2002 MG SV XPower Concept
Following the development of the X80, the new XPower SV is a modern supercar that may offer 965 bhp in tuned form. This two-seater will be the top model in the MG line-up, although little details are offered about it or any upcoming derivatives.
What makes this concept car unique is its carbon-fibre body featuring a flat undertray. Front and rear diffusers are installed in the undertray. These devices were designed by Steve Randle who was responsible for the McLaren F1’s areodynamic package. Whether or not such a setup will be used on the production cars is unknown.
A Sean Hyland tuned 5.0-litre, quad-cam, V8 engine powers the SV Concept. With this engine, MG-Rover claims the SV reaches 0-60mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed somewhere around 200 mph. These figures relate only to this concept car and may be carried over to the production version.
A race program is also being considered with this new MG. This concept car features rollover protection provided by a tubular structure which complies with FIA competition specifications. MG-Rover also claim the engine will be able to reach 965bhp in race tune.
Road-going SVs have a planned release date of spring 2003. It will be offered in plain SV spec, having 326bhp or SV Club Sport spec, having 410bhp. Whether or not the SV will accually reach production is anyones guess.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| engine | Ford Cobra SVT, 90 degree, V8 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 4 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 5000 cc / 305.1 in³ |
| power | 346.8 kw / 465 bhp |
| specific output | 93.0 bhp per litre |
| body / frame | Carbon Fibre |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
| top speed | ~321.9 kph / 200.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~4.1 seconds |
Auction Sales History
2002 MG SV XP3 Coupé – sold for €33,120 The 3rd factory prototype, 388 miles from new. The car offered here is the third of the four prototypes and is the one used to give the model its debut at the 2002 Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham. It was also used for all MG press releases and photo shoots, and was displayed at motor shows in Barcelona and Bologna, and at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. ‘XP3′ was subsequently used by the design team to trial new interiors before being sold by MG Rover’s administrators when the company was wound up. Never road registered, the car has a mere 388 miles recorded on the odometer. It is MoT’d to 28th February 2011 but will have to pass the Single Vehicle Approval test prior to registration by the DVLA. Described as in generally good condition, this historic MG prototype is offered with a copy of David Knowles’ book, ‘MG Xpower SV’ in which it is extensively featured.
Auction Source: 2010 Collectors’ Motor Cars at Goodwood Revival by Bonhams
