MG Returns to Racing, will Participate in the 2012 BTCC Series

After restarting production in the United Kingdom last April, MG is now getting ready to return to racing as the Chinese-owned automaker announced today that it would enter the 2012 BTCC Series with a pair of MG6 GT racing cars.

This will be the first time since 2003 that MG will have an official entry in the championship. The brand's two racing cars will run in the all-new MG KX Momentum Racing team piloted by double BTCC champion Jason Plato and former Team Aon driver Andy Neate.

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2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring PRHT.

A sure-fire smile inducer at TireKicker is to toss us the keys to a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Tight, quick, fun...everything the MGs, Triumphs and Healys of the 60s were aiming for, but could never quite get that quality thing down.

It's been about a year and a half since Mazda put one in the press fleet, and it's a scientific fact that your body never outgrows its need for a week in a primal roots sporting machine, so we borrowed one from Chapman Mazda in Phoenix. And the one we got was the least primal of the bunch...the Grand Touring PRHT.



What's that? Well, it's an MX-5 Miata loaded with just about everything you can get...including a retractable hardtop.  Modern retractables (the first ones from Ford in the late 50s were engineering and electrical nightmares) are simple, slick and for the most part, the best of both worlds...the sun and wind in your hair when you want it, protection from the elements, prying eyes and sticky fingers when you don't (all a thief needs to get into your ragtop when it's parked is a good knife).

The only real downsides are weight and cost. Mazda's kept the weight penalty under a hundred pounds, which is a good thing. The base price of the Grand Touring PRHT (Power Retractable Hard Top) is $5.570 more than your base MX-5 Miata...go for the 6-speed automatic instead of the 6-speed manual and it's $6,570.

The 2011 Mazda Miata MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT. Zoom-Zoom and a smile.

Choosing the automatic also costs you 9 horsepower...down to 158 from 167 with the stick. That's how ours was equipped.

If you're thinking the base price is getting up there, you're right. $29,650 is where ours started. The good news is that besides the retractable, you're getting a lot of nice equipment for your money. Automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats (heated with 5 settings), a leather-wrapped parking brake and a Bose audio system with AudioPilot 2.

The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata gauge cluster.

Fold in the one and only option on our car, the Premium Package (anti-theft alarm, advanced keyless entry system, Bluetooth, Xenon headlights, dynamic stability and traction control and Sirius Satellite Radio) for $1,650 and $795 delivery, processing and handling fee, and the sticker reads:

$32,095.

Yeah, you can get a base MX5 Miata for about $23,000 or anywhere between $23,000 and $32,000. But there's nothing wrong with this approach either...it's the Uber-Miata.


2011 Mazda Miata MX-5 Grand Touring PRHT

Base price: $29,650

As tested: $32.095

Likes: Styling, character, handling, drivability, overall fun factor.

Dislikes: The retractable hardtop isn't insulated...on a 105-degree day, the A/C is barely able to counteract the heat seeping into the cockpit.

EPA Estimate: 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway.

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2011 Mazda 2 Review

The 2011 Mazda 2 comes in a lot of colors. But this is the one you'll see most.

When was the last time you had your internal fun-meter pegged (we reserve the right to edit comments posted to TireKicker-Ed.)?  As in "12" on a scale of 10?

The Mazda 2 will do just that...it had us grinning about as big as the car itself does with the Mazda trademark smile up front.

If you haven't driven it, the temptation is to lump it in with the Ford Fiesta, another member of the mini-car freshman class of 2011...but while the Fiesta is a fine car, where the Mazda wins is in sheer fun at the wheel.

Rear view of the 2011 Mazda 2...promising fun and utility.

There's a difference between speed and power (which, with 100 horsepower and 88 pounds per foot of  torque, the 2 doesn't have tons of) and fun. This little puppy begs to be revved high and driven like you mean it. It's a slot car..find the right gear, a winding road and prepare to be entertained despite the low horsepower rating.

How'd they do that? Well, it's not new to Mazda. MX-5 Miatas aren't powerhouses either, but for more than 20 years, they've been one of the most entertaining cars to drive because of their eagerness to rev and their handling capabilities...essentially the same formula as the MGs and Triumphs of the 50s and 60s.

The businesslike instrument panel of the 2011 Mazda 2.

The price is pretty sweet, too. A base of $16,235, which includes a tilt leather steering wheel with cruise and audio controls on it, power door locks and windows, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, floor mats, an AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system with auxilary input jack, a trip computer, ABS with brake assist, an anti-theft immobilizer, a tire pressure monitoring system, dynamic stability control and traction control, and front and side airbags and curtains.

