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Unlike many other manufacturers who used numerical model naming systems, Rover never settled on a permanent standard for the majority of their cars. However, for the following designations are an approximate guide:

* 820 – 4-cylinder 8-valve carburetted models (Rover O8)
* 820e – 4-cylinder 16-valve single point injected models (Rover M16e)
* 820i – 4-cylinder 16-valve multi point injected models (Rover M16i) Came in naturally aspirated form and turbocharged (Turbocharged model fitted to later Vitesse)
* 825i – pre-1988 6-cylinder models (Honda)
* 827i – post-1988 6-cylinder and US models (Honda C27)
* Sterling – for most markets (except North America); luxury flagship model
* Vitesse – for most markets; sports flagship model

Following the 1992 R17 facelift, the convention was simplified to:

* 820i/Si/SLi/sterling – 4-cylinder 16-valve multi point injected models (Rover T16) Came in naturally aspirated form and turbocharged (Turbocharged model fitted to Vitesse)
* 825D/SD – 4-cylinder diesel models (VM Motori 425)
* 825i/Si/SLi/sterling – 6-cylinder models (Rover KV6)
* 827i/Si/SLi/sterling – 6-cylinder models (Honda C27a)
* Sterling – for most markets (except North America); luxury flagship model
* Vitesse – for most markets; sports flagship model

In 1994 the vitesse model line up was increased with the introduction of the Vitesse sport which had 200ps (standard vitesse only had 180ps)and a torsen differential. The sport models also included 17 inch alloy wheels and lowered and more uprated suspension as well as fully colour keyed bumpers. A lux pack could also be ordered with the car (factory fitted only) which gave full leather seats and climate control with air con and a powered drivers seat.

In 1996, the engine size designations were dropped, and the model badges simply read "800" except for the Sterling and Vitesse models. The honda engines were dropped for the newly developed KV6 which gave a much smoother power delivery. coupe models were now available with the 200ps vitesse sport engine as well as a normal 136ps t series as fitted to the 820 models

Related : MG Cars ~ The Rover Group Classic MG Cars Parts 1

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The Rover KV6 engine in the 800 series was hampered by reliability issues and head gasket failures. MG Rover at the time, with no understanding of the problems simply replaced the engines. In many cases repair would not have been an option due to liner problems. The modified version of the KV6 fitted into the 75 is not an easy swap.

The KV6 engine was in most cases mated to a JATCO gearbox which also in some cases suffered from reliability issues. This was sometimes due to incorrect gearbox fluid changes.

The Rover 820 Vitesse in most guises suffered from problems with gearbox bearings because of the large amount of power from the 2-litre turbo engine. The bearings can be replaced with more durable steel caged bearings.

On 6 June 1990 Tony Pond completed the first ever lap of the famous TT motorcycle course on the Isle Of Man at an average of over 100 mph (160 km/h) in a car — a Rover 827 Vitesse, standard apart from safety features and racing tyres. ~ MG Cars

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Classic MG Cars

A facelift in 1996 provided few exterior changes, the most noticeable being the painting of previously black rubbing strips on all models except the MG Rover Coupe and the revision of the suspension system. Grille fins became silver in colour, instead of their former black. 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-level ("i") model. Security technology was upgraded with a change from infra red to radio frequency for the remote door key. Wood finishes were expanded, with a coachwork line and "ROVER" on the door cards, accentuating the new, pleated seat finishes and deep pile rugs. Unusual pleated door card leather and fabric finishes capped off a comfortable interior, much of which was hand-made with what MG Rover called "the craftsman's touch".

Post 1996 Vitesses were all "Sport" specification so the sport badge was dropped, also from 1996 the 2.0L T16 engines used wasted spark ignition instead of distributor. Non-sport Vitesse models have approx 180 bhp (130 kW), whilst the sport has 197 bhp (147 kW).

Although the 800 had fallen behind the opposition considerably (few mechanical changes were made, apart from the introduction of the MG Rover KV6 Engine which replaced the Honda 2.7 V6 in 1996), it was a steady seller until 1999, when it was replaced by the Rover 75.