One thing the British sports car brands had probably more of than most of their rivals was badge kudos. No matter whom the owner was or what cars were being manufactured, as long as they showed some kind of historic connection to the past and it didn’t instantly fall apart, they were a hit.
Now, SAIC-owned MG is reportedly mulling an all-new sports car with which to break into the American market, however, times have changed, and it actually needs to be good now in order to make it.
The brand’s last attempt at making a modern sports car was the cute little TF, a mid-engined drop-top two-seater that, if you believe Tiff Needell, was absolutely dreadful to drive and if you’ve ever sat in one, you know how poorly built it was…
Edmunds learnt that “exploratory MG sports car work has been scheduled into the 2014 agenda of the recently opened SAIC design studios in Shanghai.” The car itself may very well be a Mazda MX-5 rival, though the crossover-esque Icon concept of 2012 (pictured) would be a completely valid starting point too, since crossover-sports cars are really in right now…
However, don’t get excited yet. The sports car has not been included in any kind of product plan, and it’s more of a long-term goal they’re aspiring to. US reintroduction is even further in the future than that, if it’ll ever take place.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
