Anyone know when the MG6 launches?

Anyone know when the MG6 launches?

Nope

I had an email fom MG last week and there is still no firm announcement on launch...

"The new vehicle (although not yet formally designated MG6 for the UK and Europe) is due next year. At this stage it is still a little to early to assess exactly what stage the order book will open news on this car will be released as early as we are able as we know there is a huge amount of interest in what will be the UK’s first ‘all new’ MG."

http://es.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/fotos-espia-mg-550-de-paso-por-sierra-nevada/

http://es.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/fotos-espia-mg-550-de-paso-por-sierra-nevada/

It might be similar - although there is clear evidence of a Roeweeee badge under the 'disguise'

The Roewe 550 is regularly seen under test on UK roads. This is to all intents and purposes the propsed MG6 underneath.

They may be opening the order book too late for me - my need is more urgent

If I'm totally honest I don't really like the look of the MG6 it reminds me of a Nissan Primera too much. But MG needs new metal and in that respect I can't wait for it too launch

http://es.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/fotos-espia-mg-550-de-paso-por-sierra-nevada/


Interesting picture Roewe 550 with MG6 front bumper.

I sincerely hope that MG Motor and SAIC more generally are not put off by the lukewarm UK reception to the TF relaunch. They have to bear in mind that the MG6 (or ZS/ZT which I hope they will call it) will appeal to a much larger market.

I'm holding off replacing my 75 till March next year, so I'm hoping I'll be in a position to purchase a family sized MG by that point.

It looks quite nice in the photos although 4 door saloons are not really my thing.

The MG 6 launch at the end of the year in China :

http://www.chinacartimes.com/2009/08/29/mg6-to-launch-at-the-end-of-the-year/comment-page-1/

I read somewhere January/Feburary 2010 or at least 'early 2010' this being the case they're quickly running out of months before Christmas to launch any info on it and get that order book opened up.

I was under the impression this model sat somewhere between a ZS and ZT?

PS Is there a new MG garage in Kent that anyone knows off? (just incase they open the book soon!) :)

I'm a bit confused about this MG6,

On the links below they all claim to be MG6s

http://www.chinacartimes.com/2009/02/26/mg6-sedan-unveiled/

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/04/MG_MG6_01.jpg

What one is actually the MG6? Or are the both MG6s? I prefer the red one!

I'm a bit confused about this MG6,

On the links below they all claim to be MG6s

http://www.chinacartimes.com/2009/02/26/mg6-sedan-unveiled/

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/jalopnik/2009/04/MG_MG6_01.jpg

What one is actually the MG6? Or are the both MG6s? I prefer the red one!
The red one is closest, but it is still a show car not the real thing...

I'm glad that is it because I think it's another league compared to the silver one.

I think the 550 should really be the spiritual replacement to the Rover 600 in terms of size. The N1 is really the 45 replacement which means that a ZS replacement would surely be based on that?

The N1 is really the 45 replacement which means that a ZS replacement would surely be based on that?
Well it is reported to be based on the ZS!

So these 'new' motors are actually based on old mg-rover chassis?

So these 'new' motors are actually based on old mg-rover chassis?
The Roewe 550 is based on the 75 platform. That is a good thing. There is, however, a lot of new technology in it. Definitely not a case of just a reskin. The MG6 is a variant of the Roewe 550, in th etrue MG tradition.

So the MG6 is a proper reworked rover 75 with new improved engines etc. That is COOL.

I heard it's coming with a 1.8T and a 2.0 is that right? I can't find mention of a 'N series V6' anywhere.

I hope they market this well, having a bit more cash I hope SAIC go for something classy and expensive looking not some dodgy knock off nigel advert that cost £3.75! Or a retro re run of 'your mother wouldn't like it'

Is there any word on prices? The Chinese prices won't reflect our taxes or import charges? And will they be slightly better spec for Europe? The MG7 is really high spec though. And I wonder how much they'll play up the 'designed in Britain' aspect both here and abroad and if it'll become a 'Z car' over here.

Interesting times, I hope we get more on it before Christmas.

http://es.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/fo...sierra-nevada/ (http://es.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/fo...sierra-nevada/)
It might be similar - although there is clear evidence of a Roeweeee badge under the 'disguise'
If you look carefully at the centre of the grille, there is actually clear evidence of an MG octagon badge under the disguise ;) :)

I think it looks quite good with the dark window surrounds - the MG6 shown at Shanghai with silver/chrome surrounds looked very 1970's IMO.

both 550 and MG6 are a bit big for my needs, but I shall watch and see what comes out of the N1 concept

If you look carefully at the centre of the grille, there is actually clear evidence of an MG octagon badge under the disguise ;) :)

I think it looks quite good with the dark window surrounds - the MG6 shown at Shanghai with silver/chrome surrounds looked very 1970's IMO.

both 550 and MG6 are a bit big for my needs, but I shall watch and see what comes out of the NG1 concept

Yes with the close up it's easier to see that it is a Roewe with an MG6 front bumper.

