MG-Rover Rolls up its Sleeves

By Motoring Channel Staff - 17/11/2004

With the release of two new concept cars, British automaker MG-Rover is making a powerful statement.

The first, Rover's new 75 Coupe concept, is all about the luxury interior, a car for the discerning driver who appreciates attention to detail, while the MG GT concept is more about performance and style, a car for the exhibitionist rev head, if you will.

With these two understated, yet very desirable 2-door sports cars, MG-Rover is indicating clearly that it's back in the ring and that it has a desire to influence the future of car design.

The once-ailing car company is celebrating its centenary, and what a way to celebrate with two very attractive cars.

Take the luxury orientated Rover 75 Coupe's exterior design for example. The car has been deliberately styled in a way that is inoffensive to the eye, yet is nonchalantly stylish at the same token. It's like a bigger, sleeker British version of the Audi TT.

The concept vehicle's character comes across strongly, one that encapsulates the heritage of the brand while offering a modern interpretation of the coupe bodyshell.

The large, steeply raked front and rear windows, long bonnet and short boot allude to its sporting character, while the low stance and large wheels give it purpose.

The look of the 75 Coupe concept is very provocative - there's something about it that just compels the eye to keep exploring its smooth, subtle lines. And of course there's also the controversial front end, whose single-frame grille looks very similar in concept to a certain German vehicle brand.

It's been a very long time since a Rover product has been so instantly appealing, and the head of design at MG-Rover, Peter Stevens, puts it down to elegance based on heritage and also taking a step away from the post modern: "I want people to turn away for a moment from post modern brutalism and to enjoy the elegant and timeless lines of the 75 Coupe's design.

"The true character of a Rover comes from its ability to present a cosseting environment with comfort and refinement being the high priorities," continued Stevens, "elements that should be expressed in the form and detailing of the exterior of the car.

"Heritage is a great strength for a marque as it gives you the terms of reference and something to build on for the future. That is exactly how we saw the challenge of presenting a Rover concept in its Centenary year."

Currently MG Rover UK is analysing the production viability of the model. As the coupe is based on the existing Rover 75 platform, there is a strong possibility for both front wheel drive Quad Cam V6 and rear wheel drive V8 derivatives becoming available.

The development of the Rover 75 coupe also provides an opportunity for a range topping MG X-Power ZT 385bhp (283kW) supercharged V8 derivative also being produced.

Of course the concept's interior has also been given much attention, focusing on Yew wood and tan leather hide to create a lavish cockpit.

Following the Rover 75 Coupe is the MG GT, a concept car that builds on the current MG TF range that is buoying the entire company thanks to impressive sales.

Peter Stevens, the same guy responsible for the Rover 75 Coupe, basically took the MG TF design and incorporated a fixed metal roof. Granted, there's a lot more to it than just 'a fixed metal roof', but that is the crux of it.

And what a result. Though the Rover 75 Coupe is the epitome of conservative style, the MG GT concept is a real wild child, with a number minor bodykit changes making a huge difference to the car's normally sensible aesthetic.

There's the bigger 17-inch OZ alloy wheels, a longer and more effective front splitter and a new tail-spoiler, the latter two of which help cut the drag co-efficient from 0.35 to 0.31.

Furthermore, the new MG GT concept features new door mirrors with integrated indicator lights, as well as electronically operated doors that remove the need for door handles (Jukes of Hazard fans rejoice).

According to MG-Rover, the company's team of designers turned the popular TF model in a "modern day expression of the beloved MGB GT from the trendy 1960s". The MGB was a very popular car in its day, and was the beneficiary of some very powerful engines, including a 3.0-litre inline six and even a 3.5-litre V8.

As such, MG-Rover decided that the current 1.8-litre K Series petrol engine that powers the MG TF range would not suit the concept car's more powerful demeanour. Instead, a 147kW (200bhp) 2.5-litre V6 was chosen, which will potentially cut the 0-100km/h dash to under 6.0 seconds and increase top speed to around 145mph or 233km/h.

The addition of a solid metal roof will help increase torsional rigidity, the fatter wheels will improve grip levels and together with the bigger engine, the MG GT concept would be a much sharper vehicle than any of its soft-topped siblings.

Peter Stevens, MG-Rover's design director believes the concept is certainly a direction the company would like to follow: "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."

If models similar to the pair of coupe concepts that MG-Rover has created were to given the go ahead for general consumption - and it's not unthinkable at this stage - it would really bolster the marque's image as a luxury sports automaker.