While the eyes of the motoring press will soon switch Stateside for the Detroit extravaganza, MG is using the Autosport International Show in Birmingham to unveil the MG6 GT BTCC Edition and MG6 GT DTi-TECH diesel models to the public for the first time.
Built to commemorate the success of the marque in its first year of British Touring Cars the MG6 GT BTCC Edition boasts a 160hp turbocharged 1.8-litre engine that allows the car to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 8.4 seconds. Sporting a BTCC badge on the front grille the special editions also features a matt black roof and 18-inch alloy wheels with black gloss sills, door mirror covers, lower front air dam, rear bumper and rear spoiler.
The MG6 GT DTi-TECH is the first MG to feature parent company, SAIC's, new 1.9-litre diesel powerplant. With 150hp the MG6 is only half a second slower to 62mph than the BTCC model and features stop-start and smart charging technology that saves energy by only supplying power to certain electrical components when it is needed.
Along with the cars, attendees of the Autosport show will also get the opportunity to win merchandise signed by MG's Jason Plato and model MG cars to be won for the top drivers who take the MG Racing Bug challenge, while drivers who book test drives in the real MG6 cars will get the opportunity of winning a special 2013 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship weekend.
The Autosport International Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, opens to the public on Saturday January 12.
Paul Healy - 11 Jan 2013