MG Design Centre opens

The slow resurgence of MG at its Birmingham site continues, with the opening of the MG Global Design Centre. Employing a team of twenty designers, the studio will sit alongside parent company SAIC’s European Technical Centre, where almost 300 engineers already work.



But what of vehicle manufacture at the facility? Well, the TF (getting on a bit but great value with UK prices starting at £13,799) continues to be produced there, and assembly of the MG6 hatch is due to begin at the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, MG has decided to rename the internal roads around the Birmingham works, following consultation with fans of the marque. The five names that will be used are Abingdon Avenue, Morris Garages Drive, Octagon Way, Austin Street and Issigonis Road. Funnily enough, BMW Boulevard and John Towers Terrace weren’t chosen.

2011 New MG 6 Sports Car

MG Motor has unveiled its brand new MG6, the first car from the company since the launch of the MGF sports car. The model made its debut at the Guangzhou Auto show in China with sales to begin in the country in January 2010. The MG6 is a sporting five seat fastback model, designed to capture the character of the MG brand and bring something different to the volume market, including the UK, in the later part of 2010.

2011 MG 6 Sports Car

There is no word on the technical specs yet, but speculation has it that power will come from a 1.8L 4-cylinder making 133-hp and a peak torque 135 lb-ft. A turbocharged version will produce 160-hp and a maximum torque of 158 lb-ft.

The new MG6 will enter production next month at a new MG plant in Lingang, China.

Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director for MG Motor UK said, “This is a milestone day for the iconic MG brand and for the UK automotive industry. MG has begun the international launch of an all new model that has been designed and engineered here in the UK, for the global automotive market. Currently we only build and sell the mid-engined TF sports car here in the UK, but we can now look forward to expanding the range of MG products.”

The launch takes place at the Guangzhou Auto show in China and is the beginning of an exciting new global future for the MG brand. The launch in China, the world’s largest automotive market begins the international roll out of sales of MG6 which includes the UK. Sales in China will begin in January and plans for the UK and other markets will be released during 2010.

It was also announced today that production of MG6 for the China market will begin at the brand new state of the art factory in Lingang, China in December 2009. It is also planned to commence production of MG6 at the Birmingham plant in the UK before the end of 2010.

The world famous MG brand has never had such a bright future as it starts to expand global sales with an exciting new range of products.

MG6 Key Dimensions

- Length: 4651 mm

- Width: 1826 mm (without mirrors)

- Height: 1480 mm

Specifications for the UK and European markets will be released at a later date.

The MG6 proudly displays a new modernised version of the famous MG octagon badge for the first time. This new design is planned to carry forward on to all new MG models.

This new branding features in the new corporate identity for the launch in China which also uses the Morris Garages naming. This reflects the pride in the history of the brand, the need to communicate this in new markets and is a clear differentiator for the MG brand.

2010 MG Sport Cars TF 85th Anniversary

A few months ago MG presented a special version of its TF, the 85th Anniversary . At that time there were no interesting images of this model, but a recently emerged showing him incredibly. In the summer of 2009, two new MGs were being launched to join the highly successful MG TF LE500; the affordable MG TF 135 and a unique new MG that is being produced to mark the 85th Anniversary of the brand, the MG TF 85th Anniversary.

2010 MG TF 85th Anniversary

Jack Safiruddin, Sales & Aftersales Operations Manager for MG, said. "With summer kicking in, the launch of two new cars and our recent scrappage announcement regarding a £2000 reduction on the price of a new MG, the next few months will be a very tempting time for customers to get the new sports car they have always wanted."

The greatly anticipated MG TF 135 will be launched shortly and is sure to appeal to motorists who want sports car fun at a highly competitive price. Good levels of trim and equipment including a Clarion ICE system, combine with a price tag that will broaden its appeal and bring it within the budget of many more people. The TF 135 will hit showrooms shortly, offering all the fun and appeal of a convertible sports car at a highly affordable £13,511 OTR.

This special version differs from the conventional in several respects. For the new colors, a central line that runs almost everywhere, by an impressive tires, an air intake of a different design, graphics and a new air intake on the side, a rear reformed, and by a more pronounced spoiler. A unique MG TF is being launched to mark the 85th Anniversary of the MG brand. The MGTF 85th Anniversary will be a great looking car with fantastic handling.

This is the perfect car for taking out on the highway for a lazy Sunday.  The true genius behind the design and engineering of the MG is the small but performance enhanced 1.8L 16v 135bhp 4 cylinder DOHC with its 5 speed manual transmission.

It may only pack a four cylinder engine but with performance at the forefront of it’s design, this MG can reach speeds of up to 127mph/205kph.  Another cool feature on all MG’s is the patented multi-port fuel injection system.  This means that the power is better distributed inside of the cylinder chamber. It’s like having a HEMI enveloped into a smaller package.

