- Inside Line provides an early look at the future MG TF roadster.
- MG's TF replacement will be a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible.
- The new roadster is expected to arrive as a 2014 model.
LONDON — Engineers at MG Birmingham continue to work on an all-new replacement for the storied British marque's midengine TF roadster. With the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky out of production, Mazda's MX-5 Miata once again has the U.S. roadster market all to itself, and MG may now consider this a prime opportunity to return to the United States.
Now under Chinese ownership, the Shanghai Auto affiliate is engineering the future TF as a front-engine roadster, as the midengine layout of the current car can't be developed further. The chassis may come from the rear-wheel-drive MG ZT V8.
Although initial production of the new TF is likely three years away, engine options for the future roadster are expected to include a General Motors-sourced turbodiesel, a V6 gasoline engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the Roewe 750's system.
Keeping with the pure roadster appeal of the original MG drop tops, the new shapely sports car will undoubtedly offer a fabric soft top instead of an expensive, heavy retractable hardtop.
Shut down last fall, production of the current TF is restarting in England, but the model is not expected to live much beyond the end of 2010.
MG officially exited the United States auto market in 1980, with the death of the U.S.-compliant MGB.
Inside Line says: Although it hasn't been in the United States for 30 years, MG still has the name recognition to move desperate housewives and starving students alike. This car could be big in America. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor
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leighping says:
01:06 PM, 05/17/2012
Do you think that it will have an airscarf?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2CEwl_nN9g
dyzio says:
06:56 AM, 04/23/2010
anybody remember MG X power !
Put a new 5.0 L from Mustang and this will ba a killer !
http://www.fabuloussavers.com/wallpapers/48_MGXPower_car_autofreedesktopwallpaper_s.jpg
deadviper says:
09:06 PM, 04/20/2010
Sorority girl special.
lt1boy says:
05:52 PM, 04/20/2010
The front looks like it has whiskers, cutsey eyes, and a big stupid grin.
The back screams 1990's Integra.
cheerful_1 says:
05:35 PM, 04/20/2010
A turobdiesel roadster? Am I the only one that thinks that just sounds like a mismatching of concepts? Diesel is fine for a low down punch but when I think roadster I think high reving, rowing thru the gates, 8000rpm redline fun.
actualsize says:
05:22 PM, 04/20/2010
What a half-assed rendering. In the front 3/4 shot, the front brake calipers sit ahead of the front axle centerline, making it look like a "rear steer" layout (relative to the front axle centerline) with front-wheel drive. In the rear 3/4 shot, the front calipers sit behind the front axle centerline, giving the impression of "front steer" and rear-wheel drive.
These are only marginally better illustrations than you'd seen in your basic Hankook tire TV commercial. Judge these images for shape only. They're not based on a real CAD model and have no technical credibility with respect to the car's layout.
rsuryase says:
12:54 PM, 04/20/2010
Looks good but it's CGI, we'll see how a real model looks.
ne1butu2 says:
11:22 AM, 04/20/2010
This is an MG in name only. Not interested in buying any more Chinese junk that I already do.
shahulx says:
09:34 AM, 04/20/2010
depends on how it drives... the miata is beat the Mr2 spyder and Solstice/Sky based on communicative steering and handling response... this MG would do well if it could compete there. A good handling hybrid convertible could do well (asuuming the extra weight would let it handle well).
zoomzoomn says:
09:34 AM, 04/20/2010
kjgood says:07:52 AM, 04/20/2010
"...indifferent assembly quality issues."
From an MG? :)