SAIC to launch MG3 Concept car in China in September

Shanghai, June 28 (Gasgoo.com) Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC), who acquired MG-buyer Nanjing Auto in early 2008, will launch its new concept car MG3 to the Chinese market for around 60,000 yuan ($8,800) in September this year.

The MG3 Concept car has been showcased as the "MG Zero Concept car" at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in April, and is now codenamed the ZP11 inside SAIC, according to the automaker.


The MG3 Concept car, an A0-Class sedan, measures (LxWxH) 3999mm x 1728mm x 1517mm and has a wheelbase of 2520mm. In addition, the new car is expected to take a 1.3L and a 1.5L engine, with the 1.5L expected to launch first as it is already in the Roewe 350.

The 1.5L is good for 80kW of power at 6000rpm, and has a max torque of 135Nm at 4000rpm that may propel the car to 182km/h. Moreover, the new car is most likely to be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and Sony Ericsson's 4-speed automatic transmission that are already in the Roewe 350 as well.

Reportedly, the MG3 Concept car will target at young people between 18 and 28 who are usually keen on high-tech products. Therefore, the car uses a touch screen that almost completely replaces the center console's face buttons.

Besides, a smart phone can be connected to the car, which allows the driver to control the car audio and headlights through the phone. On top of that, the rear window made of optical glass allows the driver to instantly communicate with other drivers through changing the graphics of the window when electrified.