The arrival of the latest MG sports car has been announced much earlier than expected. The car, previously known as the X40 will go under the road name of the MG TF - again re visiting MG history with a modern version of the classic first seen in 1953. This is  a fully revamped version of  the old  "F" and will be replacing it during 2002. 

The car has been re styled by Peter Stevens and features a new  body style, new suspension system, four engine variants  and new paintwork options however the interior itself has not been subjected to too much of a makeover other than a few more trim options - it is still the same basic layout.  As can be seen in the publicity shots  - the front end has been designed echoing the X80 and is indicative of the new MG style. I'm not too sure of the front end - particularly the big black "hole" under the number plate part of which seems to have been filled with a chrome mesh on the car unveiled at Brussels.

The main features of the TF are :-

completely new suspension system with coil springs allowing lower ride height

multi link rear axle with kinematics control

front end restyling with larger grille and badge

integrated headlamps with projector and direction indicators

squared off rear bumper with larger exhaust outlets

bootlid with integral spoiler and stop lamp

rakish side body styling with new air intakes

new paint colours including Le Mans Green and X Power grey

Optional hood colours in blue, grey and green

enhanced ABS system

High powered K series engine

The model will be available in four variants similar to the current F range :-

TF115 - 1.6 litre 115 bhp

TF120 - 1.8litre stepspeed sports auto 120bhp

TF135 - 1.8litre 135bhp

TF160 - 1.8 litre 160bhp

Price range is expected to be pretty much the same as the old F - about £16,000 - £20,000

The new car was officially unveiled at the Brussels motor show on January 15th 2002. Production models are now available - check out your local MGR showroom. Still no mention of the supercharged version rumoured at the end of last year though.

Had a look around one at Trident recently and whilst appearing a little more aggressive in it's stance the car is still basically the same old F - and not to be considered bad because of that. It is definitely a Mark three version of the F rather than the totally new car MGR were originally pushing it as. OK so it has new suspension, very firm by the way , just try pushing down on the one side !, and a re tuned engine but styling wise it's just had a new front and back and pretty angular side skirts but that's it - little change to the interior apart from Alpaca seat options - you can also get a dubious red interior cockpit colour. I can't quite work out why it has been named the TF and thus causing confusion with the car already of that name - why not just a Mk3 F ? It'll be interesting to see if the X70 ever sees the light of day which should be a true replacement for the F marque.