Once the limited edition TFs are built, the UK factory at Longbridge will gear up for production of more entry-level TFs through 2009, targeting 4,000 units production and pricing below the Mazda MX-5. The same basic TF is also being manufactured in China, but Europe will only get UK-made TFs. The formerly Chinese-only Roewe 550, however, will see a variant badged as a MG offered in 2010, followed by a small hatch to rival the Ford Focus, a minicar in the style of the Ka and Fiat 500, and eventually a new sportscar to replace the aging TF design, reports BusinessCar.
MG's TF roadster has already been canceled for North American sale. The company had planned to send flat-pack kits made in China to the U.S. where they would be assembled in a subsidiary operation in Oklahoma, but the deal has fallen through.
Reader Comments
Sat Sep 6 2008 2:33 AM
NoNameDenton says
Kinda reminds me of the Toyota MR2
Sat Sep 6 2008 2:37 PM
Roy says
This is the same car that was designed and built by the Brits in 1995, so it actually pre-dates the 3rd generation MR2. It was very similarly specified on the surface except I seem to recall it was front engined rather than mid-engined. I can't remember if it was RWD or not. It was pretty popular in the UK, although had valve problems. This version is a little bit re-designed, without the fancy hydragas suspension so it's a bit simpler to manufacture. We'll see what the quality is like, but fundamentally this is a car that was designed 15 years ago. Buyer beware!
Sat Sep 6 2008 2:40 PM
Roy says
No, I'm wrong - it was indeed mid-engined and rear wheel drive. It actually outsold the MR2 in the UK throughout both of those models' lives. I can only assume it had a trunk (boot)!
Sat Sep 6 2008 4:23 PM
NoNameDenton says
Just similar shapes, there is very obvious differences in the cars.
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