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MG Rover UK has recently revealed two very exciting coupe concept vehicles:
- Rover 75 Coupe
- MG GT Coupe
The Rover 75 Coupe is an elegant two-door expression of the stylish Rover 75
sedan. Released in Rover’s Centenary year, the coupe represents latest in a line
of renowned Rover designs such as P4, the handsome P5 coupe, the innovative P6
2000 model and the bold SD1 hatchback.
Peter Stevens, Rover’s design director says: “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, 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 analyzing 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 supercharged V8
derivative also being produced.
This is not the only MG coupe being reviewed for production. The company
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 1960s. 128,212 MGB GT’s
were built over 11 years before production finally stopped in 1976.
That car was treated to some more powerful engines in the shape of the
3-litre straight six (MGC) and a 3.5-litre V8 (MGB GT V8) and so the engineers
have developed this latest concept around the 2.5-litre KV6 Quad Cam engine.
Raising power to 200bhp (148kW), performance is predicted to give the GT sub six
second 0 to 100 km/h acceleration and a top speed of 232 km/h. 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 MG TF
they have been researching the ‘fixed-head’ market. Many of the ‘warmer climate’
markets such as Australia indicated a strong desire for a TF derivative to have
an integrated, coupe style to cope with high summer temperatures. Also, recent
models like the Audi TT and Nissan 350Z have shown that hardtops can be highly
popular. Coupe derivatives account for approximately 78% and 55% respectively
for both these vehicles in Australia.
Features of interest specified on the MG GT concept include 17” 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.
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.”
Like the Rover 75 Coupe, a production viability analysis is currently being
conducted.
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