RoverTorque
Join Up

13/07/05
ROVERS RETURN?

"With a new look 75, Rover may well be on it's way back" With pictures to prove the point, that was the article in this weeks Auto Express magazine.

It's not over for Rover! And with these sensational pictures, Auto Express can take the wraps off two radical new machines that are set to rise from the ashes of the collapsed manufacturer.

Both a new look 75 & 45 will be manufactured in the UK by a new firm operating as a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and British businessman David James' Project Kimber. It would see MG TF, Rover 25 & 75 production restart at Longbridge, with SAIC owning the Powertrain division and supplying engines. The idea is to sell the new models through existing Rover dealerships. Insiders estimate that the new 45 & 75 could go on sale as soon as 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Auto Express then went on to say: Marking a radical departure from previous Rovers, both models have striking designs…..the 75 is much bolder and sportier than before. Featuring a sweeping profile, chunky, high waist-line and rising tail. Whats more, the car already exists! A prototype version is currently being stored in a secret location at Rover's Longbridge site.

The new car is shorter than the current 75, but it is 50mm taller and 100mm longer than BMW's 3-series.

Likely to use a development of the current 75, the fresh model will continue with front-wheel drive. The ride is likely to be the best in its class for comfort.

Petrol engines will start with a 1.8 litre, upto a 2.5 litre V6, whilst diesel versions engines will possibly come from Volkswagon or General Motors, two of SAIC's partners. An MG ZT version is pencilled in to arrive at the same time as the 75 in 2008. With the possibility of a 2 door variant to rival BMW's 3-series Coupe and the Mercedes CLK.


SPORTY
Rovers initial designs show low-slung concept.

STYLISH
Sketch previews the cars prominent styling features.

SALOON
This design study looks to have a practical hatchback, but final styling will retain current 75 saloon layout

…AND '45' IS ON ITS WAY BACK TOO!

A new medium-sized model - codenamed RD60 - had already made prototype stage in the hands of MG Rover. The work started in Longbridge will be continued to form the 45 replacement, an MPV-like hatch that rivals the all-new Honda Civic for visual drama.

…enhancing the look are narrow headlamps and aggressive spotlights + high waistline and chunky pillars. Further stylish touches include extended wheel-arches and one-piece tailgate. Shorter than the current 45 but longer than the Ford Focus.

Build and material quality is tipped to ba as good as in premium brands, with generous equipment, a host of airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The front wheel dive car is set to use a modified 75 platform, with suspension tuned to give a more sporty ride. Engine range is expected to be the same as the current 45. The car should debut at the Paris Motor Show in Septmber 2006, ready for sale in 2007.

An insider said that the longterm plans centre around the cars being assembled at Longbridge on the same production line as the current 75.

Meanwhiile, an all new supermini is expected to replace both the CityRover and 25. The future of the TF cabrio rests on the joint venture's success - while SAIC owns the rights to build it, there is little demand for sports cars in China.



STRIKING
Initial designs show how new model has taken shape.

HIGH HOPE
Wedgy stance of this design study sketch previews final production model.

NOSE AHEAD
Design of headlamps likely to follow those pictured here. Sculptured sides break up flanks.