived from the popular MG TF sports car, producing functional and environmental benefits, with a wider performance capability potential for motorsport."
The holistic approach combines electric traction with aerodynamic advances, driving the perception of hybrid cars forward into the realms of driving excitement. Motorsport has a renowned capacity for efficient development of components and systems while stimulating the public’s interest.
This is a new opportunity for the industry to accelerate both technical progress and customer excitement of these hybrid technologies that are capable of giving a competitive edge with green credentials.
Enhancing the performance of an existing MG TF without increasing the environmental impact was the aim of the project undertaken through a partnership between MG Rover Group and MIRA.
The initial development vehicle - the MG TF 200 HPD - reduces the existing 0-60 time from 6.9 to sub-6 seconds, without increasing tailpipe emissions or fuel consumption, yet also offers a range of other benefits high on the customer wish list, such as enhanced traction through all wheel drive and the low speed clutchless option of ‘City mode’.
"You would be surprised to find out what interesting things go on in MG-Rover's skunkworks. The British marque has been out and about since being ditched by German mate, BMW. Having fitted supercharged, American V8 motors to a pedestrian luxury sedan, and merged with Indian conglomerate Tata we never know what to expect next from MG. This time around, MG have teamed up with the British Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) to create the eccentric MG TF 200 HPD, a fun, pollution free 200 horsepower hybrid roadster."
"A technique recently seen in Mazda's Ikubi concept, the MG uses two engines, one gasoline powered and one powered by batteries. Based off the high-performance K-series 1.8 liter Inline-four, the same motor used in Lotus' Elise 111S, and a variety of Catherham Sevens, power output is rated at 160 horsepower. Like the production car, the engine is mid-mounted, driving the rear wheels. The other fourty horses come from the front-mounted electrical motor that drives the front wheels. Both engine and batteries are mounted in the otherwise empty front compartment."
"Performance figures of the MG TF 200 HPD have not been officially released, however MG-Rover state that the hybrid TF can reach 100 km/h in less than six seconds. We feel that this is realistic, considering the top of the line TF 160 takes 6.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The best part about the performance gain is that it won't be felt in your wallet. Because the extra boost comes from an electric motor, the TF 200 HPD does not have increased exhaust emissions, or a greater fuel consumption. Other benefits of the electric-powered TF are improved traction, as it is four-wheel drive."
"Beyond performance aspects, the TF HPD can be driven solely on its electric motors. In heavy traffic, city centers or whenever driven in low speeds this MG is emissions-free. When driven in electric mode, the clutch does not need to be used - it's direct drive, one gear. Though there's only one in existence, and it's currently in its testing phase, MG-Rover are pleased to say that an alternative drivetrain and assembly could easily be applied to their assembly lines."
