MG F / TFTiming chain or Belt?

The MG F / MG TF is a two-seater sports roadster produced by Rover Group (1995-2000), MG Rover (2000-2005) and MG Motor (2007-2011) with a total of three phases. Its predecessor was the MG MGB and its alternative names were MG F Mark I (1995-1999) and MG TF Mark II (2002-2011).

The first version, the MG F Mark I, was introduced in 1995 with a 1.8 K-Series engine producing 120 hp, also offering a 145 hp VVC version. It stood out for its innovative Hydragas suspension system and underwent a redesign in 1999. In 2001, a Trophy 160 version with 158 hp was added. It was built on the MGF platform.

The second version, the MG TF Mark II, arrived in 2002 with changes to the suspension, the adoption of conventional springs, and aesthetic improvements. Versions ranging from 114 to 158 hp were offered with the same K-Series engine. Production stopped in 2005 following the bankruptcy of MG Rover. It was resumed in 2007 by MG Motor on the TF platform.

The third version of the MG TF by MG Motor featured few updates. Limited versions such as the LE500 were manufactured before production was definitively canceled in 2011 due to supply issues and low demand as it was an outdated model.

As a curiosity, it is interesting to remember the MG F Project EXF, a limited production model of 5 units with competition tuning, a 329 hp turbocharged 1.4 engine, and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. It achieved a top speed of 349 km/h at the Bonneville Speedway in 1997. There was also an MG TF GT prototype with a coupé body designed by Peter Stevens, a 2.5L Rover KV6 V6 engine, and chassis modifications to compete with the Mazda MX-5. It never reached production due to the bankruptcy of MG Rover in 2005.

The main competitors of the MG F/ MG TF have been roadsters such as the Mazda MX-5, the BMW Z3, and the Audi TT. All of them offered better build quality, equipment, and performance.