Rover 800 Coupe
In early 1992, Rover introduced the updated R17 codenamed 800 Series. This saw a change to the traditional Rover grille and more aerodynamic bodywork, while retaining the core XX structure, including the door structure and skin design. The redesign saw much acclaim, propelling the 800 Series as Britain's best selling executive car in the early to mid-1990s. Price and quality had both improved by this stage, but the decision to leave the US market had already been taken.
The 2.0L T16 engine, found in post-92 cars, was available in NASP and Turbo forms, with the Turbo being featured in the "Vitesse" and the later "Vitesse Sport" (1994-1996). Notable differences between the sport and non-sport models included 17" six spoke alloys for the Vitesse Sport (compared to the non-sport's 16" 7 spoke), a power increase from 177 bhp (132 kW/179 PS) to 200 bhp (149 kW/203 PS), and revised stiffer suspension.
In 1996, a facelift saw few exterior changes, the most notable being the painting of previously black rubbing strips on all models (except the coupé) and the revision of the suspension system. Climate control, passive immobilisation and a passenger airbag became standard, and a 6-disc CD auto-changer was fitted to all models apart from the entry 'i' model. Security technology was upgraded with a change from infra red to radio frequency for the remote door key.
Coupé
Later that year, Rover launched the two-door ("three-box", booted) coupé version of the 800 Series. Originally designed for the US market, this model was not sold there, but did find its way to other export markets. Eighty percent of the interior and exterior of the 800 Coupe was manufactured by hand.
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