New sideview door mirrors featured integrated turn signal indicators, but also served another purpose -- they opened the car's
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| The GT Concept did not possess door handles, but instead a small electronic switch located on each mirrors' housing opened the door. Cool. (Photo: MG-Rover Group) |
doors. Though easily missed, the GT Concept did not possess door handles! Instead, a small electronic switch located on each mirrors' housing opened the door, allowing the concept to preserve a clean exterior profile without the presence of door handles.
The shaved doors lead way to the interior, best described as a blend of retro British sports car design with modern ergonomically configured controls. Sport seats trimmed in burgundy leather were matched with identically colored dashboard and door castings.
Powering the GT Concept was a revised version of MG-Rover's 2.5-liter KV6
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| A revised 200-hp version of MG-Rover's 2.5-liter KV6 engine powered the GT Concept. (Photo: MG-Rover Group) |
powerplant. Previously, all mid-engined TF models were equipped with performance-tuned MG-Rover K-Series inline-four engines; however, MG had found a way to slot the KV6 behind the driver to power the rear wheels when developing this prototype. Although similar to the motor featured in the now-defunct top-spec ZS and ZT performance sedans, the new concept had received minor modifications to provide 200-horsepower. The lightweight coupe was able to reach 60 mph in less than six seconds, and had a top speed of 145 mph. The increase in top speed was aided by the aerodynamically designed roof which dropped the convertible's drag rating from 0.35 to a wind-cheating 0.31 Cd.
