The automotive industry is witnessing a paradigm shift as automakers embrace electric vehicles (EVs) in their lineup. MG Motor, the British brand owned by China's SAIC Motor, is no exception. In a bid to position itself as a leading maker of affordable EVs, the company has unveiled the design of its upcoming sports roadster, the MG Cyberster.
The design of the MG Cyberster has been revealed in documents released by the Chinese government. The soft-top two-seater electric sports car looks sleek and sporty, measuring 4535mm long, 1913mm wide, and 1329mm high. The car is slightly larger than the Porsche 718 Boxster and significantly bigger than the Mazda MX-5. The design is a nod to MG's heritage as a British sports car manufacturer while also showcasing the brand's cutting-edge technology and advanced design.
The MG Cyberster is set to launch in 2024, and MG aims to attract new buyers in new segments with its "Cyber" product line. The line is designated as such in reference to MG's five primary priorities: co-creating, young, beyond, evolution, and recreation. The MG Cyberster is the first in a family of "recreation" EVs from MG.
The powertrain line-up of the Cyberster includes both single- and dual-motor options. Entry-level, single-motor models offer 309bhp, while dual-motor models offer up to 536bhp. The car's weight varies depending on the specification, with single-motor variants tipping the scales at 1850kg and the heaviest form weighing 1985kg.
Inside, the MG Cyberster boasts a Tesla-style yoke steering wheel and several digital screens for infotainment and driving data. The car's platform is built around a 'cell-to-pack' battery that does away with the conventional module structure used by current EVs in the name of increased production efficiency and power density. This feature yields an 800km (497-mile) range, according to MG.
The Cyberster's design is a bold step toward the future of affordable electric sports cars. MG is positioning itself as a brand that appeals to younger drivers and enthusiasts by offering an all-new EV product line. The company's growth trajectory has been steep since being acquired by the Chinese state-owned SAIC in 2005. MG has established itself as a leading maker of value-oriented yet well-equipped and safe family cars, selling more than 100,000 across Europe last year.
The Cyberster is a significant expansion of MG's product portfolio as the brand approaches its centenary in 2024. It also indicates the shift in priorities for MG with its new range of EVs. "Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA, and the Cyberster is a hugely exciting concept for us," said Carl Gotham, MG's UK design boss. With the Cyberster, MG has established itself with mainstream cars and is now exploring other segments.
The Cyberster production was approved after a successful crowdfunding campaign in which more than 5000 prospective buyers signed up to MG's interactive Cybercube platform. This allowed them to inform the development of the production car. The company's spokesman said, "We will be in markets that nobody has been in before." Indeed, no mainstream brand has yet launched an affordable, convertible electric sports car.
The MG Cyberster is a significant step toward the future of affordable electric sports cars. MG is a leading maker of value-oriented yet well-equipped and safe family cars. The Cyberster is a bold statement that looks strongly into MG's future while touching on its heritage. With its sleek styling, advanced technologies, and impressive performance, the MG Cyberster is set to make waves in the world of electric sports cars when it launches in 2024. @via MG.
