At the
British Motor Show this year, we were mightily impressed by the curvy
GTM Libra and Spyder. Since the show, the car has been fitted with Rover's 2.5-litre KV6, creating one of the only mid-engined coupes on the market with such a powerplant. The choice should widen next year though if MG's GT concept is anything to go by.
You can see for yourself that the GT appears to be no more than an
MG TF with a handsome fixed roof. No doubt this car has been on MG's designers' computer screens for a number of years. Let's hope it actually makes it into production now. The TF itself is still the UK's top selling sports car, with increasing sales for the past three years. However, MG sees the GT as being more of a hit in warmer climes, where a closed coupe with air conditioning is more appealing than being fried in the sun.
The GT concept is a tantalising one, with nearly 200bhp available from the V6 engine, and a chassis biased towards the sporting driver. MG could well have a less compromised alternative to the Lotus Exige on its hands. Theoretical performance figures being bandied about include a 145mph top speed and 0-60mph in less than 6 seconds. A whole range of engine options should be offered, as even the 1.4-litre K-series would give ample go in the light GT. No doubt it would also be incredible value for money.
Peter Stevens, MG's design director made this guarded statement: "We would love to expand the MG TF range with a high-performance MG GT which has inspiring handling, practicality and great looks." Watch this space for more news soon, and go pester your local MG Rover dealer, as we are still not 100% convinced that the GT is going into production.
Shane O' Donoghue - 17 Nov 2004