Mega MG SV-R supercar hits the spot

MG Rover has released the SV-R – a more powerful version of the MG X-Power SV supercar – in the UK.

According to local MG Rover distributor, Motor Group Australia, the SV-R is the model most likely to be sold locally from the first quarter of 2005.

At the moment the local distributors of the MG, Rover, Noble and Pagani brands is finalising the homologation, costing and business case for the SV-R in Australia. Modifications to the US Ford-derived 5.0-litre 32-valve double overhead cam V8 engine by tuning specialist Sean Hyland mean the SV-R’s power rises from the SV’s 238kW (320hp) to 298kW (400hp) at 6000rpm.

With a 510Nm reserve of torque at 4750rpm on tap (up 100Nm), the SV-R will now shoot past 100km/h in under five seconds, on its way to a 282km/h top speed.

Larger diameter Brembo brake discs, redesigned alloy wheels, a new rear spoiler and revised trim are the most obvious SV-R giveaways. An automatic transmission version will also be available.

Like its regular SV sibling, the SV-R features carbon-fibre composite body construction, double wishbone suspension, remote telemetry with security tracking and full-harness seatbelts.

MG Rover says that every SV is personalised, so delivery can take up to four months.

The SV is a rear-wheel drive two-seater coupe based on the Qvale Mangusta coupe.

MG Rover bought the ailing American-owned, Italian-based manufacturer in 2001, and subsequently rebodied and re-engineered the Mangusta into the SV series.

Prices in the UK for the SV-R start at around A$200,258, with Australian versions - some of which already have owners - likely to cost up to $250,000.