And just to drive the point home that that's everything you need, that's exactly how Mazda sent the test vehicle...not a single option. Tack on delivery charges and the bottom line is $16,985. Leaves lots of money in your pocket for dues at your local autocross club (or to start your own), as does the EPA estimate of 27 city/33 highway.

Very low bucks...very high fun quotient. You can look responsible and socially concious by driving a small car and then go carve canyons on the weekend (or on unnaturally long runs to the store).

The 2....is a 10.

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MG6 to Start Production at Birmingham site on April 13, Prices Start from £15,495

The fastback version of the all-new MG6 will soon become MG Motor’s first all-new model to pass through the gates of the firm’s Longbridge factory in 16 years. The last time MG showed a brand new model was in 1995 with the MG F, a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive roadster. According to the British automaker, the first series production model will roll off the assembly line on April 13, 2011 at precisely 11:00 am.

MG Motors, which now belongs under the umbrella of China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) group, will follow up with a sedan version of the MG6 this summer. Both the four-door saloon and the five-door fastback will be offered with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s good enough for 160 ponies and 215Nm of peak torque at 1750-4500 rpm.

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New MG6 Saloon First Photos, Goes on Sale in the UK this Summer

Having been delayed for a couple of months due to some negative consumer feedback, the MG6 four-door Saloon model has now taken over the social media scene. The first photos of the ₤17.000 Focus rivaling MG have been posted on the British firm's facebook page. The MG6 Saloon is scheduled to land in UK showrooms this summer, a few months after the first batch of MG6 fastback's reach their owners.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata PRHT Grand Touring Review

This may be the first car I've driven where the name, if put on a badge, would be longer than the car itself.

It is the heaviest and most expensive Miata I've driven in 13 years of professional TireKicking, but I can't say I love it any less (for just how much that is, see last year's review here). And that's because Mazda is now doing the kind of magic that used to be solely the province of Honda.

Retractable hardtops, while offering security from knife-wielding thieves and a lower level of cockpit noise, usually add weight and cost and steal a large chunk of what little trunk space the ragtop version of a car has in the first place.

But Mazda has kept the weight gain to 80 pounds...lighter than putting a passenger onboard. And because of how it folds into place, it takes up less than one cubic inch of trunk space.

That, folks, is just plain brilliant.

Cost? Yes, it's more. In the case of the Grand Touring model, going with the PRHT (let's just call it the "retractable" from here on out) adds $1860 to the tab.  And while $1860 is $1860, that's less than most cars charge for a nav system that will be obsolete by the time you need new tires.

So the starting point for the retractable Grand Touring is $28,400. Yeah, that's a chunk for a Miata, especially when the base Miata Sport softtop starts at $22,960. But here's what you get by going with the Grand Touring:

• 
  
  Run-flat tires
• 
  
  Xenon headlights
• 
  
  Automatic climate control
• 
  
  Advanced keyless entry
• 
  
  Leather-trimmed  heated seats
• 
  
  Bose audio system
• 
  
  Sirius satellite radio
• 
  
  Bluetooth hands-free phone capability
• 
  
  Dynamic stability control
• 
  
  Traction control system

In short, a seriously loaded luxury Miata. And Mazda added the Suspension Package (a sport-tuned suspension, Bilstein shocks and limited-slip differential) for $500....which just enhances this real-life version of a slot car. Bottom line: $31,300 including delivery charges.

                   

If you have never driven a Miata, you owe yourself at least a test-drive. They are addictive cars...delivering what the old MGs, Triumphs and Austin-Healys only promised...embarrassing the earnest efforts of the now-dead Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. If you've dismissed them as merely cute, or a "chick car", you're wrong, pure and simple. 68 percent of all Miatas are bought by men, and it's because they are the next-best thing to a Porsche Boxster at a fraction of the price. They reward energetic, involved driving...20 minutes on a winding road will put a smile on your face that will last all day.

Go.

Buy.

Drive.

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2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

LONDON — MG Motor has begun work on an all-new front-engine, rear-drive open-top sports cars to replace its aging midengine TF roadster, now 15 years old. MG insiders tell Inside Line that the company might consider selling the sports cars in the U.S., given the marque's history in North America, but currently have no solid plans for a return.

2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

MG and SAIC have to provide the Mazda Miata with a little competition which could mean trouble for Mazda. Right now, it seems that Mazda is doing some damage with the Miata and its faithful followers, but one look at this rendering and people might decide to jump ship and cruise with the MG.

Development is at a very early stage and has significantly lower priority than the company's plans to introduce both the new MG6 hatchback, already on sale in China, and a new supermini to its U.K. factory. MG's Chinese owner Shanghai Auto hopes to re-establish mainstream car production in Britain and relaunch the MG brand across Europe.

