MG RV8 1992-1993

[Duell]

MG RV8,

Interest in small roadsters increased in the 1990s following the introduction of the Mazda MX-5, and MG (at that time owned by Rover Group) capitalised on this in 1992 by producing new body panels to create an updated version of the old car. The suspension was only slightly updated, sharing the old leaf sprung rear of the MGB. The bonnet, boot lid, and doors were shared with the original car, as were the rear drum brakes. However, the engine was the respected aluminum Rover V8, previously used in the MGB GT V8. A limited-slip differential was also fitted.

Performance was good, with 190 bhp (142 kW) at 4,750 rpm and 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.9 s. Largely due to the rear drum brakes and rear leaf springs (perceived to be too old fashioned for a modern performance car), the RV8 was not popular with road testers at the time. However, this did not prevent the RV8 from being a moderate sales success, and it paved the way for the introduction of the modern MGF a few years later.

It also capitalised on an interest in British products in Japan. A sizeable chunk of MG RV8 production went to that country.

[Ferrer]

Drum brakes at the rear...

That was truly old fashioned.

[Matra et Alpine]

and some are still surprised that MG collapsed


Supposed to be a low cost update to rebuild MG's name .... sadly along the way someone forgot the script and had panels pressed at supplier to Rolls Roycs (expensive) and redesigned things so much that only about 5% of the original MGB was retained !!!!

Cost £5M to develop and only 2000 were built !!!

[Coventrysucks]

For £2000 more you could have a Griffith.

No wonder they weren't a roaring success.

[092326001]

i thought it was a nice car

not brilliant business wise, but a good car none the less

[Ferrer]

i thought it was a nice car

not brilliant business wise, but a good car none the less

I doubt it was very good at all, but I like it in an old british sportscar sort of way.

[Duell]

MG RV8


Some more beauty shots