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Showing posts with label Sports cars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports cars. Show all posts

Sunday, March 6, 2011

MG ZT Full-Size Cars

MG ZT 190

MG ZT Full-Size Cars


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MG ZT 190 Cars

MG ZT 190

MG ZT Full-Size Cars

The MG ZT is a high-performance MG-branded version of the Rover 75 executive car, produced by MG Rover at their Longbridge plant in Birmingham from 2001 to 2005. An estate version, the MG ZT-T, was also available. Styling is similar to the 75, although uprated springs and chassis modifications make for a far firmer ride. Production of the cars ceased in 2005 amidst financial turmoil at MG Rover.

A Full-Size Cars is a marketing term used in North America for an automobile larger than a mid-size car. In the United States, the EPA uses "large car" to denote full-size cars.

Full-size cars are usually denoted for their length, nearing 5,000 mm (197 in) in basic sedans, with luxury models often tending to reach 5,250 mm (207 in). Previously, a wheelbase greater than 2,790 mm (110 in) was the criterion. The term first appeared in the early 1960s to define what also became known as "standard" size cars from the new compact and intermediate models then being introduced. Full-size is also defined in space measurement as greater than 3,300 L (120 ft³) of interior volume.

Use of the term in North America became popular (and necessary) after the introduction of compacts by the US "Big Three" for the 1960 model year, and then a few years later the introduction of what became known as mid sized cars. While length and wheelbase varied (increasing over time) being considered full sized required a width as close as practical to the 80 inch width limit over which the federal government required vehicles to have clearance lights. The term was most correctly applied to cars close to the width limit carrying nameplates of "The Low Priced Three", Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth.

Manufacturers hoped their slightly more expensive brands such as Pontiac, Mercury, and Dodge, would be perceived by the public as more desirable than a full sized car even in situations where they weren't any larger. But while the difference between a full sized car, a basic large Chevrolet, Ford, or Plymouth, and a luxury car such as Cadillac, Lincoln, or Imperial, was clear, both manufacturers and consumers had difficulty classifying those in between, such as large Pontiacs, Mercurys, or Dodges. Manufacturers contributed to the lack of distinction by reaching into the lower price ranges with what had previously been considered medium priced brands.

For 1977, General Motors downsized its full-sized (and higher priced) cars, with overall width cut from approximately 80 inches to the mid-70 inch range. Chevrolet, Pontiac, and the less expensive Oldsmobile and Buick models had a 116 inch wheel base. More expensive Oldsmobile and Buick models, plus the Cadillac had a 119 inch wheelbase but no more width. The cars sold less well than the 1976 models. GM and Chrysler downsized for 1979, Chrysler even building its downsized car on a modified version of its long running mid size platform, which was comparable in size to the new platforms designed by GM and Ford. By this time, a huge increase in gasoline prices had made it difficult to sell any large cars, downsized or not. Chrysler had the huge misfortune of introducing two consecutive new designs of its largest cars, in 1974 and 1979, during times when gasoline prices suddenly increased.

EPA interior and trunk volume categories for the most part resulted in mid size, full size, and luxury cars common in the mid 70s all being classified as large cars. The 80s Plymouth Gran Fury, Dodge Diplomat, and Chrysler Fifth Avenue, classified as large cars at the time, were derived from the Dodge Aspen and Plymouth Volare, originally marketed as compacts.

While many modern cars are referred to as full size, they don't qualify for the term as used in the 60s and 70s. Consumer acceptance of large SUVs approaching 80 inches in width shows interest remains in vehicles capable of three across seating with reasonable comfort, a strong point of a true full size car. A true full sized car produced with today technology, would provide this functionality with the additional advantages of better handling and fuel economy due to being lower than a large wide SUV.


