Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. has done a stand-up job evangelizing the MG brand with the MG6  and the Zero Concept (the latter slated for production as the MG3). Now, the automaker has added an $8.2 million design center to its Longbridge site.

Antony Williams-Kenny, MG's design director, says the studio "gives us superb tools and facilities to go further forward on projects such as the MG Zero concept and beyond." An MG spokesperson adds, "The designing of new cars and the engineering and technical aspects of the cars is all happening here in the UK."

Along with MG6 production moving back to Longbridge later this year, the forthcoming Zero/MG3 is expected to offer 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines when it's finalized for retail. That kind of news gives folks in the Midlands (and sporty-car folks everywhere) something to look forward to from The Octagon. Finally.