MG Cyberster: The Electric Roadster Redefining Performance

Introduction to MG

MG is a renowned car manufacturer that originated in the 1920s from a dealership in Oxford called Morris Garages. The brand has a celebrated history in the automotive industry, creating iconic sports cars revered by car enthusiasts worldwide. The acronym "MG" represents the dealership that initiated the company's journey.

MG's Evolution

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MG faced financial challenges and underwent several ownership transitions. In 2005, a Chinese automaker, SAIC, acquired the company, leading to the relocation of MG car production to China. Despite these changes, MG has consistently produced sports cars favored by drivers globally, maintaining its iconic status in the automotive sector. The brand aims to return to its roots with the upcoming release of the Cyberster, an electric roadster set to hit the European market this summer.

Unveiling the Cyberster

At the Shanghai Auto Show, the production version of the Cyberster was unveiled, closely following the design of the concept showcased in 2021. The new model features:

• A streamlined body with a sharply sloping front end
• Defined lines extending into squared taillights with LED arrow-shaped elements
• A stylish interior adorned with red leather
• A power-folding soft top enhancing its aesthetics
• Unique scissor doors reminiscent of the concept model

MG Cyberster: Design

The Cyberster's design, first introduced as a concept in 2021, has been revealed in its production version at the Shanghai Auto Show. The production model closely resembles the concept but with slightly toned-down proportions. Key design features include:

• A modern and streamlined body
• A sharply sloping front end
• Clean creases leading to squared taillights with LED arrow-shaped elements
• A stylish interior with red leather upholstery
• Retained scissor doors, a striking feature of the concept model

The front of the vehicle draws inspiration from previous MG models, featuring streamlined headlights and an illuminated badge complemented by bold surfacing. The rear incorporates controversial taillights influenced by the Union Jack flag. While some unusual design elements from the concept have been omitted, such as the side LED strip, the scissor doors remain a standout feature.

MG Cyberster: Powertrain and Battery

The electric powertrain of the MG Cyberster will be available in both single- and twin-motor configurations, significantly influencing the car's size and dimensions. The Cyberster is larger than any previous MG roadster, with measurements of:

• Length: 4,535mm
• Width: 1,913mm
• Height: 1,329mm

These dimensions are comparable to a modern BMW Z4. The standard wheels will have a diameter of 19 inches, while higher-end models will feature 20-inch wheels.

According to leaked documents, the mechanical details of the Cyberster indicate:

• Base model with a single motor providing 309bhp
• Top-of-the-range version with dual motors generating 536bhp

However, the additional weight of battery-electric vehicles will affect performance. The single-motor Cyberster is expected to weigh approximately 1,850kg, while the dual-motor model may weigh up to 1,985kg. The anticipated top speed is around 200 km/h.

While specific battery pack details have not been disclosed, MG previously announced that the Cyberster concept could travel 800 km on a single charge and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under three seconds. The production dual-motor vehicle, with over 500hp, may achieve similar performance figures, though a more realistic range is around 480 km considering the current state of battery technology.