Although the GT Concept had yet to be given the green light for production prior to the company's troubles, Peter Stevens, MG's previous design director, commented, "We
would love to expand the MG TF range with a high-performance MG GT which has inspiring handling, practicality and great looks."
Considering that the majority of the GT mechanical and bodywork components rely on the existing TF, the cost to retool and create the supplementary panels for the slickly-styled hardtop would be relatively minor. Putting the project on the assembly line would most likely please the company's new owner, Nanjing Automotive, China's oldest carmaker and the underdog of what were three firms running for MG-Rover's control. An MG GT would most likely prove popular with potential buyers who crave a stylish mid-engined sports car that's not as raw as the Lotus Elise, nor as expensive as a Porsche Boxster.
So, will MG's new owners ever sell a new GT, or any other model in North America? While it seems that the brand would have many willing buyers, boomers raised on MGAs, MGBs, Midgets, and of course MG GTs, any chance of seeing the octagon badge on a new car on this side of the Atlantic has just increased tenfold. While Mexico was the closest the brand had come to Canada or the U.S. in recent years, a jurisdiction that enjoys a special relationship with European automakers that allows it to bring in many models not currently available here, Nanjing Automotive has the money and manpower to make a reintroduction into one of the world's most lucrative market's happen. Just what it will do for distribution is another subject to explore at a later time. It sure is fun to speculate, though, isn't it?
Specifications:
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| Will MG's new owners ever sell the new GT, or any other model in North America? I think it's safe to say there'd be buyers here if they did. (Photo: MG-Rover Group) |
Considering that the majority of the GT mechanical and bodywork components rely on the existing TF, the cost to retool and create the supplementary panels for the slickly-styled hardtop would be relatively minor. Putting the project on the assembly line would most likely please the company's new owner, Nanjing Automotive, China's oldest carmaker and the underdog of what were three firms running for MG-Rover's control. An MG GT would most likely prove popular with potential buyers who crave a stylish mid-engined sports car that's not as raw as the Lotus Elise, nor as expensive as a Porsche Boxster.
So, will MG's new owners ever sell a new GT, or any other model in North America? While it seems that the brand would have many willing buyers, boomers raised on MGAs, MGBs, Midgets, and of course MG GTs, any chance of seeing the octagon badge on a new car on this side of the Atlantic has just increased tenfold. While Mexico was the closest the brand had come to Canada or the U.S. in recent years, a jurisdiction that enjoys a special relationship with European automakers that allows it to bring in many models not currently available here, Nanjing Automotive has the money and manpower to make a reintroduction into one of the world's most lucrative market's happen. Just what it will do for distribution is another subject to explore at a later time. It sure is fun to speculate, though, isn't it?
Specifications:
- Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: mid-engine, RWD
- Engine (estimated): 200-hp, 200 lb-ft of torque, 2.5L 24-valve DOHC V6
- Transmission: 5-spd manual
- Brakes: disc / disc, ABS
- Web Site: www.mg-rover.com