RELEASE IMMEDIATE
November 16, 2004
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.
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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.
RELEASE IMMEDIATE
November 16, 2004
NO TRAILER REQUIRED
If you are a track day enthusiast, the MG XPower SV-R is the one car you
need - no trailer required. Experience track-bred exhilaration on the road
to the circuit, drive straight onto the grid, and blow the competition
away, in the same car.
Lowered, long arm double wishbone suspension all round, is a race-derived
formula. As is the MG's 5.0-litre V8, quad camshaft all aluminium 385bhp
engine, providing power to new six-spoke 20 inch wheels, that house uprated
Brembo disc brakes.
With weight being the enemy of a sports car, the SV-R fights it with a
feather-light, yet incredibly stiff, carbon fibre body shell. The
lightweight body construction contributes to the car's impressive body
rigidity and power to weight ratio, for improved handling and a low centre
of gravity.
Carbon technology also plays its part in shaping the car's advanced airflow
management, making possible every line and subtle curve that has its
purpose beyond pure aesthetics. The large front splitter, rear diffuser,
wing and deep sills combine with a smooth underbody to deliver stability at
high speed.
The SV-R pictured is finished in 'Orange Fire', one of the many special
finishes exclusive to the SV range, with optional carbon-fibre side air
vents.
Inside, the car has been specified with black leather and Alcantara® trim
and automatic climate control. Keeping the driver entertained is a six-
speaker CD player and Becker TrafficPro satellite navigation system.
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Inside the cabin, there is more evidence of motor sport breeding. Deep
Recaro® bucket seats and a four-point harness keep the driver in the
perfect racing position, while protecting occupants with an integrated, FIA
approved, track-proven steel roll cage. The interior also includes luxury
features beyond the leather and Alcantara® seats, with deep wool carpets,
Alcantara® trimmed fascia and many technological features that make
performance driving a real pleasure.
Peter Stevens, who designed the MG XPower SV-R, said: "MG has always been
about driving fun, with performance, handling and style being the top
priorities. The MG XPower SV-R came about because once you start thinking
in this way, it's inevitable that you want to push things even further.
This road-going sports car is not for shy or retiring types. It exudes
confidence and will be enjoyed by individuals who share the same
characteristics."
With a top speed of 175mph and 510Nm of torque at its disposal,
acceleration to 60mph is accomplished in 4.9 seconds. Combined with its
race-tuned chassis, the SV-R package delivers an involving performance on
and off the track.
... ME DEFINITILY LIKE
You can go fast ... but I can go anywhere.
.