Related : MG ZT Full-Size Cars From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190

Sunday, January 9, 2011

MG SA Saloon

MG ZT 190

MG SA Saloon


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MG ZT 190

MG SA Saloon

The MG SA or MG 2-litre was a Sports Saloon produced by the MG Car company from 1936 to 1939. Launched as the 2 litre, it only later became known as the SA, the car had been originally planned as an advanced performance saloon to rival the likes of SS Cars (later to be known as Jaguar) and even Bentley with all independent suspension and was given the factory code of EX150 and designated the S-type. A prototype was made but with the amalgamation of MG with Morris Motors in 1935 development stopped. The Cowley drawing office picked up the project again but a much more conservative car appeared with conventional live rear and beam front axles.

The car used a tuned version of the six cylinder 2062 cc Morris QPHG engine which it shared with the Wolseley Super Six but enlarged to 2288 cc. The capacity was increased again to 2322 cc in 1937 bringing it into line with the Wolsley 18. This was a tall engine and to allow the bonnet line to be as low as possible the twin SU carburettors had their dashpots mounted horizontally. Drive was to the live rear axle via a four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top two ratios (on all but a few early models). Wire wheels were fitted and the drum brakes were hydraulically operated using a Lockheed system. A built in jacking system was fitted to the chassis.

The saloon body, the only option available at the time of the car's launch, was made in-house by Morris and was a spacious four door with traditional MG grille flanked by two large chrome plated headlights. The spare wheel was carried on the boot lid. Inside there were individual seats in front and a bench seat at the rear, all with leather covering. Much use was made of walnut for the dashboard and other trim items. A Philco radio was offered as an optional extra for 18 Guineas (GBP18.90).

From April 1936 a Tickford drophead coupé by Salmons joined the range priced at GBP398, the saloon was GBP375, and in July coachbuilders Charlesworth offered a four door tourer at GBP375. The tourer originally had straight topped doors but these were replaced with front ones with cutaway tops from 1938 and at the same time the spare wheel moved to the front wing.

Of the 2739 cars made, 350 were exported with Germany proving the best market. At the 1938 London Motor show, alongside an SA there was a new car, the WA. This was probably designed to be a replacement but both cars ran in parallel until the outbreak of war in 1939 caused production of both to cease. Neither was re-introduced in 1945.



MG SA Saloon

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1936-1939 (2739 made)
Predecessor : MG KN Magnette
Successor : MG WA
Body style(s) : 4 door saloon (4 seat tourer) (drophead coupe)
Engine(s) : 2288 or 2322 cc Straight-6
Wheelbase : 123 inches (3124 mm)
Length : 193 inches (4902 mm)
Width : 66.5 inches (1689 mm)



Related : MG SA Saloon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

Saturday, January 8, 2011

MG WA Saloon

MG ZT 160

MG WA Saloon


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MG ZT 160 Cars

MG ZT 160

MG WA Saloon

The MG WA was a Sports Saloon produced by the MG Car company between 1938 to 1939 and was at the time the largest and heaviest car the company had built. Although similar to the SA the car had a wider track at the rear allowing a larger body to be fitted.

The car used a tuned version of the six cylinder Morris QPHG engine enlarged to 2561 cc. The compression ratio was increased to 7.25 to 1 and a new balanced crankshaft was fitted. Drive was to the live rear axle via a four speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on the top three ratios and a divided propshaft. Wire wheels were fitted and the 14 inch drum brakes were hydraulically operated using a Lockheed system.

The saloon body was made in-house by Morris and was a spacious four door with traditional MG grille flanked by two large chrome plated headlights. It can be distinguished from the outwardly similar SA by the front bumper which has a dip in the centre and the spare wheel was carried on the front wing as opposed to the boot lid. Inside there were individual seats in front and a bench seat with folding centre arm rest at the rear, all with leather covering and a return was made to the traditional octagonal framed instruments.

The factory could also supply the car as a Tickford drophead coupe or four door tourer and some chassis went to external coachbuilders including Keller, Reinbolt and Salmons and Son. The saloon was priced at GBP442, the four seat tourer GBP450 and the Tickford coupé GBP468.

Production stopped with the outbreak of World War II in 1939 and the car was not re-introduced in 1945.


