2005 MG GT Concept

You would expect the MG TF’s brother to be faster, more rugged and undeniably more handsome and so it is – the MG GT concept. The 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 trendy 1960s.

That car was treated to some more powerful engines in the shape of the 3-litre straight six (MGC) and 3.5-litre V8 (MGB GT V8) and so the engineers have developed this latest concept around the 2.5-litre KV6 engine. Raising power to 200bhp, performance is predicted to give the GT sub six second zero to 60mph acceleration and a top speed of 145mph. 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 UK’s top selling sports car they have been researching the fixed-head market. Many of the warmer climate markets prefer sports cars to have an integrated, coupe style and air conditioning to cope with high summer temperatures. Also, recent models like the Audi TT have shown that hardtops can be highly popular for customers who prefer the style of a fixed-head coupe.

Features of interest specified on the MG GT concept include 17 Gunsmoke five-spoke 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. The interior is trimmed with Burgundy Red leather seats with the fascia and door casings also following the same colourway.

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.”

The TF’s recent sales performance is impressive. It is the UK’s best selling sports car and sales have climbed in each year for the last three. Further improvements will be introduced in 2005 to retain the TF’s customer appeal of being a desirable all-round performer.

Story by MG Rover Group Limited