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| 1993 MG RV8 |
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The MG-badged Maestros and Montegos kept the brand on the road till 1991, and in the following year, the long-awaited new MG roadster made its debut. Well, not quite an all-new model: the RV8 combined a bodyshell from the Heritage department with the Range Rover's 3.9-litre V8 and rounded-off, '90s-friendly styling. It looks rather like a contemporary TVR S-Series - the RV8's intended rival which, of course, was also fitted with the Range Rover engine. Its performance was actually pretty credible: 136mph and 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. Aimed at MG enthusiasts - and specifically older drivers who'd had MGBs in the past - the 190bhp RV8 had much-improved handling, thanks to a modern double-wishbone front suspension layout and properly gripping tyres, as well as plusher upholstery than any MG roadster before, even if it was hardly state-of-the-art. Just 2000 cars were made, most of which were exported.
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| 1995 MGF |
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Clearly, the nostalgia-driven RV8 was not the car to save the brand, however; not only was it too compromised and outdated, it was also too powerful to be a big seller and too expensive. Development work continued on the real "new MG" in the early '90s, with the so-called project PR3 - an affordable mid-engined two-seater with a 1.8-litre version of the K-Series engine - getting signed off prior to the latest company buyout. The Rover Group was taken over by BMW in 1994, and the MGF made its public debut a year later at the Geneva Motor Show. It quickly became the best-selling model in its market sector. "The best MG in a long time," wrote 4Car's then editor. "Our homegrown MGF was one of the best of its time... still looks good and is great fun to own." Even in standard 1.8i form, it was good for 120mph, and the 145bhp VVC (variable valve control) engine really allowed drivers to exploit the sharp handling. MG was back in the sports car game again - properly.
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