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THE
END OF MG_ROVER?
Click below for the latest news.
BEST
SELLING MG TF HAS A BROTHER - MG GT CONCEPT
You would expect the MG TF's brother to be faster,
more rugged and undeniably more handsome and so it is - the MG GT concept.
The company's design team has taken the hugely popular TF and turned
it into a modern day expression of the beloved MGB GT from the trendy
1960s.
That
car was treated to some more powerful engines in the shape of the 3-litre
straight six (MGC) and 3.5-litre V8 (MGB GT V8) and so the engineers
have developed this latest concept around the 2.5-litre KV6 engine.
Raising power to 200bhp, performance is predicted to give the GT sub
six second zero to 60mph acceleration and a top speed of 145mph. The
increase in speed is aided by the reduced drag GT style, cutting the
aerodynamic drag coefficient from 0.35 to 0.31.
As engineers and planners consider ideas for the next generation of
the UK's top selling sports car they have been researching the 'fixed-head'
market. Many of the 'warmer climate' markets prefer sports cars to have
an integrated, coupe style and air conditioning to cope with high summer
temperatures. Also, recent models like the Audi TT have shown that hardtops
can be highly popular for customers who prefer the style of a fixed-head
coupe.
Features
of interest specified on the MG GT concept include 17" Gunsmoke
five-spoke OZ alloy wheels, similar in design to the MG XPower SV. An
extended front aero splitter is balanced by a longer tail-spoiler integrated
into the bootlid design, generating reduced lift at speed.
New door mirrors feature integral side direction indicator lamps and
the switch for the electronic door opening feature, that in the process
have eliminated the external door handles for a clean exterior design
profile. The interior is trimmed with Burgundy Red leather seats with
the fascia and door casings also following the same colourway.
Peter Stevens, MG's design director says: "We would love to expand
the MG TF range with a high-performance MG GT which has inspiring handling,
practicality and great looks.
"The KV6 engine combines a superb soundtrack with a surge of power
and a wider performance envelope to drive within - perfect for a sports
car."
The TF's recent sales performance is impressive. It is the UK's best
selling sports car and sales have climbed in each year for the last
three. Further improvements will be introduced in 2005 to retain the
TF's customer appeal of being a desirable all-round performer.
March 2005
NEW
MG - First Preview
Sensational
images of MG Rover's new baby hatchback in this week's Auto Express
magazine.
First peek of what the new MG could look like.

March 05

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