MG WA Saloon

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1938-1939 (369 made)
Predecessor : MG SA Saloon
Body style(s) : 4 door saloon (4 seat tourer) (drophead coupe)
Engine(s) : 2561 cc Straight-6
Wheelbase : 123 inches (3124 mm)
Length : 194 inches (4928 mm)
Width : 67 inches (1702 mm)



Related : MG WA Saloon From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 160 Cars

Friday, December 31, 2010

Sports Sedan

MG ZT 190

Sports Sedan


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Sports Sedan

A Sports Sedan or a Sports Saloon is a descriptive term applied to a sedan automobile that is designed to look and feel "sporty", offering the motorist more connection with the driving experience, while providing the comfort and amenities expected of a luxury sedan. A wider definition that includes related coupé, convertibles, crossovers is known as sport luxury. Most vehicles in this category overlap with the compact executive car and executive car classifications, while the sporty small family sedans are called sport compacts (mostly used in North America).


History

The term was originally introduced in the 1930s and applied to lighter, more streamlined closed body coachwork fitted by car makers. Rover, for example, had Sports Saloon versions of several of their models.

It was later applied by manufacturers to special versions of their vehicles that allowed them to enter production cars in motor races with extra modifications not normally permitted by the regulations. Such regulations required cars to be homologated typically by selling them in minimum numbers to the public. Some of the earlier examples were the Alfa Romeo 1900, Triumph Dolomite and Lotus Cortina.

Traditionally Sports Sedans have a manual transmission and tachometer in order to provide that "sports look and feel" and are rear wheel drive, have good handling characteristics, and adequate power. Because of the US move to automatic transmission and front wheel drive these types are now also to be found in the Sport Sedan category. Recent Sport Sedans such as the latest iterations of the BMW M5 and BMW M3 had implemented semi-automatic transmissions.


Concept

The term "Sport Sedan" is not an absolute term, rather it is relative.

In North America, most luxury import sedans are often considered "Sport Sedans" because of their higher performance, handling, and expensive available amenities relative to that of mass market cars. There is some price overlapping, for instance as an entry-level BMW 328i has a similar (manufacturer's) suggested retail price to a Toyota Camry XLE V6.

The term "Sport Sedan" also came into being, when comparing luxury import sedans (i.e. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz), which were smaller cars popular with young buyers that focused on performance and handling, to domestic luxury marques such as Cadillac and Lincoln, for older customers and which emphasized size and comfort. In the 1980s and 1990s, the change in consumer demographics towards smaller and sportier luxury cars, along with Japanese luxury brands, led to a decline in the prestige of domestic luxury marques, whose chief offerings were the Cadillac DeVille and Lincoln Town Car. However, since the 2000s, Cadillac and Lincoln have begun producing competitive models such as the Cadillac CTS and Lincoln LS. Buick was retained as General Motors's traditional luxury brand and emphasized comfort and amenities instead of driving experience.

Luxury performance sedans sold in North American have a smaller range of engines, tending towards the high-powered side, compared to their European lineups. For instance Mercedes-Benz advertises all of the 2009 US/Canadian models of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a "Sport Sedan", not just the high-performance C63 AMG. In Europe, however, where most of these marques are produced domestically, only the top-performing models are known as Sport Sedans.

In the midsize sedan category in North America, the 2008 Nissan Altima has been described as the sportiest in its classification, compared to the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. The first-generation Mazda6 and Mazda3 were also known as Sport Sedans as well, when tested against other vehicles in their size class.



Related : Sports Sedan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

Thursday, December 30, 2010

MG R-Type Midget

MG ZT 190

MG R-Type Midget


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MG ZT 190

MG R-Type Midget

The MG R-Type Midget was produced by the MG Car company in 1935. It was designed for competition use and was a development of the Q-Type.

The car used a tuned short stroke (73 mm) version of the bevel gear driven overhead camshaft engine from the 1928 Morris Minor and Wolseley 10. This had already been highly tuned for use in the Q-type and was further modified, especially in the input area, to improve reliability. It was fitted with a Zoller supercharger and produced 110 bhp (82 kW) at 7200 rpm. The gearbox was a four speed preselector type unit. At the rear the differential in its aluminium casing was fastened to the chassis and drove the wheels through short shafts with sliding splines and universal joints.

