SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: MG E-Motion outed

MG has signalled its intent to become a serious automotive brand under Chinese ownership by revealing a sleek two-door coupe at a media preview prior to this week's Shanghai motor show.

Senior executives of parent company SAIC – China's largest auto-maker -- were on hand to unveil the E-Motion concept car yesterday, just days after MG told us it was preparing to launch a sports car that would recall its sporting British heritage.

Looking like something that could have been the result of a one-night stand between a Jaguar F-TYPE and any Tesla, the e-Motion concept is an "electric supercar" that's claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in less than four seconds and be able to travel for 500km between recharges.

Details are sketchy at this stage, but SAIC says the E-Motion – which comes complete with butterfly-doors -- is based on an all-new modular EV platform and employ "black technology only seen in science fiction films".

Otherwise appearing to be entirely production ready, the sleek concept is a radical departure from MGs of old – including its last sports car, the TF, as well as current models like the MG 3 and MG 6 hatchbacks, and the GS and upcoming ZS SUVs.

Even its badge is new, which swaps the iconic octagonal MG logo that's been around for more than 90 years.

SAIC chief designer Shao Jingfeng confirmed the E-Motion could enter production in as little as 18 months.

“This is our dream and next we want to take this dream into production,” he said.

Asked how long it would take to bring the concept car from its present state to the public, Jinfeng said: “Around one and half years.

“We want to see how the consumer reacts to the concept can first, then we will act [on that].

“It’s very important for us to have a sports car,” Jinfeng added.

He also hinted at some more sporty models to come and we’ll bring you more on that as it comes to hand closer to the show.