Harking back to the...

Harking back to the classic MGB V8 and MGC, the TF-X will be the most powerful model in the TF range. It will also be the fastest MG roadster ever, with nearly 200bhp on tap, the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds and a top speed of more than 150mph. However, it will be the car"s wild styling that is likely to draw buyers away from rivals such as TVR"s Tamora.

Taking cues from the SV supercar, the TF-X will get a mesh air intake in the front bumper and enormous bonnet scoops to cool the front-mounted radiator and oil cooler installed in the front luggage bay. The intakes in the side of the car will also be modified to force more air into the engine, and will be incorporated into huge side body mouldings, which include wider wheelarches to cover fat 225-section tyres front and rear. A boot spoiler will be fitted to add downforce, and there will also be a mesh grille over the rear deck to distinguish the car from lesser TFs. A lightweight hard-top will be included as standard, while the fabric roof will be a delete option, meaning owners can specify their car to come without it.

The TF-X will be powered by a normally aspirated but highly tuned version of the TF 160"s VVC engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The car is expected to cost around н‚бЈ25,000.

But it"s not only the TF that"s getting an injection of XPower - MG fans will have a range of modified hatches and saloons to look forward to, all of which will push their Rover chassis to the very limit. By the time the roadster goes on sale next year, the XPower line-up will already have been launched with the ZR-X, which was displayed in concept form at the British Motor Show.

Next year, the range will expand with the arrival of the V6-powered ZS-X saloon, followed in 2006 by the larger ZT-X, both of which will feature an outlandish bodykit similar to that on the ZR-X. All the XPower cars will get exclusive alloys, pearlescent paint and mesh trim in the front and rear bumpers. To cater for the tastes of XPower"s target market, each model will also come with an uprated sound system and aluminium trim fitted to a sportier interior.

However, don"t mistake MG"s new flagships as mere cosmetic exercises. With Honda"s Civic Type R in its sights, the ZR-X will be powered by a 200bhp version of the 1.8-litre unit found in the ZR 160. Performance will be further enhanced on all models by a close-ratio gearbox and free-flowing sports exhaust, while both the ZS-X and ZT-X will deliver around 250bhp from tuned versions of MG"s 2.5-litre V6 powerplant.

To show how far the company is prepared to go, summer 2006 will also see the arrival of a 385bhp version of the rear-wheel-drive ZT. This will add a supercharger to the 260bhp, 4.6-litre V8 fitted to the current MG ZT 260.