In 1989 a number of projects began to revive the MG name, one of which would eventually become the MGF.

Roy Axe designed the two door, DR2, at the end of 1989. The car was based on a TVR, this prototype having been built up from a stripped down donor. The interior and power is a Rover V8, also from the TVR.

This design, eventually coded PR5, was a front runner during the design thinking. It had a British feel and, at the same time, would appeal to the American market. This project however was ultimately retired and a more compact, mid‐engined design was adopted and carried forward to the MGF.