Rover is planning MG-badged versions of its 25, 45 and 75 models which will feature a power boost of 'at least 50bhp' and a package of styling revisions and suspension upgrades.
British racing car maker Lola is the most likely candidate for the new MG engine and chassis developments, while the styling will be the responsibility of Peter Stevens, designer of the McLaren F1 and Subaru Impreza P1, who was recently appointed product design director at Rover.
Rover boss John Towers told a recent dealer meeting that elements such as sporty grilles, lowered, stiffer suspension, fat tyres and widened wheel arches will all be part of the package.
The company expects the lure of the new models to be so strong that up to 30 per cent of its family car sales will be wearing MG badges by the middle of next year - although it has yet to reveal dates for when the exciting new versions are due on sale.
Rover predicts its overall sales will reach 200,000 worldwide buy the end of this year.
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