IN WHAT is undeniably a clever feat of engineering, MG has shoehorned a massive V8 engine into what was once a Rover 75.
The result is a new flagship for the MG ZT range - and it is the fastest MG saloon ever made.
But as the famous British marque celebrates entering its 80th year, this muscle machine lacks the finesse to make it one of the greats.
It is noisy, thirsty, has a harsh ride and - for the £33,000 that this particular car cost - is expensive compared to the opposition.
A high performance Jaguar X-Type, Audi A4 or - dare it be mentioned when talking of an MG - BMW 3 Series would cost less and be better value for money.
In fairness, the V8 MG ZT260 can be had for £27,995 which is cheaper than those others, but then it is by no means as well equipped.
Add on some extras - and this car had more than £5,000 worth of them - or go for a higher specification SE model, and you are talking big bucks, especially when you consider an MG ZT with a nicely brisk 2.5 litre V6 engine is some £12,000 cheaper.
What is wrong with the ZT260 is that is just does not possess the accomplished feel of a car in this class.
Yes, it is potent - 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 155mph - but this is more racing car than luxury sports saloon. The suspension is stiff and thuds over the slightest bump, the clutch is heavy and the gear change requires a precision touch.
Worse still, on this particular example there was the sound of binding from the back axle and a peculiar click when the brake pedal was applied.
The V8 engine also drinks fuel at an alarming rate. MG claims 21.5 to the gallon on average and 15.8 around town but I found that to be highly optimistic. Significantly a miles per gallon display is missing from the onboard trip computer.
That thirst is hardly surprising since the 4.6 litre engine in the ZT260 began life on the other side of the pond in a Ford Mustang.
Dropping the engine into the ZT frame has required it to be converted to rear wheel drive, as well as performing some significant changes under the skin. That includes reworking the drivetrain and suspension, but the modifications have also seen the battery move from under the bonnet to the boot and the spare wheel deleted - now it's a can of foam.
Externally the differences are almost unnoticeable compared to any other ZT, with the exception of 18 inch alloy wheels and twin exhaust clusters. However with mesh grilles, xenon headlamps and a subtle boot mounted spoiler the car does look the part.
Inside there is leather and alcantara upholstery and the ZT260 also boasts a new air conditioning system that is more efficient than on other MGs at the moment.
Yet the trim levels - with the exception of a V8 badge on the dash - are the same as on other members of the ZT family and that is a let down when you consider the extra amount of money this car costs.
Its greatest failing is the amount of noise in the cockpit, which is just too much to be acceptable. The V8 has a wonderful burble - and I am all for that - but at certain revs the resonance inside can be unbearable.
For example, at 1,800 revs in top gear - and that produces close on 60mph - the drone that reverberates through the cabin is highly annoying and over a long distance will wear down even the most die-hard of enthusiasts.
Fast and potent it is, but this is not the ultimate MG saloon it is meant to be.
FAST FACTS
MG ZT260
Price: £27,995
Mechanical: 260bhp, 4,601cc V8 engine driving rear wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 155mph
0-60mph: 6.2secs
Combined mpg: 21.5
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 314g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint