Although we have heard recently that a new MG6 will arrive in the UK soon after work gets on its way at Longbridge, many people are keen to know of any plans to revive the MG sports car model. Well it has recently come to light that work has begun on an all-new front-engined, rear-drive open-top sports car to replace the TF.

Development is at a very early stage and currently the project isn't very high on the company's priority list, falling behind both the plans for the MG6 and a new supermini. However, the company believe that the introduction of a new sports car is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. With this is mind it is suggested that the model could be available to car leasing customers some time in 2014.

The engineering team for MG has already investigated the feasibility of various driveline layouts for the new model with rumours suggesting that a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout would be the preference. This would help provide for an affordable sports car that could compete directly with the likes of the Mazda MX-5. This layout would also help keep the sporty touch with the car and maintain MG's focus on keeping the driving experience and handling of a performance model.

The current TF model is not expected by MG to continue far beyond the end of this year, although production will restart again in April. This will then leave the company without a sports car for at least three years whilst this new model is developed.

As with every large project, finding the funds to pay for certain aspects of the new car will be a challenge, with the all-new rear-wheel drive platform being an example. Although parent company SAIC has not ruled out the possibility of finding a partner for the project it is expected that they will do it alone.

A new sports car for MG will be a major step in the company's recovery and although the car may turnout to be of a high standard a lot will depend on their ability to re-establish themselves in the UK and Europe with the MG6 and supermini.