It looks quite nice in the photos although 4 door saloons are not really my thing.


Same, im a hatchback man. Also the back looks a hell of a lot like a Citroen C5??!! and the front a VW passat???

I read somewhere January/Feburary 2010 or at least 'early 2010' this being the case they're quickly running out of months before Christmas to launch any info on it and get that order book opened up.

I was under the impression this model sat somewhere between a ZS and ZT?

PS Is there a new MG garage in Kent that anyone knows off? (just incase they open the book soon!) :)


i dont know but there is still a MG Rover garage in Rye. i dont know if they will be dealing from there or not??

Who knows what they will be called!

Theres a picture on here of a Roewe 750 with an MG 750 badge and an MG 7 with a Roewe 750 badge!

PS Is there a new MG garage in Kent that anyone knows off? (just incase they open the book soon!) :)

Yup there is http://www.mguk.org/dealers-f23/mg-dealers-in-the-british-isles-t55.htm

I sincerely hope that MG Motor and SAIC more generally are not put off by the lukewarm UK reception to the TF relaunch. They have to bear in mind that the MG6 (or ZS/ZT which I hope they will call it) will appeal to a much larger market.

This is my worry too - SAIC (and NAC before them) made comments about the success of the TF before selling anything else in spite of poor TF sales in China, which hasn't stopped them releasing a range of MG/Roewe's.

Well it is reported to be based on the ZS!

I doubt it as the N1 goes back to the MG Rover-Shanghai designs. More an RDX60 I'd say, so probably some 45 and a lot of 75 in the development, but the model down from the 550/MG6 which is 75-sized but looks smaller as it's rounder. AFAIK the MG6 is the hatch version and the 550 the saloon version, so probably the Spanish MG 550 is just a mock up of the MG6 saloon for Europe.

I doubt it as the N1 goes back to the MG Rover-Shanghai designs. More an RDX60 I'd say, so probably some 45 and a lot of 75 in the development, but the model down from the 550/MG6 which is 75-sized but looks smaller as it's rounder. AFAIK the MG6 is the hatch version and the 550 the saloon version, so probably the Spanish MG 550 is just a mock up of the MG6 saloon for Europe.
But SAIC originally bought the Rover 25 and Rover 75 from MG-Rover, it was only NAC who bought the 45/ZS. After MG-Rover went into administration SAIC continued work on the 550 and 350. They only appear to have started working on the N1 after joining up with NAC...

But SAIC originally bought the Rover 25 and Rover 75 from MG-Rover, it was only NAC who bought the 45/ZS. After MG-Rover went into administration SAIC continued work on the 550 and 350. They only appear to have started working on the N1 after joining up with NAC...


If you look at the "hard points" of the N1 Concept such as the location of the A and B pillars, and the fuel filler cap, you'll see that they are in the same position as the ZS which is strong evidence that SAIC have recognised the great potential that remains in the design. Having experienced the ZR, ZS and ZT before, the ZS (while admittedly not being the best looker of the range) was definitely the most entertaining drive of all three.

No doubt we'll get the usual daft criticisms about the new car being based on an old design, but I for one think it's an excellent example of SAIC using a proven platform to deliver an excellent modern looking and relevant product.

But SAIC originally bought the Rover 25 and Rover 75 from MG-Rover, it was only NAC who bought the 45/ZS. After MG-Rover went into administration SAIC continued work on the 550 and 350. They only appear to have started working on the N1 after joining up with NAC...

Yes of course, so perhaps no 45 in there. So why bring up rumours!

btw if you want some info from car mags, check out the Autocar(?) late 04 MG Rover Shanghai article. Especially of interest are the pics. I'd take these articles with a pinch of salt though. ;)

regarding the mg6/roewe 550 the r&d guys at longbridge in an interview with mg enthusiast have stated the only thing in common with the 75 is the front subframe everything else is brand new. ie it is not based on the 75 chassis.
the n1 hasn't really had a lot about the underpinnings realeased although i guess the dimensions could be similar to the 45.

Dont forget the 400/45/ZS is based on a Honda design so that is why it was never included in the deal when MG-Rover sold.

It might be a superb platform but MG-Rover were only given rights to it.

