Geneva Motor Show 2004 - MG Rover

MG Rover centred on V8 power at its Geneva show stand, revealing new V8-powered flagships for its face-lifted Rover 75 and MG ZT ranges.

The new Rover 75 V8 is expected to go on sale in May, although prices have not been announced.
As with the recently introduced MG ZT 260, the Rover transmits its power through the rear wheels, but this is channelled through an automatic, rather than a manual gearbox. The chassis has also been revised to provide a more cossetting ride.

The V8 features a unique front bumper and grille arrangement. Its new look is not dissimilar to that of flagship Audi A8s, with a black centre panel between the front grille and lower air intake combining with a one-piece chrome surround to give the effect of one gaping grille.

The new, more powerful R version of the MG XPower SV also made its debut beside its Rover stablemate. The SV-R uses a 5.0- rather than 4.6-litre version of the standard car's V8 and power is up from the already healthy 320bhp to 410bhp. Backing this up is a mighty 376lb ft of pull.

New alloy wheels, a rear wing and unique details set the R apart from its lesser brethren, while prices increase from the £65,750 of the standard car to £82,950.