The steel chassis was revolutionary and was Y shaped with a backbone that divided around the engine and gearbox and was very light. The suspension was independent all round, making a first for MG and possibly the British motor industry, and used wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars allowing a large amount of wheel travel to allow for the poor surfaces on many of the contemporary racing circuits, especially Brooklands. Lever arm hydraulic shock absorbers were used. The brakes were cable operated using 12 inch (305 mm) drums and the wheels were wire spoked and secured by a centre lock nut.

The single seat body had the appearance of a miniature Grand Prix racer and was formed from aluminium and designed to be easily removable.

The car was offered to the public at £750 and the initial ten were sold to pre selected customers. A further batch was planned but never happened. A car changed hands at auction in 2006 for £130,000.

The first major sporting outing was to Brooklands for the International Trophy where a six car team including three works entries appeared but the best result was a 6th place and none of the works cars finished. It was realised that the suspension was giving problems, mainly with the rear being too soft, and solutions were proposed but all work stopped when new boss Leonard Lord closed the MG Racing Department. Private entries to competition continued and the works cars were sold to the Evans family who already owned one of the other cars.


MG R-Type Midget

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1935 (10 made)
Predecessor : MG Q-Type Midget
Class : FR layout (competition car)
Body style(s) : single seat
Engine(s) : 746 cc supercharged Straight-4
Curb weight : 1400 pounds (620 kg)



Related : MG R-Type Midget From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

MG L-type Magna

MG ZT 190

MG L-type Magna


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MG ZT 190

MG L-type Magna

The MG L-type Magna was produced by the MG Car company in 1933 and 1934.

This 2 door Sports Car used a smaller version of the 6 cylinder overhead camshaft, crossflow engine which now had a capacity of 1086 cc with a bore of 57 mm and stroke of 71 mm and produced 41 bhp (31 kW) at 5500 rpm. It was previously fitted in the 1930 Wolseley Hornet and the 1931 MG F-Type Magna . Drive was to the rear wheels through a four speed non-synchromesh gearbox. The chassis was a narrower version of that used in the K-type with suspension by half elliptic springs all round with rigid front and rear axles.

The car had a wheelbase of 94 inches (2388 mm) and a track of 42 inches (1067 mm).

The brakes, which were the same as in the J2, were cable operated with 12-inch (300 mm) drums all round.

The body kept the sloping radiator seen on the F-Type but the car now had sweeping wings and the four seater had cut away doors.

The L1 was the four seat, coupé and saloon version and the L2 the 2 seater. The coupé, or Continental Coupé as it was called, was available in some very striking two tone colours but was a slow seller and the 100 that were made were available for a long time after the rest of the range had sold out. As a rarity it is now a highly desirable car. The bodies for the small saloon or salonette version was not made by MG but bought in from Abbey.

The L-type was a successful competition car with victories in the 1933 Alpine Trial and Brooklands relay race.

When new a L1 tourer cost £299 and a Continental Coupé £350.


MG L-type Magna

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1933-1934 (576 made)
Predecessor : MG F-Type Magna
Successor : MG N-Type Magnette
Class : Sports Car
Engine(s) : 1087 cc Straight-6


MG L1 "Magna"

Production : 1933-1934 (486 made)
Body style(s) : 4 seat roadster (Continental coupé, Salonette)


MG L2 "Magna"

Production : 1933-1934 (90 made)
Body style(s) : 2 seat roadster



Related : MG L-type Magna From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MG M-type Midget

MG ZT 190

MG M-type Midget


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MG ZT 190

MG M-type Midget

The MG M-type was produced by the MG Car company from April 1929 to 1932. It was sometimes referred to as the 8/33. Launched at the 1928 London Motor Show when the sales of the larger MG saloons was faultering because of the economic climate, the small car brought MG ownership to a new sector of the market and probably saved the company. Early cars were made in the Cowley factory, but from 1930 production had transferred to Abingdon.

