Autocar scoop
Autocar has produced a scoop in catching the new MG X80 in testing on British roads and reports "MG is transforming its X80 coupe concept into a driver-focused supercar with a 200mph top speed and 500bhp V8 power". It also reports "this prototype shows off its aggressive new stance and race-car bodywork - all a far cry from the refined coupe revealed at last September's Frankfurt Motor Show". Autocar adds that the MG X80 design team's ambition is to trim 200kg from the 1,520kg of the Qvale Mangusta and that performance needs to be huge but also super-reliable. So the X80 uses the well proven Ford 4.6 litre V8 powerplant producing 350bhp or 500bhp. The interesting Autocar report says a maximum of 150 X80s will be built each year and the 350bhp is tipped to start at around £65,000 and the 500bhp closer to £75,000.

Do get hold of a copy of the 4th September 2002 issue of Autocar. At just £2.10 it's a good read and particuarly so this week with the news of this supercar with photos of the MG X80 on test.

Comparison
Now just a quick comparison between the sketch in MG World in September 2001 and the latest Autocar scoop shots in September 2002.