Pictured above is a car I owned for 5 years.
Ladies and Gentlemen, gather around as I present to you the MG Metro 6R4 – a car that is as iconic as it is rare. This car is a true testament to the engineering prowess of MG and its association with the legendary rally driver, Tony Pond. The MG Metro 6R4 is a car that has been etched into the annals of automotive history, and today, I am going to tell you why.
First things first, let’s talk about the engine. The MG Metro 6R4 is powered by a bespoke 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers a staggering 410 horsepower. That’s right, a naturally aspirated V6 engine that produces more power than some of the modern-day turbocharged engines. This engine was designed specifically for the Group B rally regulations and was capable of propelling the car from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds. That’s faster than most supercars of its time.
But it wasn’t just the engine that made the MG Metro 6R4 such an impressive car. The chassis and suspension were also designed to handle the extreme terrain and conditions of the rally stages. The car featured a full tube-frame chassis, which was covered in lightweight body panels, including carbon kevlar for the works machines. The suspension was a fully adjustable four-wheel independent system that provided unmatched grip and stability on any surface.
Now, let’s talk about the looks. The MG Metro 6R4 is a car that looks like it means business. It has a wide stance, aggressive lines, and a rear wing that could double up as a small aircraft. The car’s bodywork was designed to provide maximum downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, making it a true force to be reckoned with on the rally stages.
The interior of the MG Metro 6R4is a no-nonsense affair. It’s all about function over form. The dashboard is spartan, with a few gauges and switches to control the car’s various systems. The seats are lightweight and offer excellent support during high-speed cornering. There’s no air conditioning or fancy infotainment systems in this car; it’s all about the driving experience.
So, what’s it like to drive? Well, let me tell you, it’s an experience like no other. The engine roars to life with a deep growl, and as you engage the clutch and shift into first gear, you can feel the car come alive. The acceleration is brutal, with the car hurtling towards the horizon at an alarming rate. The handling is razor-sharp, with the car responding to every input with lightning-fast reflexes. It’s a car that demands your full attention, but the rewards are worth it.
In conclusion, the MG Metro 6R4 is a car that deserves to be remembered. Justifiably an engineering works in Wales called MST, is just about to build an all-new carbonfibre body shell, engineered in partnership with New Zealand firm Innovate Composites, designed to the exact dimensions of the original car’s glassfibre body.
Beyond that, all MST has so far confirmed is that the “all-new 6R4” (MST doesn’t hold the rights to the MG or Metro names) will match the original car in taking its power from a mid-mounted V6 probably supplied by Audi, driving both axles through a sequential gearbox.
It’s a car that was designed to dominate the rally stages, and it did just that. It’s a car that was ahead of its time, with technology and engineering that would inspire future generations of cars. And it’s a car that still has the ability to make your heart race and your adrenaline pump. The MG Metro 6R4 is a true automotive icon, and I feel privileged to have been able to experience it.
