MG, the British marque that is best known for its lightweight, open-topped sports cars of the 1950s and ’60s, has returned to its roots with the Cyberster, an electric roadster that was revealed at the 2023 Shanghai auto show. The Cyberster is a two-seater convertible with a power soft-top roof and scissor-style doors that evoke the supercar segment. It is expected to go on sale in 2024 in markets where MG operates.
The design of the Cyberster has clear links to MG’s sports cars of the past, particularly with the long hood and drooping nose. The front fascia features a hexagonal grille with a large MG logo and slim LED headlights that resemble the classic round lamps of the MGB. The rear end features arrow-shaped taillights that create a Union Jack pattern when lit up. The bodywork is sleek and sinuous, with prominent wheel arches and aerodynamic elements.
The Cyberster is powered by an electric powertrain that offers impressive performance and range. MG has not revealed the exact specifications, but it is rumored that there will be three versions: a base model with a single motor rear-wheel-drive system and approximately 309 hp, a mid-level model with dual-motor all-wheel drive and around 450 hp, and a range-topper with dual-motor all-wheel drive and around 536 hp. The curb weight is expected to be 4,078 pounds for the base model, 4,156 pounds for the mid-level model, and 4,376 pounds for the range-topper model.
The battery pack is said to be a module-less design that provides a range of over 500 miles on a single charge and supports fast charging. The battery pack is also claimed to have intelligent driving, active-upgrading technology, 5G interconnectivity and level 3 autonomous driving capability.
The dimensions of the Cyberster are also reported to be as follows: length – 4,650 mm (183.1 in), width – 2,000 mm (78.7 in), height – 1,250 mm (49.2 in), wheelbase – 2,700 mm (106.3 in), front track – 1,700 mm (66.9 in), rear track – 1,700 mm (66.9 in), front overhang – 955 mm (37.6 in), rear overhang – 995 mm (39.2 in).
The interior of the Cyberster is contemporary and futuristic, with cutting-edge driver technology. The dashboard features a large digital display that shows various information and functions. The steering wheel is flat-bottomed and has paddle shifters and buttons for different driving modes. The seats are sporty and supportive, with leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The cabin also has ambient lighting and wireless charging.
The Cyberster is not only a stunning electric roadster, but also a tribute to MG’s heritage and a statement of its future. It aims to attract a new generation of sports car fans who appreciate both style and substance. The Cyberster is expected to compete with other electric sports cars such as the Tesla Roadster, which is also slated for a 2024 launch.
The Cyberster is unlikely to reach the U.S., where MG has been absent since 1980. However, American fans of MG can still enjoy some electric nostalgia with replica MGBs powered by batteries, which are being built by a British firm and will be available in left-hand-drive versions.
Cyberster is expected to arrive for sale in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2024.
