MG is a brand with a long and rich history of producing sporty and stylish roadsters dating back to the 1920s. The MG MGB, launched in 1962, is one of the most iconic and beloved models in the British marque's lineup, selling over half a million units worldwide until 1980. However, MG has not produced a roadster since the MG TF, which was discontinued in 2011 after a troubled production run.
But now, MG is ready to make a comeback in the roadster segment with the MG Cyberster, a futuristic and electric interpretation of the classic MGB. The Cyberster was first unveiled as a concept car in 2021 at the Shanghai Auto Show and then showcased as a production-ready model at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023. The Cyberster is expected to go on sale in China and the UK in 2024, with other markets to follow.
So what makes the MG Cyberster so special? Here are some of the key features and specifications of the electric roadster that aim to revive MG's legacy.
Design
The MG Cyberster is a two-door, two-seater sports car that draws inspiration from the MGB Roadster but also adds some modern and futuristic elements. The Cyberster has a low-slung and sleek profile, with scissor doors, LED headlights, and a large grille. The rear end features a distinctive Kamm tail design, with round taillights that resemble the Union Jack flag. The Cyberster also has an interactive gaming cockpit with a triple-screen instrument cluster, an infotainment system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, and Bose speakers.
The Cyberster's exterior dimensions are 178.5 inches long, 75.31 inches wide, and 52.32 inches tall, with a wheelbase of 105.9 inches. The Cyberster weighs 4,376 pounds, which is quite heavy for a roadster but understandable given the battery pack and electric motors.
The Cyberster comes with a traditional soft top roof, instead of a metal folding roof mechanism, to save weight and maintain the classic roadster feel. The Cyberster also has Brembo brakes with four-piston fixed calipers and a highly rigid rollbar for safety and stability.
Performance
The MG Cyberster is powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The electric motors produce a combined output of 536 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque, which is impressive for an electric roadster. The Cyberster can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, making it the fastest MG ever.
The Cyberster has a 77-kWh battery pack that provides a range of 360 miles per China light-duty vehicle test cycle (CLTC). However, this figure would be lower according to other standards, such as the WLTP or EPA. The battery pack can be recharged using fast-charging technology, but MG has not revealed how long it takes to fully charge the Cyberster.
MG also plans to offer a rear-wheel-drive version of the Cyberster, with a single motor producing over 300 horsepower and a smaller 64-kWh battery pack. This version would have a range of 323 miles per the CLTC standard.
Development
The MG Cyberster was developed by the team at the MG Advanced Design Centre in London, led by Carl Gotham. The team wanted to create a car that would honor MG's heritage but also showcase its innovation and vision for the future. The team collaborated with Marco Fainello, a former chassis engineer for Scuderia Ferrari, to fine-tune the Cyberster's driving dynamics and performance.
The Cyberster is also part of MG's strategy to expand its presence in the global market, especially in the electric vehicle segment. MG is owned by SAIC Motor, China's largest automaker, which has invested heavily in developing new technologies and models for MG. MG currently sells several electric and hybrid models in China and Europe, such as the MG ZS EV, MG HS Plug-in Hybrid, and MG EHS Plug-in Hybrid.
Price
MG has not announced the official price of the Cyberster yet, but it is expected to be very competitive for an electric sports car. According to some reports, the MG Cyberster could start at around $33,000 in China and $37,000 in the UK. However, these prices could vary depending on taxes, incentives, and other factors.
The MG Cyberster could also be more expensive in other markets where MG intends to sell it. For comparison, some of its potential rivals include the Tesla Roadster ($200k), Porsche Taycan ($80k), Audi e-tron GT ($100k), and Polestar 2 ($60k).
Conclusion
The MG Cyberster is a bold and exciting attempt by MG to revive its roadster legacy and enter the electric vehicle market. The Cyberster combines a classic and elegant design with a powerful and efficient performance, making it a compelling option for roadster enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike. The Cyberster also showcases MG's innovation and ambition, as well as its respect for its heritage and history.
The Cyberster is expected to hit the roads in 2024, and we can't wait to see how it performs in the real world. The Cyberster could be the car that puts MG back on the map as a leading and reputable brand in the automotive industry.
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