But the company believes that a new sports cars is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. Though far from concrete, the aim is to introduce the model during 2014. It would be built at MG's Birmingham, England plant.

That means the sports car manufacturer will not actually be manufacturing any sports cars for at least three years, rather preferring to focus its attention on the new MG6 and a small city car to be built in the UK. MG plans to build the new sports cars in Birmingham, England, as the brand’s Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), attempts to reintroduce MG throughout Europe. One source close to the project says that MG wants to create a direct rival to the Mazda Miata, which is why a front-engine, rear-drive layout is preferred.

The first rumored model to be offered will be the 2014 MG TF Roadster with a front engine or rear drive layout and a soft-top design. A retactable hadrtop will not be offered due to cost and complexity. Under the hood there will be a GM sourced turbodiesel, a gasoline V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the system in SIAC Rowe 750. Although production is 3 years off, sources close to the project tell us that the early designs for the 2014 MG TF resemble these renderings. Note that the TF will again employ a soft top design.

Sources tell us a midengine layout, as used on today's TF, has been rejected because of the styling and packaging limitations it forces on the car, while front-wheel drive has been eliminated for not being sporty enough. MG does not expect the TF to live much beyond the end of 2010, leaving the brand without a sports cars for at least three years while a new model is developed. The company has not ruled out trying to find a partner with which to share a platform.

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2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

LONDON — MG Motor has begun work on an all-new front-engine, rear-drive open-top sports cars to replace its aging midengine TF roadster, now 15 years old. MG insiders tell Inside Line that the company might consider selling the sports cars in the U.S., given the marque's history in North America, but currently have no solid plans for a return.

2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

MG and SAIC have to provide the Mazda Miata with a little competition which could mean trouble for Mazda. Right now, it seems that Mazda is doing some damage with the Miata and its faithful followers, but one look at this rendering and people might decide to jump ship and cruise with the MG.

Development is at a very early stage and has significantly lower priority than the company's plans to introduce both the new MG6 hatchback, already on sale in China, and a new supermini to its U.K. factory. MG's Chinese owner Shanghai Auto hopes to re-establish mainstream car production in Britain and relaunch the MG brand across Europe.

But the company believes that a new sports cars is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. Though far from concrete, the aim is to introduce the model during 2014. It would be built at MG's Birmingham, England plant.

That means the sports car manufacturer will not actually be manufacturing any sports cars for at least three years, rather preferring to focus its attention on the new MG6 and a small city car to be built in the UK. MG plans to build the new sports cars in Birmingham, England, as the brand’s Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), attempts to reintroduce MG throughout Europe. One source close to the project says that MG wants to create a direct rival to the Mazda Miata, which is why a front-engine, rear-drive layout is preferred.

The first rumored model to be offered will be the 2014 MG TF Roadster with a front engine or rear drive layout and a soft-top design. A retactable hadrtop will not be offered due to cost and complexity. Under the hood there will be a GM sourced turbodiesel, a gasoline V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the system in SIAC Rowe 750. Although production is 3 years off, sources close to the project tell us that the early designs for the 2014 MG TF resemble these renderings. Note that the TF will again employ a soft top design.

Sources tell us a midengine layout, as used on today's TF, has been rejected because of the styling and packaging limitations it forces on the car, while front-wheel drive has been eliminated for not being sporty enough. MG does not expect the TF to live much beyond the end of 2010, leaving the brand without a sports cars for at least three years while a new model is developed. The company has not ruled out trying to find a partner with which to share a platform.

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Last-Known MGB Works Rally Car Going Under Auction

An extremely rare 1964 MGB which is said to be the last known genuine MG works rally car is being offered for auction, 35 years after bidding farewell to the world of motorsports.

One of two only official MGB rally cars built in 1964, the specific example made its racing debut in the Spa-Sofia-Liege rally in August 1964. It then went on to race another five times as a works entry, at the Tulip Rally, The Acropolis Rally, Geneva Rally, the Castrol Danube Rally and the RAC Rally, all in 1965.

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MG XPower to be Well-Represented at UK's Historics Auction

Set to hit the block at the UK's Historics at Brooklands event are these two MG XPower SVs.

The carbon fiber-bodied MG XPower Sport Veloce, based on the less aggressive X80 concept, was designed by Peter Stevens (responsible, among others, for the McLaren F1 and Jaguar XJR-15) and is underpinned by a platform from Qvale's Mangusta.

Powered by Ford's 4.6 liter 4-valve Cobra V8, the standard SV made 320 horsepower with an advertised top speed of 165 mph when new.

Roughly 82 of the rear-wheel drive MG coupes were built and sold to consumers before a lack of sales forced MG to stop production. At around £75,000 when new, it's easy to see how that could happen.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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