Dont forget the 400/45/ZS is based on a Honda design
So is the platform for the 25/ZR.

NAC showed a ZS in China some time ago and referred to it then as an MG 5, so they must have acquired some rights to it ?

regarding the mg6/roewe 550 the r&d guys at longbridge in an interview with mg enthusiast have stated the only thing in common with the 75 is the front subframe everything else is brand new. ie it is not based on the 75 chassis.
I find that genuinely surprising. I hadn't realised that SAIC had put up the kind of money to design an all new platform (or have they sourced one from someone else?). They have been working on more than we realised!

NAC showed a ZS in China some time ago and referred to it then as an MG 5, so they must have acquired some rights to it ?(resists posting "arrows" photo)

So is the platform for the 25/ZR.

NAC showed a ZS in China some time ago and referred to it then as an MG 5, so they must have acquired some rights to it ?


I find that genuinely surprising. I hadn't realised that SAIC had put up the kind of money to design an all new platform (or have they sourced one from someone else?). They have been working on more than we realised!

Er no the 200/25/ZR is a Rover platform nothing to do with the Civic.

The 3 door Honda Civic has the 5 doors running gear while the 200 has a Maestro rear beam axle. Nothing like each other.

When the chinese bought MG-Rover they bought the 25 and 75 and projects in development. The 45 is based on the Civic platform which is owned by Honda as was the 600.

If they are using the Civic platform Honda must have given them permission to use it or they are just using old cars lying around Longbridge at the time of the closeure which is more likely.

Er no the 200/25/ZR is a Rover platform nothing to do with the Civic.

The 3 door Honda Civic has the 5 doors running gear while the 200 has a Maestro rear beam axle. Nothing like each other.

When the chinese bought MG-Rover they bought the 25 and 75 and projects in development. The 45 is based on the Civic platform which is owned by Honda as was the 600.

If they are using the Civic platform Honda must have given them permission to use it or they are just using old cars lying around Longbridge at the time of the closeure which is more likely.


Regards the 45/ZS (old Civic) platform, I think NAC and then more latterly SAIC have been busy re-engineering the Honda bits that they weren't allowed to use in order to retain the platform for the N1 Concept and the resultant Roewe 350/MG5.

Er no the 200/25/ZR is a Rover platform nothing to do with the Civic.

The 3 door Honda Civic has the 5 doors running gear while the 200 has a Maestro rear beam axle. Nothing like each other.

The R3/bubble 200/25/MGZR is based on a shortened R8 platform from the previous 200/400 (wedge), which was a Honda design (the R3 was indeed fitted with a modified Maestro rear axle). It was NOT a Rover platform.

The bubble 400/45/MGZS was developed from the Honda Domani based Civic.

The R3/bubble 200/25/MGZR is based on a shortened R8 platform from the previous 200/400 (wedge), which was a Honda design (the R3 was indeed fitted with a modified Maestro rear axle). It was NOT a Rover platform.

The bubble 400/45/MGZS was developed from the Honda Domani based Civic.

That's also my understanding. In other words, it is a Rover development of a Honda design.

So it's not a Honda platform or a Rover platform, it's a mixture of the two.

Regards the 45/ZS (old Civic) platform, I think NAC and then more latterly SAIC have been busy re-engineering the Honda bits that they weren't allowed to use in order to retain the platform for the N1 Concept and the resultant Roewe 350/MG5.
That was indeed NAC's plan but I suspect that since SAIC got involved the changes have become more extensive. I guess there will be about as much ZS left as there is Rover 75 in the Roewe 550. Derived from a ZS yes, the same platform no.

The Rover 400/Honda Civic and previously the Rover R8/Honda Concerto were both joint developments between Honda and Rover with both versions developed at the same time. It was not a case of one being based on the other.

The N1 - or at least the production model that will follow (MG4 most likely) - has been in development at SAIC since 2004. it may have taken some of the NAC MG5 project but I doubt it.

It's been pointed out how little 75 there is in the 550 and no doubt the car that will follow the N1 concept will have only a little bit of 75 and maybe even a bit of 45. That doesn't mean its all designed since MGR went bust, even if some of it datres back to mid-2004/early 2005.

By mid 2004 MGR's drift on RDX60 had already created two separate '45 replacements' - one a fraction shorter than the 75, the other smaller still, but both way off completion.

A lot of development has gone on since then but don't be surprised if pics from 2004/5 of MG Rover Shanghai designs look almost identical to the 550 and N1.

So what we have are bodges that are having to be made to get round BMW and Honda patents?

Given that those aspects represent the best of the available models what are we indeed left with?

