David Morgan tells the updated and painstakingly researched story behind the development of this hot hatch hero. Models such as the Metro and Montego were also given subtle cosmetic updates, taking inspiration from the more upmarket Rovers when it came to enhancing interior ambience and creating new badge designs for the front grille or bonnet. For those buyers wanting to express even greater individuality, the Body Styling Enhancement packs for the Montego saloon and Rover Series which had been launched the previous year, were given a further airing.
Therefore, its announcement came as a surprise to many journalists due to it being widely speculated that the Maestro range was to be phased out in , following the anticipated launch of the new R8 generation Rover Series in October However, as we all know the Maestro would actually live on until the end of The idea of fitting the bhp turbo-charged 2.
Musgrove is reported to have been less than enthusiastic about the idea and even cited reasons such as inadequate braking to stop it and the complexity of fitting the 2. It would not be until after Musgrove had left the company in September that the project would be revisited and given serious consideration. Whereas Current Design concentrated on current and immediate mainline replacement models, Concept Design investigated concepts for future models and possible new derivatives for existing models e.
In addition, all Colour and Trim programmes and Limited Edition variants were developed by Concept Design, often in response to a marketing brief. The MG Maestro Turbo project therefore required Concept Design to step carefully, yet push hard, to achieve the intended goal. David was one of the team of Designers in the Advanced Design Studio and recalls it being a small studio in which it was possible to build up a great team spirit.
Having said that, us Designers were having a lot of fun, working on a huge mix and variety of projects. David believes the initial plan for the Body Styling Enhancement BSE pack he had created was to also offer it as a dealer fit option to be made available on all Maestro model derivatives, in tandem with similar packages created for the Montego saloon and Rover Series. However, this remit quickly changed and it became reserved for the MG Turbo project; something he admits to being very glad about.