This 2 door sports car used an updated version of the four-cylinder bevel-gear driven overhead camshaft engine used in the 1928 Morris Minor and Wolseley 10 with a single SU carburettor giving 20 bhp (15 kW) at 4000 rpm. Drive was to the rear wheels through a three speed non-synchromesh gearbox. The chassis was based on the one used in the 1928 Morris Minor with lowered suspension using half elliptic springs and Hartford friction shock absorbers with rigid front and rear axles and bolt on wire wheels. The car had a wheelbase of 78 inches (1980 mm) and a track of 42 inches (1067 mm).

1930 brought a series of improvements to the car. The Morris rod brake system, with the handbrake working on the transmission, was replaced a cable system with cross shaft coupled to the handbrake and the transmission brake deleted. Engine output was increased to 27 bhp (20 kW) by improving the camshaft and a four speed gearbox was offered as an option. The doors became front hinged. A supercharged version could be ordered from 1932 raising the top speed to 80 mph (130 km/h).

Early bodies were fabric covered using a wood frame, this changed to all metal in 1931. Most cars had bodies made by Carbodies of Coventry and fitted by MG in either open two seat or closed two door "Sportsmans" coupé versions but some chassis were supplied to external coachbuilders such as Jarvis. The factory even made a van version as a service vehicle. The car could reach 65 mph (105 km/h) and return 40 miles per gallon. The open version cost £175 at launch, soon rising to £185, and the coupé cost £245. The 1932 supercharged car cost £250.

The M-type had considerable sporting success both privately and with official teams winning gold medals in the 1929 Land's End Trial and class wins in the 1930 "Double Twelve" race at Brooklands. An entry was also made in the 1930 Le Mans 24 hour but neither of the two cars finished.


MG M-type Midget

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1929–1932 (3235)
Predecessor : none
Successor : MG J-type
Class : Sports Car
Body style(s) : 2-door Roadster Coupe



Related : MG M-type Midget From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

MG 14/40

MG ZT 190

MG 14/40


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MG 14/40

The MG 14/40 or 14/40 Mark IV was a car made by the MG Car company and launched in 1927. It was based on the contemporary Morris Oxford and was a development of the MG 14/28 and was built at Edmund Road, Cowley, Oxford where MG had moved in September 1927. It was the first model to carry an MG Octagon badge on its radiator, the previous cars had retained a Morris Oxford badge.

The change of name from 14/28 to 14/40 seems mainly to have been a marketing exercise and the reason for the Mark IV is unclear although it has been suggested that it represented the fourth year of production. Externally the cars are very difficult to tell apart.

There were some changes to the 14/28 chassis and suspension and the brake servo was deleted.

MG 14/40

Manufacturer MG Car Company
Production : 1927–1929 (700 approx)
Predecessor : MG 14/28
Successor : MG 18/80
Class : Sports Car
Body style(s) : 2-door, 2 and 4 seater open tourer 2 door coupé (Salonette) 4-door saloon
Engine(s) : 1802 cc four cylinder, side valve.
Transmission(s) : three speed manual
Wheelbase : 106 inches (2705 mm)
Length : 150 inches (3810 mm)



Related : MG 14/40 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

MG 14/28

MG ZT 190

MG 14/28


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MG ZT 190 Cars

MG ZT 190

MG 14/28

The MG 14/28 Super Sports was the first car produced by the MG Car company and launched in 1924. It was replaced by the very similar 14/40 in 1927. They were built at first in small premises in Alfred Lane, Oxford moving in 1925 to a larger site shared with the Morris Motor Company radiator factory at Bainton Road, Oxford. The badge on the front of the car still read "Morris Oxford", MG badges were not to appear until 1928.

