I think Miata had the right idea - they set out to make an excellent
roadster, paying attention to every detail, including making sure to get
everything perfect, from the road feel to the right "roar" of the muffler
(per their marketing department :). I've not driven one, and I far prefer
the more classic lines of the MG, but I have to appreciate the desire to
focus on such issues when designing a car. What if Mazda Miata were to
design the next MG? It would have to be something like that - I just can't
envision an MG SUV, no matter how hard I try. I think BMW could do a great
job too, but they'd probably run it into the next tax bracket. But
Miata/MG, yes. If they could only manage a three-seater, that I could go
for... :)
- Tab
At 08:41 PM 12/7/99 -0800, Max Heim wrote:
>So, Mike, I take it you've got the dough to afford these neo-exotics
>you're talking about?
>: )
>
>Good grief... MG has always been an affordable car. Not necessarily
>cheap, but affordable. I think it would be a tragedy to move it upmarket
>into Jaguar/BMW territory. What makes you think it would have any appeal
>in that market? And why would BMW want to compete with themselves?
>
>As far as I am concerned, they can keep the turbos, V6s, power windows,
>power seats, power tops, power mirrors, trunk mounted CD changers, etc.
>for the poseurs and BMW/Lexus boulevardiers. Just make a straightforward
>rear wheel drive roadster with some kind of recognizable MG genes, and
>sell it for within 15% of a Miata either way. Then, if they want to, they
>can go crazy with station wagons, retromobiles, etc.
>
>But I'll give you full credit for imagination...
>
>
>Mike Lishego had this to say:
>
>>OK, here's what Lishego would like to see in the new MG line...
>>
>>I think BMW should market the BMW's to the socialites and make the
>>MG line an extension of their performance cars. The price would be
>>comparable to the BMW line, but instead of spending the money on the
>>name, people would be drawn to the MG line by the lure of killer
>>performance.
>>
>>MGB II roadster built on the platform of the 3-series. Styling that
>>incorporates the current trend of hard angles tempered with soft
>>curves (ala Ford Mustang and Toyota Celica). I'd like to see
>>something muscular, yet British. It would have to have an
>>inline-turbo engine with an intercooler, six speed stick and at
>>least 200 horses. Rear wheel drive, with options limited to two
>>packages - Sebring (for the boy-racer in all of us) and LX, for the
>>socialite climber.
>>
>>Midgette roadster. Built cheap to compare with the Miata on the Z3
>>pan. Styling should remind us of a midget with a retro style chrome
>>grille, round headlights set high like the original Bugeyes. Should
>>look all-Brit with no Japanese styling influence. Maybe a peppy
>>inline four with full aftermarket race support for autocrossers
>>everywhere.
>>
>>Next, a MG ZZ wagon. Yes, I said wagon. Really plush, shares
>>styling cues with current BMW's, but with fender flares, different
>>front end treatment, and badder wheels. Leather interior and
>>creature comforts for the office exec who doesn't think a Catera can
>>zig like THIS. Blown V-6, dual exhaust, sliding full-roof sunroof
>>in the webasto tradition. Real wood trim coupled with real
>>performance.
>>
>>Finally, a MG T Highline. Basically, a foreign version of the
>>Prowler - what a T-series would be after a few years in a custom
>>hotrod shop. Blown V8 or NA V-12 that can compete with the Ferraris
>>running around the cul de sac. Styling would hold T-series cues and
>>extensive chrome while ditching the skinny wheels. Market this one
>>just like the Prowler - to the 50ish guy who's got more money than
>>hair. Perfect midlife crisis vehicle.
>>
>>Now, did I draw on any of the MG prototypes?
>>
>>Has anyone ever seen the episode of the Simpsons when Homer designs
>>a car? Does this remind you of that? 8-)
>>
>>Mike Lishego
>>http://www.mgb.bc.ca/virtualgarage/
>>1991 Mazda Miata
>>1986 Plymouth Turismo T1
>>1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE
>>1974 MGB
>>
>
>
>--
>
>Max Heim
>'66 MGB GHN3L76149
>If you're near Mountain View, CA,
>it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
>
>
>
|