British automaker MG->ke56 is planning to release a successor to the TF two-seat sports car. It won't happen right away, possibly not even until the end of the decade, but company execs have already discussed the possibility of its return.

Auto Express is reporting that MG executives have not made any concrete plans on the TF's successor, but did say that steps will be taken as soon as the company successfully transitions under its new owners, China's SAIC.

Fans of the TF will be happy about this development. We haven't seen the TF since MG ended production of the sports roadster in 2011. If the estimated timeline is accurate, 2018 or 2019 are likely the safest bets that we see the TF's successor make its arrival.

That's admittedly a long way from now, which is a little disappointing. For now, the company is focused on building a pair of new vehicle architectures that will be used on other models, including a CS Concept-based SUV and an MG5 that the company plans to put against the Ford Focus->ke440. At least one of those models is slated for a 2015 release.

There's clearly a lot of moving pieces going on within MG these days. Being under SAIC ownership has helped in that regard, allowing the British automaker to begin its return to relevancy.

This talked-about two-seater sports car may still be years away from being launched. But the mere mention of serious discussions taking place has us hopeful of an automotive future that has MG in it.

Click past the jump to read more about MG TF.

Why It Matters

Back when it was on the road in the mid 2000's, the MG F was considered an impressive sports roadster that could hold its own against the likes of the Mazda MX-5 and the BMW Z3. Its handling, performance, and practicality were its strengths and it showed when the sports car posted healthy sales numbers. Unfortunately, the MG TF didn't perform as well as the MG F, leading to numerous issues that resulted in the company ending production in 2011.

Now that it's under SAIC, MG now has the financial capability to bring back one of its niche models. It's been a while since an MG roadster turned a lot of heads so we're excited to see what the company has in store for us. The TF successor is still years away from arriving, but simply knowing that it's being discussed seriously is more than enough for us to be optimistic about it.

Before production ended in 2011, the MG TF was actually a nice sports car. It didn't have the cache of the Miata or the luxury stature of the Z3, but it was a free-spirited ride that stayed true to its roots as a sports roadster.

It came with a sporty design that attracted its share of customers and being a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive two-seater also helped establish it is a real sports car. The TF even had serious performance credentials to the tune of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 160 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque, good enough to hit 0 to 60 mph in over six seconds with a top speed of 137 mph.