Cecil Kimber had rebodied a few Morris cars with coachwork to his own design but in 1924 he started to advertise "our popular M.G. Saloon" built on the Morris 14/28 Bullnose radiator, Oxford chassis. The basic chassis was collected from the nearby Cowley factory and slightly modified and the engine mildly tuned. They were then fitted with attractive aluminium panelled bodies and painted in two colours. From late 1924 front wheel brakes were fitted. Either "artillery" or wire spoked wheels were available and suspension was by half elliptic leaf springs at the front and three quarter elliptics at the rear. The top speed was approximately 65 mph (105 km/h). A fabric bodied saloon model was added to the range in 1926.

In late 1926 Morris updated the Oxford dropping the distinctive Bullnose radiator in favour of a flat one and widening the chassis thus requiring a re-design of the body. H. N. Charles was employed by Kimber to do this and at the same time the basic chassis received improvements by Morris Garages to braking and suspension taking the MG Car further away from its Morris roots. The revised car was heavier and the top speed dropped to around 60 mph (95 km/h). Other changes were half elliptic springs at the rear and a Solex carburettor replacing the SU on the earlier car. The brakes received assistance from a mechanical servo.



Related : MG 14/28 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars

Friday, December 24, 2010

Sports Car

MG ZT 190

Sports Car


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MG ZT 190

Sports Car

A Sports Car has been defined as "an open, low-built, fast motor car." Sports Cars have been either spartan or luxurious, but driving and mechanical performance is requisite. A Sports car does not require a large, powerful engine, though many do have them. Many classic British Sports cars lacked powerful engines, but were known for exceptional handling due to light weight; a well-engineered, balanced chassis; and modern suspension (for example, Lotus Seven, Austin 7 Speedy).

Early history

The Sports car traces its roots to early 20th century touring cars. These raced in early rallys, such as the Herkomer Cup, Prinz Heinrich Fahrt, and Monte Carlo.

The first true Sports cars (though the term would not be coined until after World War One) were the 3 litre made in 1910 Vauxhall 20 hp (15 kW) and 27/80PS Austro-Daimler (designed by Ferdinand Porsche).

These would shortly be joined by the French DFP (which became sporters after tuning by H.M. and W. O. Bentley) and the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. In the U.S. (where the type was variously called roadster, speedster, runabout, or raceabout, there was Apperson, Kissel, Marion, Midland, National, Overland, Stoddard-Dayton, and Thomas among small models (which today would be called Sports cars), while Chadwick, Mercer, Stutz, and Simplex were among large ones (which might today be called sports sedans or grand tourers).

In 1921, Ballot premiered its 2LS, with a remarkable 75 hp (56 kW) DOHC two liter, designed by Ernest Henry (formerly of Peugeot's Grand Prix program), capable of 150 km/h (90 mph); at most, one hundred were built in four years. This was followed by the SOHC 2LT and 2LTS. The same year, Benz built a supercharged 28/95PS four for the Coppa Florio; Max Sailer won.

Simson in 1924 offered a Paul Henze-designed 60 hp (45 kW) DOHC 2 liter four, the Simson Supra Type S, in a long-wheelbase 120 km/h (60 mph) tourer and 115 km/h (71 mph) twin-carburettor sporter; only thirty were sold, against around three hundred of the SOHC model and 750 of the pushrod-six Type R. Duerkopp's Zoller-blown two liter in 1924, as well.

There was a clear cleavage by 1925. As four-seaters were more profitable, two-seaters increasingly turned over to specialst manufacturers, led by Alvis, Aston-Martin, and Frazer-Nash, with shoestring budgets, fanatic followers, and limited sales (today exemplified by Aston and Morgan): between 1921 and 1939, 350 Astons were built; 323 Frazer-Nashes in the period 1924-39.

By the end of the 1920s, AC produced a 2 liter six, the 3.5 liter Nazzaro had a three-valve OHC (only until 1922), while French makers Amilcar, Bignan, Hispano-Suiza, and Samson had the typical small four-cylinder sporters and Delage, Hotchkiss, and Chenard-Walcker the large tourers. Benz introduced the powerful SS and SSK, and Alfa Romeo, the Vittorio Jano-designed 6C.

