Rover 75 V8
Geneva 2004 marked the return of the big V8 Rover...
The car that Rover enthusiasts have been crying out for since the MG Rover X10 V8 prototype was announced all those years ago has finally broken cover. The new variant comes with a striking front end, which - sadly - looks rather reminiscent of the newly-launched Audi A6...
So the MG Rover website was right - the 2004 Rover 75 was indeed to receive the Mustang V8, just like its MG brother. As can be seen from the picture, the front end has been revised to differentiate the car from the 4- and V6-cylinder versions, and without doubt, the new treatment gives the car a healthy dose of road presence.
Predictably, the company played on its heritage of producing V8 saloons, and in its press release, Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, commented: "The return of the illustrious Rover V8 combines perfectly with the distinctive identity of this high-specification flagship and signifies an expanding confidence for the Rover marque, in its centenary year. Like its predecessors, it is a product of distinction and presence, with the new full-depth grille and front-end treatment a characteristic reminder of the refined delivery of power available from the 4.6-litre V8 harnessed under the bonnet."
In the press photographs issued with the statement, the car does look good, although it remains to be seen just how many people compare it to the new Audi A6 (pictured below).