Alec Issigonis started on Project 9X to replace the Mini with a Super Mini concept as long ago as 1967, but his proposals were not approved. ADO 74 took over the attempt to replace the Mini but it grew in size and cost and was also cancelled. In 1974 British Leyland sanctioned the ADO 88 Project (Later 'LC 8) to produce a Super Mini with an 88inch wheelbase, and this was launched as the Austin MiniMetro in October 1980. David Bache had finalised the styling of the Metro, and its engineering owed much to the outgoing ADO 16 and Mini cars. In 1982 Vanden Plas Metros were available with extra equipment and a mildly tuned MG Metro was also launched, and then a MG Metro Turbo was announced. The Metro was facelifted by Roy Axe in 1985, and a 5-door version was also announced. For 1990 the Metro was re-engineered and restyled to be launched as the Rover Metro (Or Rover 100) with a new K-series engine and Peugeot gearbox.