Resurrecting Glory: MG EX4 Concept Revives the Spirit of Metro 6R4

Fresh Teaser - MG, the renowned British car brand that now had acquired by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, a Chinese company, is preparing to unveil an exciting new concept car at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. Building on the success of the electric MG Cyberster concept car introduced in 2019, this day, MG is introducing its latest car creation concept codenamed the EX4. 

MG teases EX4 Electric Concept sending strong Group B Rally Car vibes. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The MG EX4 concept car pays homage to the iconic Metro 6R4 rally car, highlighting its design influences and impressive performance capabilities. Developed on the foundation of the new MG4 XPower hot hatch, the EX4 boasts a formidable 429bhp dual-motor electric powertrain, catapulting the road version of the EX4 from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.8 seconds.

Aggressive bodykit of the MG EX4 concept car with wide arches is inspired by the original Metro 6R. (Picture from: Autocar)

Drawing inspiration from the 6R4, the EX4 boasts an eye-catching appearance with its large rear spoiler, sculpted front wing, and wide-box wheel arches. While these design elements may not be present in MG's production cars, they represent the brand's renewed commitment to performance models, which have long been an integral part of MG's heritage.

The "EX" naming convention further underscores MG's focus on performance and innovation, was last used in the 1980s. (Picture from: Autocar)

In China, the XPower sub-brand holds significant value within MG's lineup, symbolizing the high-performance variant of the MG 6. However, in the UK, the XPower nameplate has been absent since the discontinuation of the X-Power SV in 2005. With the introduction of the EX4 concept, MG aims to reignite the XPower brand and captivate the interest of performance car enthusiasts.

The MG EX4 concept car's dual-motor powertrain is unchanged from the MG 4 XPower. (Picture from: Autocar)

The "EX" naming convention further underscores MG's focus on performance and innovation. The last MG concept car to bear this designation was the EX-E in 1985. While the EX-E didn't directly lead to a production model, it played a pivotal role in shaping the development of the MGF, which marked MG's first entirely new sports car since the iconic MGB.

The Metro 6R4, the rally car that serves as the inspiration for the EX4 concept, was originally designed in the early 1980s to compete in the World Rally Championship. Although it faced delays and challenges, the Metro 6R4 showcased its potential by winning eight stages in its debut rally. However, it was overshadowed by the Lancia Delta S4, which also made its debut at the same event.

Promotional image of the MG EX4 concept car shows clear reference to 6R4. (Picture from: Autocar)

Despite its international setbacks, the Metro 6R4 gained a devoted following in national competitions and Rallycross. Notably, driver Will Gollop achieved remarkable success with a modified 6R4, equipped with twin turbochargers and reduced displacement, in the European Rallycross Championship.

The MG Metro 6R4 rally car that serves as the inspiration for the EX4 concept, was originally designed in the early 1980s to compete in the World Rally Championship. (Picture from: Autocar)

Motorsport Tools, a respected Welsh engineering company, recently announced its plan to recreate the Metro 6R4 rally car, preserving its original design and high-performance characteristics. This recreation will feature a powerful 450bhp Audi V6 engine, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the thrill of the iconic rally car.

Both the MG EX4 concept and the 4 XPower will be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, adorned with a special livery to commemorate the event. This demonstration underscores MG's commitment to pushing boundaries in design and performance while honoring their rich motorsport heritage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS | WIKIPEDIA ]

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