An introduction to the hand built prototype MGF Supersports
History of Supersports mk2 1999
An introduction to my car, the hand-built prototype MGF Supersports, which was launched at the Geneva show in 1999. This stunning vehicle was originally displayed in metallic black with a red hood and seats. The design responsibility for the MGF Supersports was in the capable hands of Julian Quincey, who was part of the team that designed
An introduction to my car, the hand-built prototype MGF Supersports, which was launched at the Geneva show in 1999. This stunning vehicle was originally displayed in metallic black with a red hood and seats. The design responsibility for the MGF Supersports was in the capable hands of Julian Quincey, who was part of the team that designed the original MGF. This model represents the natural progression from the original concept EX254, which was penned by designer Dave Woodhouse. The theme of the MGF Supersports is that of a racing car for the road. Developed by the MG Motorsport team, this car benefits from the expertise gained during the MGF Cup racing series, with rally driver Tony Pond fine-tuning the vehicle's dynamics at the Rover Group's Gaydon test track. The MGF Supersports boasts a more muscular appearance compared to the standard production car, featuring larger wheels on wider tracks housed within prominent, flared wheel arches. The racing theme is further emphasized with new bumpers fitted with functional mesh air intakes and an innovative lighting arrangement. Inside, the MGF Supersports is upgraded with Recaro sports seats, a steering wheel, gearshift, and handbrake gaiters trimmed in grenadine leather. It also differentiates itself from the standard model with drilled alloy pedals, an alloy driver's heel mat, and brushed aluminium trim. Powered by an exclusive supercharged version of the 1.8 K series engine, the MGF Supersports produces an impressive 200BHP, with a broad torque spread for optimized acceleration. This model is equipped with a close ratio gearbox. The suspension system is an enhanced derivative of the one used on MGF Trophy competition cars, and the ride height is lowered by 30mm. To complete the package, the Hydragas units are fitted with special valving. The brakes on the MGF Supersports are race-bred, featuring AP racing calipers paired with 295mm diameter discs. The special wheels are 17" three-piece aluminium alloy, seam-welded KN, with 225 x 45 tires.
Supersports mk2 -Tokyo Version
The car was originally showcased in Metallic black with red leather and a hood. After making the rounds at numerous motor shows, it was repainted in Chromaflare Gold to green, featuring a black hood and green interior, which highlighted the revised interior change of the standard MGF 2000 model. BMW mothballed the project, leading to the
The car was originally showcased in Metallic black with red leather and a hood. After making the rounds at numerous motor shows, it was repainted in Chromaflare Gold to green, featuring a black hood and green interior, which highlighted the revised interior change of the standard MGF 2000 model. BMW mothballed the project, leading to the disappearance of the engine from the powertrain during testing. The vehicle re-emerged in 2006 as part of the MG Sport & Racing auction, albeit in relatively poor condition, and was fitted with a standard 1.8 VVC engine. I acquired it from the dealer who purchased all the vehicles that day; they were actually after a batch of uncompleted SV8s but ended up with a variety of development vehicles, including this MGF Supersports. I bought the vehicle at the end of 2006 and took delivery in 2007 after completing its restoration. I considered installing a supercharged engine and reached out to Janspeed, who built the original. They quoted £10,000 plus an engine. After years of searching, I found an engine from a Rover 200 B.R.M., which had been built to a very high standard and supercharged by Turbo Technics. I purchased it, and the engines were swapped. Turbo Technics then fabricated the necessary parts to convert it from a front-engine to mid-engine layout. Finally, the car has the engine it deserves: a 232BHP supercharged K series engine, PG 1 gearbox, and an LSD. Details on the engine fitted include: 1.8 K series VVC - with the VVC mechanism removed and replaced with a Piper 270 cam kit, banded and strengthened liners, Omega forged pistons, blueprinted and balanced components, reworked and flowed cylinder head, Lumenition individual throttle bodies, Turbo Technics supercharger, and an Emerald programmable ECU, delivering 232 BHP and 200 lb/ft torque.
Supersports mk 1 1998
Also known as the EX254, the very first high-performance road-car derivative of the MGF Super sports was first seen at Geneva in March 1998. Not a car for the shy at heart, the concept was for a weekend race car: a car that could be driven to the track, raced, and hopefully (exuberance permitting!) driven home again at the end of the day.
Also known as the EX254, the very first high-performance road-car derivative of the MGF Super sports was first seen at Geneva in March 1998. Not a car for the shy at heart, the concept was for a weekend race car: a car that could be driven to the track, raced, and hopefully (exuberance permitting!) driven home again at the end of the day. Changes were extensive. Visually, these were very obvious, from the new front and rear bumpers to the swollen wheel-arches stretched over 8-spoke minilite-style alloy wheels shod with 210/605 R16 race tyres front and 220/640 R17 race tyres rear. The windscreen frame was ditched too - replaced by a perspex aerodynamic flaring to keep the bugs out of your teeth, with roll-over safety protection proved by a welded-in roll-cage with a single hoop behind the driver's head. Not so obvious to the eye was the uprated race-spec suspension (inherited from the MGF Cup Cars), coupled to a supercharged 200Ps K Series engine, co-developed with Janspeed. Stopping this potent combination was the responsibility of a set of anchors provided by AP Racing. This was a massively desirable project - although in the form first shown, it was far too compromised for a vehicle costing twice the amount of the then-entry 1.8i MGF model, often referred to as a Supersports.