MG X80 a new luxury sportscar

The new MG X80 full size fibreglass model, made for MG by TWR

In June 2001, the news came from MG Rover that they had signed a deal with the American company Qvale Automotive Group, to buy its Italian subsidiary, which employs 70 people and produce a new luxury MG model, based on the Qvale Mangusta sports car.
A full size model of the car was unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11th, and was built by TWR automotive in Oxford.
Designed under the guidance of MG Rovers Head of Styling Peter Stevens, the X80 benefits from a high tech superformed aluminium body, mounted to a steel box section chassis. An outstanding chassis set up and specification have evolved from the Qvale Mangusta.
The new car has independent wishbone suspension and a front engine/rear wheel drive layout giving very good handling balance. Advanced braking systems are used to harness a variety of power outputs from the 4.6 litre Ford V8 engines, ranging from 260 to 385 bhp . The new car will be marketed above the existing MGF roadster in terms of features and cost.

The specification of the cars will include:
Electronic traction control
Limited slip differential
ABS brake system
18 alloy wheels
Air Conditioning
High specification sound system.

Comfort items include electric power windows, heated electric mirrors, electric seat adjustment and a leather interior.
The 2+2 coupe version will be introduced in September 2002 and will be joined in late 2003 by a convertible version. Both models will be available with manual and automatic transmissions.
The MG X80 will give the MG brand a world class product in the high performance luxury sports car sector very quickly by normal industry standards. MG Rover say that it is designed to compete with established sports cars like the Porsche 911, Maserati 3200 andJaguar XK8
Prices will start around £ 50,000 (Sek 750k)