The MG Zero Concept has been unveiled to the world's media as one of the stars of the 2010 Beijing Automotive Show that could preview a production model planned for market launch in 2011, now one of the world's most important automotive events. The MG Zero Design car has been developed by MG Global Design team, led by British MG Design Director Anthony (Tony) Williams-Kenny, based in Birmingham.
At around 4m in length, the MG Zero concept previews the design direction of the brand and demonstrates how MG can expand into this high- volume sector of the market. MG Zero reflects the latest trends in the market for vehicle size, styling and technology and is designed to show how MG will offer products that will appeal to a wide audience across the global market.
MG Zero Design also demonstrates the design and engineering capabilities of SAIC by showcasing a number of innovative features. The bold interior has clean and simple lines with high contrast flashes of accent colour. It uses the latest technology touch screens to allow occupants to interact with the world around them and features a striking 'floating console' design around the driver.
The high-tech materials are draw inspiration from ultra high-performance
sports equipment and there is highly innovative use of interior lighting features to create real emotion in the cabin. The bold red-coloured illumination adds a touch of drama.
Commenting on the exterior style, Design Director Tony Williams said " This concept shows a bold, individual soul. The bonnet is formed around the famous octagonal badge, the graphics flow into striking lamps and the large lower grille completes the confident,
sporty character. The body-side has a strong shoulder, a dynamic scalloped feature in the doors and flared arches to give a wide stance and strong road presence. The feature lines have been designed to give a strong relationship to the wheel arch demonstrating the fun nature of the cars dynamics."
MG Zero Design also explores the integration of the latest communications technology in the vehicle and in addition to the interior systems, it features a fun communications system on the exterior of the rear!
MG hasn't said much about the vehicle's details, including powerplant options, fuel economy or when we might expect to see a production version crop up. While we aren't exactly smitten with the car's nose, the rest of the design would do well in a segment dominated by the drab. Though concrete information is suspiciously absent at the moment, the company says the Zero should be a clear indication of where the brand is headed in the coming years.
Guy Jones, MG Motor UK Sales and Marketing Director summarised by saying "MG Zero is crucial to the development of the brand globally, as it gives clear direction for the future beyond the current products. We are all proud to see our British-designed vehicle wearing the MG badge creating such an impact in Beijing. With the MG TF back in production in Birmingham, sales increasing and the MG 6 coming at the end of 2010, the MG Zero Concept has come at the perfect time to build further awareness and interest in the brand here in the UK."
No details about its powertrain have been revealed but we can envisage a production version being powered by a range of fuel efficient four-cylinder engines, perhaps even with a turbocharger for a high-performance hot hatch model.
MG is reportedly working on several new models including a replacement for the TF roadster, as well as a
sports coupe and a compact sedan.
