| Year
(of specifications) |
1992
- 1995 |
| Engine |
3950
cc Rover V8 |
| Transmission |
5
speed manual RWD |
| Max
speed |
135
mph |
| 0-60
mph |
5.9
seconds |
| Horsepower |
190
bhp @ 4750 rpm |
| weight |
1090
kgs / 2403 lbs |
After the passing of the immensely popular MGB in 1980, which
by that time had become rather antiquated, the MG badge faded
into almost obscurity. Austin-Rover used it on a few of their
vehicles but never on any real sports cars.
In 1989 Rover's Heritage division got involved in making replacement
bodyshells for the still sought after MGB, at a rate of around
60 a month. For the 30th anniversary of the MGB's arrival Rover
decided to create a car to celebrate its past, and current popularity,
as well as act as a launch pad for the revival of the MG sports
car and imminent MG F. The MG RV8 was
conceived.
The MG RV8 was built using the MGB as a base. The RV8 was essentially
a beefed up MGB, with wider wheel arches, new bumpers, more
streamlined and modern headlights, new wheels and trim elements.
Under the RV8's bodywork was a was a familiar mechanical layout,
the rear suspension being handled by an old-school live rear
axle with leaf springs. Rover tried to improve the handling
by fitting the MG RV8 with Koni dampers, but with such antiquated
technology only so much could be done.
The real excitement of the MG RV8 was under the bonnet where
the engine, a 3.9 litre aluminium Rover V8 developing around
190 horsepower lay, giving the RV8 a 135 mph top speed and 0-60
mph time of just under 6 seconds.
On launch the MG RV8 had a queue of customers, attracted to
its classic British sports car shape and character combined
with a potent power source. The MG RV8 was sold in limited numbers
from 1992 to 1996.
Similar and related vehicles:
MG XPower SV-R
MG XPower SV
MG TF 160
MG F 160
MG MGB
MG MGA
MG RV8 (concept)
MG GT (concept)
MG EX-E (concept)
MG Midget (concept)
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