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New 75 Hails Rover's Return...

It's not over for Rover! And in our sensational pictures in this week's Auto Express we take the wraps off two radical new machines which are set to rise from the ashes of the collapsed manufacturer.

By Sam Hardy

13th July 2005

Thanks to exclusive inside information, we can show you exactly how the replacements for both the Rover 75 and 45 (page 8 of this week's issue) will look when they hit showrooms in the UK within the next two years - resurrecting Britain's most important car company.

Both models will be manufactured in the UK by a new firm operating as part of a joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) - the Chinese giant which bought the rights to produce the Rover 25, 75 and TF, and build K Series engines. SAIC will design and develop the new cars, which will be sold through the Rover dealer network in Britain. With much of the development work already underway - in the hands of ex-MG Rover engineers at UK-based automotive consultancy Ricardo and the Chinese - insiders estimate that the new 45 and 75 could go on sale as soon as 2007 and 2008 respectively.

Marking a radical departure from traditional Rovers, both models have striking designs. Pictured for the first time, the new 75 is much bolder and sportier than before, featuring a sweeping profile, chunky, high waistline and rising tail. What's more, the car already exists - a prototype version is currently being stored in a secret location at Rover's Longbridge site.

With a fresh and distinctive horseshoe grille plus shapely headlight arrangement - similar in concept to the Audi and Volkswagen corporate look - the next 75 boasts some much-needed aggression. The rear is finished off with swooping tail-lights which extend over the boot line.

The new car is shorter than the current 75, but it is 50mm taller and 100mm longer than BMW's 3-Series, so should offer better interior space than its German rival. Motorists can also expect a luxurious, high-quality cabin - a stand-out feature of the existing car, but which has since been eclipsed by new models such as Volkswagen's Passat. There will be plenty of equipment on offer, including sat-nav and Bluetooth telephone compatibility.

Likely to use a development of the current 75 platform, the fresh model will continue with front-wheel drive, complementing its more dramatic styling with better handling and sharper steering. However, the ride is still likely to be the best in its class for comfort.

Petrol engines will feature the current line-up of 1.8-litre, 1.8 turbo and 2.5 V6 units, with diesel power possibly coming from Volkswagen or General Motors - two of SAIC's partners. An MG ZT version is pencilled in to arrive at the same time as the 75 in 2008, offering a more driver-focused experience and even more dramatic looks. There is also potential for a two-door variant to rival BMW's 3-Series CoupĪƒ© and the Mercedes CLK.
See page 8 of this week's issue: Lowdown on new '45'

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