MG TF 2002-2011

[faksta]

Here is a 2007 MG TF version (by Chinese) shot by me at 2007 Interauto in Moscow

[Duell]

MG TF

MG's best selling roadster will be replaced by a completely restyled version, now dubbed TF, from February 2002. Responsible for the styling is renowned designer Peter 'McLaren F1' Stevens. The MG TF is however not only different on the outside from the car it replaces but with a completely new suspension and more powerful engines its internals changed too.
Four models now give customers a progressive range of performance, power and specification. Designated by numbers close to their power output the four-model range comprises the 1.6-litre TF115, the 1.8-litre TF135, the TF120 Stepspeed sports auto and the range-topping TF160.
In an interesting repeat of history the original MGTF Midget was launched in 1953, during the same period that the company introduced new ZA Magnette saloons. Similarly the latest MG Z saloons - MG ZR, ZS and ZT have been a great success following their recent introduction.

source = Ultimatecarpage.com

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MG TF #2 mg tf

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MG TF #3

(why can't I use 4 capitals for MG TF?) (edit: and now I can) ??

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MG TF #4 mg tf

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MG TF #5 mg tf

[092326001]

I liked the car, not sure why, it wasn't impressive in the least
have the Chinese MG made any changes to it yet?

[Sauc3]

MG TF #3

(why can't I use 4 capitals for MG TF?) (edit: and now I can) ??

It's a method to keep people from 'shouting', every post with all capitals is automatically converted to 'normal' words. Just chuck a lower case letter in there in white and it all remains capitals.

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Mg tf le500 #1:

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Le500 #2:

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Le500 #3:

[faksta]

What does that 'Le500' mean? Limited Edition 500 units or something else? The orange one is sexy, to be said.

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Some press texts:

"07.07.08

MG has announced that production of the TF LE500 sportscar will commence at their Longbridge plant in Birmingham on August 1st, with the first cars delivered to showrooms in September.

Chairman for NAC MG UK Ltd, Mr He Xiaoging, said; “I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a period of planning and re-organisation that we recognise was frustrating for stakeholders. We are now fully focussed on bringing our hard work to fruition.”

The new car is expected to appeal to a wide range of people looking for the authentic sportscar driving experience, existing small sportscar owners looking to upgrade, as well as current owners and the large band of MG enthusiasts.

Gary Hagen, Director of Sales & Marketing continued, “The open top sportscar is an iconic image of British motoring and forms the basis of the MG marque’s long pedigree. The launch of the TF LE500 signals our determination to keep this class of car at the heart of the brand as we take it forward.”

With the launch of the new TF LE500, the company knows that it is also re-launching one of the best known and best loved brands in the world. Whilst production efforts at Longbridge are focussed on the LE500, designers at their SMTC facility in Leamington, Warwickshire are already planning exciting new MG models that will capture the essential qualities of the MG brand and extend the range into additional sectors.

The commitment planned by MG and the level of investment underwritten by SAIC will persuade doubters that the MG brand is being re-launched with the support to make it work. The fact is that in 2008, desirable and competitive British made sportscars will once again be rolling off a production line in Longbridge. A sight that many thought they might never see again."




"15.08.08

Production of the MGTF LE500 has commenced, as planned, at the beginning of August 2008. For the first time since 2005 volume production of cars is now in progress at the MG factory in Longbridge, Birmingham. It's a major milestone on the road to mass production at the plant and a huge achievement for MG's new team in the UK.

Corporate Communications Manager for MG UK Ltd, Eleanor De La Haye, said; "We have all worked extremely hard to meet our commitment to commence production of the MG TF LE500 in August. We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly."

The LE500 is a fundamentally re-engineered version of the original TF design. The new car is built in the UK and will benefit from a level of specification that is well above its competitive set. Owners of the new car will also have the services of a dealer network that will offer first class support for the LE500, including a personal technician for each and every new MG.

Gary Hagan, Director of Marketing for NAC MG UK Ltd, said "The launch of this car also marks the re-introduction of the MG Brand to the UK. Existing MG owners, our huge band of enthusiasts and fans of the authentic sports car driving experience have looked forward to this day for a long time."

The company is now confident of a successful launch of the MGTF LE500, thanks to enthusiastic support for the car at various public and enthusiast events throughout the summer. The public's reaction was mimicked by the new dealer network, who gave the car an equally warm reception at a recent launch event. MG UK Ltd can now look beyond the LE500 to production of the MGTF."



"03.09.08

The MG TF LE500 is launched this month by Longbridge car-maker MG UK Ltd. The LE500, a profoundly re-engineered version of the last TF to be produced in the Midlands in 2005, boasts a host of improvements that have bought the new car up to date and equipped the new MG to regain its long held position as the best selling sports car in Britain.

