MG Rover has released the first official photograph of a vehicle codenamed MG X10, one of three new MG sports saloon cars that will be launched in 2001.

The three MG sports saloons will be in production during 2001 and result in Longbridge manufacturing a total of eight different models.

More than 500 engineers are now based at Longbridge working on these and other new cars. MG Rover says it has already invested over £100m in new product development since the company was established in May 2000, following the sell-off by BMW.

Chief executive Kevin Howe said: "2001 will be the year when the MG brand re-establishes itself as a leading global car brand with a range of sporty cars from the MGF roadster to an outrageous MG X10. MGs will be fun, accessible, have superb dynamics and appeal to a growing customer target group."

Peter Stevens, designer of such cars as the McLaren F1 as well as cars for Lotus and Jaguar, is directing the product design.

As a part of the development of the MG brand, involvement in a range of motorsport activities will be established including taking part in the Le Mans 24-hour race next June.