Other performance features on the new MG TF include the fact that it can go from 0-60mph in just 8.4 seconds.Available in three special colours overlaid with striking graphics and a new design of alloy wheel, from the outside the car looks sensational. The cabin is stunning too as the specialist graphics continue with monogrammed sill finishers and gear knob which complement new stylish Aubergine leather trim and a high quality ICE system.

Apart from the stunning look, the new TF 85th Anniversary model also benefits from a ride and handling package that's tuned to make this car unique to drive. Bilstein suspension, Eibach anti roll system, lower ride height, an all new anti torsion pack and a modified wheel set up on Rimstock 'Twisted Pepper' style wheels give the 85th Anniversary edition a grown up feel and very precise handling at high speeds.

The price is very interesting for Great Britain , is £ 15,664 , but apparently for some skills that made the Government your cost will be in the £ 13,664

With the fully loaded and highly specified MG TF LE500, the extremely affordable MG TF 135 and the tightly handling MG 85th Anniversary, MG now offers a family of cars that give existing owners looking for something new, as well as prospective customers who just want to enjoy British mid engined, top down sports car driving, some real choices.

2010 MG Zero Concept Cars Sporty Character

The MG Zero Concept has been unveiled to the world's media as one of the stars of the 2010 Beijing Automotive Show that could preview a production model planned for market launch in 2011, now one of the world's most important automotive events. The MG Zero Concept car has been developed by MG Global Design team, led by British MG Design Director Anthony (Tony) Williams-Kenny, based in Birmingham.

2010 MG Zero Concept Cars

At around 4m in length, the MG Zero concept previews the design direction of the brand and demonstrates how MG can expand into this high- volume sector of the market. MG Zero reflects the latest trends in the market for vehicle size, styling and technology and is designed to show how MG will offer products that will appeal to a wide audience across the global market.

MG Zero Concept also demonstrates the design and engineering capabilities of SAIC by showcasing a number of innovative features. The bold interior has clean and simple lines with high contrast flashes of accent colour. It uses the latest technology touch screens to allow occupants to interact with the world around them and features a striking 'floating console' design around the driver.

The high-tech materials are draw inspiration from ultra high-performance sports equipment and there is highly innovative use of interior lighting features to create real emotion in the cabin. The bold red-coloured illumination adds a touch of drama.

Commenting on the exterior style, Design Director Tony Williams said " This concept shows a bold, individual soul. The bonnet is formed around the famous octagonal badge, the graphics flow into striking lamps and the large lower grille completes the confident, sporty character. The body-side has a strong shoulder, a dynamic scalloped feature in the doors and flared arches to give a wide stance and strong road presence. The feature lines have been designed to give a strong relationship to the wheel arch demonstrating the fun nature of the cars dynamics."

MG Zero Concept also explores the integration of the latest communications technology in the vehicle and in addition to the interior systems, it features a fun communications system on the exterior of the rear!

MG hasn't said much about the vehicle's details, including powerplant options, fuel economy or when we might expect to see a production version crop up. While we aren't exactly smitten with the car's nose, the rest of the design would do well in a segment dominated by the drab. Though concrete information is suspiciously absent at the moment, the company says the Zero should be a clear indication of where the brand is headed in the coming years.

Guy Jones, MG Motor UK Sales and Marketing Director summarised by saying "MG Zero is crucial to the development of the brand globally, as it gives clear direction for the future beyond the current products. We are all proud to see our British-designed vehicle wearing the MG badge creating such an impact in Beijing. With the MG TF back in production in Birmingham, sales increasing and the MG 6 coming at the end of 2010, the MG Zero Concept has come at the perfect time to build further awareness and interest in the brand here in the UK."

No details about its powertrain have been revealed but we can envisage a production version being powered by a range of fuel efficient four-cylinder engines, perhaps even with a turbocharger for a high-performance hot hatch model.

MG is reportedly working on several new models including a replacement for the TF roadster, as well as a sports coupe and a compact sedan.

Beijing 2010: MG Zero Concept

MG has its eyes set on the juicy Chinese small hatch segment, and the company's first crack at the market debuted in the form of Zero Concept at this year's Beijing Motor Show. At shave over 13 feet long, the pint-sized five-door is designed to offer up more style than space. MG says the vehicle was penned by Anthony Williams, the brand's British director of design, and offers drivers a unique interior loaded with your standard concept-tech. The Zero boasts a floating center console, complete with touch screen controls, as well as some kind of communication system on the rear of the vehicle. Yeah, we don't get that part, either.

MG hasn't said much about the vehicle's details, including powerplant options, fuel economy or when we might expect to see a production version crop up. While we aren't exactly smitten with the car's nose, the rest of the design would do well in a segment dominated by the drab. Though concrete information is suspiciously absent at the moment, the company says the Zero should be a clear indication of where the brand is headed in the coming years.

MG Zero concept

The revitalisation of MG slowly continues, with the firm unveiling its attractive Zero concept at the Beijing Automotive Show.

Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.



Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.

No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.