The Z axle on the 75 and the Mini are what make both of them handle so well and cost so much. I f you removed that from the 75 how good a handling or riding car would you be left with?

Also as said the chinese displayed mock ups based on old ZSs which they weren't in fact licensed to do, that given what's to stop them just doing a Geeley and copying what they have just to sell in china.

I thought the basis for the MG designed replacement for the 45 was based on a shortened and simplified 75 platform. Surely all the chinese are doing is going on what they(MG) started and keeping costs down by simplifying everything.

The Z axle on the 75 and the Mini are what make both of them handle so well and cost so much.
Technology from the 1980s!

Everyone is asking for "new metal", not ancient stuff!

There is a reason why the ZS is generally considered to handle better than the ZT - the ZS does not use the BMW Z axle!

Technology from the 1980s!

Everyone is asking for "new metal", not ancient stuff!

There is a reason why the ZS is generally considered to handle better than the ZT - the ZS does not use the BMW Z axle!

You mean the rear suspension off a 1980s Honda works better than a brand new cutting edge suspension system off a 2009 BMW?

Surely not?

You mean the rear suspension off a 1980s Honda works better than a brand new cutting edge suspension system off a 2009 BMW?

Surely not?
I was pointing out that the BMW Z axle dates from the 1980s. Suspension design has moved on since then. But in the unlikely event that someone did want to copy it they might work out that IP protection does not last forever!

The double wishbone suspension on the ZS is way older, but is still used by Formula 1 cars so can hardly be considered to be outdated!

Mind you, I've just read that BMW have been catching up with the ZS-

BMW has decided to get rid of the good old MacPherson strut front suspension in favor of less reliable but much more comfortable double wishbone suspension. The new design will be first employed on the new BMW X5 SUV and will later come to the rest of BMW's model range.

http://suv-buster.blogspot.com/2006/10/bmw-x5-e70-to-get-double-wishbone.html

Now in 2009 it is even good enough for the new 2009 flagship BMW 750:

"It takes more than clever electronics to shape a car's character, however, as an all-new double-wishbone front suspension shows that the fundamentals of suspension geometry have not gone unscrutinized by the engineers.

The new front end improves cornering grip by means of a more favorable camber curve, compared to the MacPherson struts typically found on BMWs."
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=129978


So in answer to your question, the "brand new cutting edge suspension system off a 2009 BMW" is a copy of the "suspension off a 1980s Honda":hysteria:

BMW has decided to get rid of the good old MacPherson strut front suspension in favor of less reliable but much more comfortable double wishbone suspension.

Less reliable? I wonder why they say that? Probably more expensive, but I can't see why it would be less reliable.

BMW has decided to get rid of the good old MacPherson strut front suspension in favor of less reliable but much more comfortable double wishbone suspension.

Less reliable? I wonder why they say that? Probably more expensive, but I can't see why it would be less reliable.
I can't remember hearing of any suspension problems on the ZS while the ZT with it's MacPherson struts does seem to suffer from broken spings occasionally... I think the the journalist was making up a story!

The diagram of the new BMW double wishbone suspension does look like a very similar layout to the ZS - I wonder if they did actually copy it!

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2009/bmw.750i/09.bmw.7series.frnt.susp2.500.jpg

Now that they've discovered double wishbone suspension, I wonder how long it will take them to work out the advantages of front wheel drive? :lol:

Now that they've discovered double wishbone suspension, I wonder how long it will take them to work out the advantages of front wheel drive? :lol:
If they watched the last BTCC race where the BMWs where spinning off the track in the wet then they will already have realised, but I doubt they will back down and admit it - afterall the problem can be sorted by electronics ... cant it? :)

So BMWs now have front wishbones, rack and pinion steering, direct injection diesel engines, turbocharged performance models and multivalve petrol engines. Looks like they've finally caught up with the Rover 600 then.

So BMWs now have front wishbones, rack and pinion steering, direct injection diesel engines, turbocharged performance models and multivalve petrol engines. Looks like they've finally caught up with the Rover 600 then.
Don't they still need to convert the 3 and 5 series to catch up?


Autozine's comparison of Macpherson and double wishbone suspensions:
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/suspension/tech_suspension2.htm#DW :lol:

Don't they still need to convert the 3 and 5 series to catch up?


Autozine's comparison of Macpherson and double wishbone suspensions:
http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/suspension/tech_suspension2.htm#DW :lol:

Ah yes, the legendary 'Mark Wan(Car) Technical School', whose chariot of choice is most probably a Wrightbus Eclipse Gemini on his daily commute from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon :lol:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/361448456_c0264dd16e.jpg

Regards

John