Thursday 1st April 2010

MG Motor Plans Reliant Revival

Forget the Robin - this one's called the Starling, and there's a new Scimitar too

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How an MG-Reliant could look, but won't

Reliant is to return with a three-wheeled hybrid city car called Starling, and the Smart ForTwo rival could be bringing the Scimitar roadster back with it.

The Reliant marque is making a comeback after MG Motor UK signed a deal with the current owners of the brand to use the name for a new range of small cars to sit below the MG line-up.

Topping off the re-born Reliant range will be a spiritual successor to the Scimitar SS1 roadster (pictured right), based on the MG TF. Like the original car, which Reliant built in one form or another from 1984 to 1995, the new car will be a rear-wheel-drive soft-top, although it will be mid- rather than front-engined, owing to its MG TF underpinnings.

The 1980s Scimitar SS1

Other technical details of the new Scimitar are scarce, but expect a lower power output than the 133bhp TF, possibly around 110bhp - courtesy of a revived 1.4-litre K-series - and a price tag of £10k. To help keep the price down, the new Scimitar will be plastic-bodied, like its predecessor.

The Scimitar will be joined by a small three-wheeled Reliant city car aimed at the Smart ForTwo and Toyota iQ. Power will come from a 1.1-litre three-cylinder biodiesel hybrid, with a small electric motor for city running. Reliant is said to be retaining the single front wheel for the tighter turning circle and packaging advantages it provides.

The three-wheeler as we last saw it

As well as the Starling name, a revival of the Kitten moniker could be on the cards, although 'Stoat' and 'Puppy' are also said to be in the running. For the brave, Reliant is also planning a 150bhp version, possibly called the Reliant Sparrowhawk.

The news of Reliant's revival comes as the marque celebrates its 75th anniversary, although the company has been a spares-only business since the last three-wheeler was delivered in February 2001.

[bobmcgod]

Happy first of april then

[Snoop Bagg]

bks!

[louismchuge]

ah, I like it more when there wasn't a thread for this! Was hoping someone would buy it!

[LuS1fer]

Not even faintly believable.

[r11co]

Poor.

Best one I've heard so far today is that they are erecting a statue of Susan Boyle outside the Scottish Parliament (courtesy of Radio Clyde 1).

Edit - The Sun have stolen the idea and embellished it...

SuBo

Wee Jimmie Krankie....

Edited by r11co on Thursday 1st April 10:32

[loomx]

Where the PHometer... I want to vote 10

[fatboy18]

Brilliant, do you think we could have a GT version with a big Aero wing on the back. Remember seeing all those Reliant's down in Le mans in the Gulf colours

Next you will be telling us James Bond is going to use one for his new film .....Bond Bug

Happy April, Suns out

Edited by fatboy18 on Thursday 1st April 10:32

[The Wookie]

Super weak

[turbo-ww]

I do believe Riggers needs to be taken outside and given a bit of a spanking for that story...

[Tony*T3]

You can tell when its a PH April 1st joke article.....

Because all other artcles that get added only turn up about 11.50 before you fek off to your beery lunches.

Never seen you post up any other articles at a reasonable early time of the day...

Journo wasters

[leon9191]

Look in the classifieds on here there is a robin with an R1 engine thats what they should build, if this wernt an aprils fools thing that is.

[Riggers]

Tony*T3 said:

Because all other artcles (sic) that get added only turn up about 11.50 before you fek off to your beery lunches.

How much do you think we get paid?! I have to make do with a swig of meths at lunch time...

[dandarez]

'Starling' gave the game away...

now if it had been called the Chavfinch it might have been believable.

[Tony*T3]

Riggers said:

Tony*T3 said:

Because all other artcles (sic) that get added only turn up about 11.50 before you fek off to your beery lunches.

How much do you think we get paid?! I have to make do with a swig of meths at lunch time...

I heard you get expenses that would make an MP blush with shame....

[Black S2K]

Apparently the Chinese are gonna restart building the MGTF in Longbridge.





what, that ISN'T a joke?

[ali_kat]

[soad]

LuS1fer said:

Not even faintly believable.

Indeed, looks like a heap of st too.

[williamp]

Well, at least it will be better then this joke:

[timewatch]

Hmmm!

Starling?

That'll be a "Stucky" in Scotland then !



TW>>>

[Johnpidge]

Happy April fools everyone!