The MG X80 was designed during the days of the Phoenix Four running MG-Rover, and according to Wikipedia was used as a design basis for the much more powerful MG XPower SV model.
The current Nanjing MG website has a small flashing banner that scrolls through the MG models, the MG3, the MG5, and the MG7. The MG5 clearly shows the MG X80, which never went into production but was rumoured to come with a big stonking engine that would allow it to compete in the USA against US offerings.
The ‘MG5′ from Nanjing MG could either be down to a lazy graphic designer who just used some random stock photos to make the graphic, or Nanjing MG have the blueprints and the plan to make this car.
Hi Ash,
I used to work for Tom Walkinshaw in Oxford UK. One of the design programs I worked on was Rover Groups RDX60 vehicle.
Just before Tom went belly up and we were all out of a job Rover had carried out a design review of the clay model at Tom’s Oxford design centre. At the time dealers had been given a viewing of the clay and determined that the design ranged from being: “too radical” to “too damned ugly” and would never appeal to conservative traditional Rover buyers.
The clay was quite unique. One side was styled in a coupe design and the other was a 5 door hatch.
The question I have is: What ever happened to this program? Did the design go to SAIC or did Nanjing MG get ttheir hands on it? Will we ever see this vehicle released in China?
I have no idea what happened to that programme, but it sounds very interesting. There are many a MG-Rover fan who read this site, perhaps they can shed some light onto that project?
That type of car sounds like it would have saved Rover!
Was also thinking today that if Rover got into China with their Metro, they’d still be around. The Geely Mei Ri, Xia Li Diahatsu Charade based models are just so popular with low income drivers!
This car broke the mould for Rover. It was so different from the R25 and R45 at the time. It was intended to replace the aging R45 and also fill a gap between R45 and R75. Kind of R55 if you like. Remember this was back in 2002 that this all happened. But you know if the design was launched today I think it would still look fresh and be in step with what is on the road now.
When Tom went into liquidation the suits from Rover turned up and lifted all the CAD data and took it to Longbridge. Don’t know what happened to the clay.
Incidently Ash, had a touchy feely experience with the Roewe 75 in Shanghai last week. Have to say SAIC have done a decent job and the build quality looked OK too.
I really do think since Ford is selling Land Rover and Jaguar, the Rover name will be put up for sale as well. I’m betting that within the next 2-3 years, Rover will rise once again like a phoenix (sans the Phoenix Four of course) and we’ll see Rovers next to MG’s once again courtesy of Nanjing or SAIC.
Another old re-hased possiblity? The Roewe 75 is old and based on the early and dull Honda Legend (not so the latest Legend/Acura)via the Rover 800. Why would anyone with serious international marketing thoughts want to bring out a ‘new’ 2002 based X80??
Patrick, I too have spent a lot of time with the Roewe 75 both during production and after. They are ok - to give then some credit- but are still an old car, underpowered, with mamahuhu quality, plasticky and an interior that would be ok in a Louisiana whore house. Retro vehicles are the go and some of these are good- i.e. the new Fiat 500 and even the new Mustang, but rehash is not retro. May be ok for a new naive Chinese market……
Firstly the comment by Dog Tucker is completely wrong. The Rover 75 is not based on any Honda nor Rover 800. Secondly the X80 was a 2001 Supercar concept. This concept was heavily revised and redesigned and became the carbon-fibre bodied MG X-Power SV which went on sale in 2004. i doubt this car would go on sale as a believe it was auctioned off 2 years ago at the MG Sport and Racing administration sale. Its probably like you said a lazy graphic designer.
Well hell Jamesy, not completety wrong. The 800 was Honda based as we all know. When the 75 was concept was first drawn up and planning underway prior to BMW stepping in it was firmly based on the then current Legend. BMW then sorted out the 75 as we know it. (and I did say via!!) But the bottom line is that the Nanjing ‘Rover’ is still a rehash and not very nice.
BTW, your comments appreciated here just in case Im completely wrong again, but wasnt the X80 based on the Qvale Mangusta?
What i was saying was the Rover 75 wasnt based on any Honda and wasnt based on the 800. It was originally going to be based on the Rover 600 which was a Accord! But then BMW, like you said, stepped in. The X80 was indeed based on the Mangusta, but when it (X80) was revealed at the 2001 Geneva M-show it wasnt well recieved style wise. It was then massively reworked and became the X-Power SV at the 2002 British Motor Show!
how much does this car costs?
what is the maximum price? and the lowest price?