Two companies would offer the first really reliable Sports cars: Austin with the Seven and Morris Garages (MG) with the Midget. The Seven would quickly be "rodded" by numerous companies (as the Type 1 would be a generation later), including Bassett and Dingle (Hammersmith, London); in 1928, a Cozette blower was fitted to the Seven Super Sports, while Cecil Kimber fitted an 847 cc Minor engine, and sold more Midgets in the first year than MG's entire previous production.

Layout

The drive train and engine layout significantly influences the handling characteristics of an automobile, and is crucially important in the design of a Sports car.

The front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (FR) is common to Sports cars of any era and has survived longer in Sports cars than in mainstream automobiles. Examples include the Caterham 7, Mazda MX-5, and the Chevrolet Corvette. More specifically, many such Sports cars have a FMR layout, with the centre of mass of the engine between the front axle and the firewall.

In search of improved handling and weight distribution, other layouts are sometimes used. The RMR layout is commonly found only in Sports cars—the motor is centre-mounted in the chassis (closer to and behind the driver), and powers only the rear wheels. Some high-performance Sports car manufacturers, such as Ferrari and Lamborghini prefer this layout.

Porsche is one of the few remaining manufacturers using the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout (RR). The motor's distributed weight across the wheels, in a Porsche 911, provides excellent traction, but the significant mass behind the rear wheels makes it more prone to oversteer in some situations. Porsche has continuously refined the design and in recent years added electronic driving aids (i.e. computerised traction-stability control) to counteract these inherent design shortcomings.

Some sport cars have used the front-engine, front-wheel drive layout (FF), e.g. Fiat Barchetta, Saab Sonett and Berkeley cars. This layout is advantageous for small, light, lower power Sports cars, as it avoids the extra weight, increased transmission power loss, and packaging problems of a long driveshaft and longitudinal engine of FR vehicles. Yet, its conservative handling effect, particularly understeer, and the fact that many drivers believe rear wheel drive is a more desirable layout for a Sports car make this layout atypical to high-performance Sports cars. The FF layout, however, is common in sport compacts and hot hatches, and cars in general (excepting Sports cars).

Before the 1980s few Sports cars used four-wheel drive, which had traditionally added a lot of weight. Although not a Sports car, the Audi Quattro proved its worth in rallying. With its improvement in traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions, four-wheel drive is no longer uncommon in high-powered Sports cars, e.g. Porsche, Lamborghini, and the Bugatti Veyron.

Seating

Some Sports cars have small back seats that are really only suitable for luggage or small children. Such a configuration is often referred to as a 2+2 (two full seats + two "occasional" seats). The more typical seating arrangement is a two-seat GT.

Over the years, some manufacturers of Sports cars have sought to increase the practicality of their vehicles by increasing the seating room. One method is to place the driver's seat in the center of the car, which allows two full-sized passenger seats on each side and slightly behind the driver. The arrangement was originally considered for the Lamborghini Miura, but abandoned as impractical because of the difficulty for the driver to enter/exit the vehicle. McLaren used the design in their F1.

Another British manufacturer, TVR, took a different approach in their Cerbera model. The interior was designed in such a way that the dashboard on the passenger side swept toward the front of the car, which allowed the passenger to sit farther forward than the driver. This gave the rear seat passenger extra room and made the arrangement suitable for three adult passengers and one child seated behind the driver. The arrangement has been referred to by the company as a 3+1. Some Matra Sports cars even had three seats squeezed next to each other.

Sports car versus sporting models

A car may be a sporting automobile without being a Sports car. Performance modifications of regular, production cars, such as sport compacts, sports sedans, muscle cars, hot hatches and the like, generally are not considered Sports cars, yet share traits common to Sports cars. They are sometimes called "Sports cars" for marketing purposes for increased advertising and promotional purposes. Performance cars of all configurations are grouped as Sports and Grand tourer cars or, occasionally, as performance cars.



Related : Sports Car From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, MG ZT 190 Cars