With numerous technical and cosmetic innovations the LE500 comes with a new N series engine, a new interior, revamped exterior styling and updated suspension, and braking systems. Whilst maintaining the fundamental look and feel of the immensely popular TF, the LE500 has been completely re-engineered, with the assistance of the company’s research, design and development department in Leamington Spa.

Building on the strengths of MG’s 84 year pedigree and the popularity of the TF, the LE500 has already gained plaudits for its superior build quality, specification and finish. It is the specification of the new car that will set it apart from its rivals, as the LE package includes many of the optional extras available on former generations with a number of contemporary additions.

Exterior Styling

As you approach the car, the difference in styling is immediately obvious with a new look for the grille and bumper. The reshaping is designed to be more sympathetic to the overall look of the TF with more finesse and shape than its predecessor.

The LE500 comes in a range of six new colours with a body colour matched hard top as standard. The hard top benefits from a glass rear window which means winter motoring is much more comfortable, whilst maintaining the flexibility of enjoying the soft top in summer.

Interior

As you sit in the car the environment exudes quality. The piano black trim, leather upholstery and chrome detail give the cabin a retro feel. MG has worked hard to maintain levels of comfort and finish that will make the new MG appeal to the widest spectrum of drivers.

As you recline in the leather sports seats the wheel and controls sit easily at hand and the redesigned instruments add to the overall feel that you are sitting in an authentic British Sports car. The previously analogue instrument pack has been replaced with an electronic control pack, giving the car more functionality and a great look.

Between the seats is the unique 500 LE badging, a detail that completes a highly specified, exclusive but most of all fundamentally MG interior.

New N Series Engine

The only mid-engined sports car in its class, the LE 500 is engineered to deliver a thoroughbred British sports car driving experience. So it comes equipped with a new Variable Valve Control N series engine. This EU4 compliant 1.8 litre 135 ps power pack will push the LE500 from 0-60 in 8.3 seconds and give it a top speed of 127mph//205km/h.

The N series engine has a newly designed multi layered steel cylinder head gasket and an upgraded oil rail, that allows an increase in the clamping load, and an enhanced cooling system; all improvements that result in a much more robust engine.

Steering, Suspension & Brakes

The LE500 inherits the upgraded suspension of the most recent TF but benefits from a modified steering geometry, a new coil spring and damper suspension and a multi link rear axle to give the new car improved white lining and bump steer resulting in a more assured ride.

Up-graded brakes house a four pot system with vented discs that stop the car much faster, complementing the new suspension set up and emphasising the sports car handling and feel.

Handling and Feel

The re-engineering of the key driving components of the new MG TF LE500 delivers a mid-engined sports car that is the epitome of the marque’s legendary passion for fun as well as a rewarding road driving experience. The handling of the car offers levels of driver involvement that not only connect you with the road but that make the new car a practical and suitable choice for year round driving. This mix is specifically aimed at customers looking to get back some of the exhilaration that has been lost from this class of affordable sports car.

Highly specified for better value

The specification of this car is a final element that will make it appeal to the value conscious consumer it is designed to woo. To select a few elements from the long list you will find; Pioneer audio setup with MP3, twin airbags, air conditioning, passive engine immobilisation with a perimetric alarm, rear parking sensors ABS brakes and speed sensitive power assisted steering.

Technology Manager for MG UK Ltd, Brett Riley, concludes; “At launch the MG TF LE500 is the only mid-engined small sports car in its class, a fact that combines with the improvements and impressive specification to make it a hard package to beat.

We designed the new LE500 to have the kind of mass appeal that the brand needs to break back into a tough section of the car market at a challenging time. It delivers classic MG appeal in spades and we can’t wait to see what our customers feel when they are able to get behind the wheel of this completely re-engineered version of Britain’s most popular sports car.”"

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And the last text:



"11.09.08

On 11 September 2008, for the first time since April 2005 MGs will be leaving Longbridge in Birmingham destined for dealers all over the UK. The cars that were given an enthusiastic reception by motoring experts, who had their first chance to drive them in August, are due to be launched to the public at dealer open days from 20 September 2008.

Stephen Cox, Sales and Franchising Manager for MGUK, said, “Every step of the return to production of MGs at Longbridge has been avidly followed by enthusiasts and new customers alike. We are delighted to see the cars on their way to dealers, who I know are already planning an open day to introduce the LE500 to the public.”

The LE500 designation will only be given to the first 500 individually numbered cars to leave the world famous Longbridge production line. These MGs will come with a host of features like hard top, high end stereo and metallic paint as standard. This very high level of specification has meant that most of the LE500 cars have already been sold.

With numerous technical and cosmetic innovations the LE500 comes with a higher performing engine, a new interior, revamped exterior styling and updated suspension, drive train and braking systems. Whilst maintaining the fundamental look and feel of the immensely popular TF, the LE500 has been completely re-engineered and is hand built at Longbridge."

[f6fhellcat13]

Somehow the Chinese have managed to make an MG look like an imitation MG.