Peter Lyon
September 6, 2023
We’ve seen the sharp-edged MG Cyberster reveal its face before at shows like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, but wearing a new closer-to-production-front-end, the Chinese-made roadster has made a big splash at the Munich Motor Show.
The all-electric Cyberster sports car concept from MG is attempting to revive some of the brand’s hallowed history by drawing inspiration from the MGB and TF models as well as maybe some minor design hints from the likes of modern roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche Boxster 718.
This will be the first time to show photos of the production-spec cockpit, which first appeared at Goodwood. Thankfully, the car that will land in showrooms, will do away with the yoke steering wheel that appeared in earlier prototypes while the remainder of the interior has been toned down for a more real-world look. Its cabin is swathed in red leather, and gear selector buttons are located on the dash. There is another switch for the powered roof, while the steering wheel features two joystick-like buttons to navigate the menu.
The flagship spec will get 536 hp!
The entry-level Cyberster will employ rear-wheel drive and pack 310 hp from a single electric motor. A version with two electric motors will up the ante, offering all-wheel drive delivering all-wheel drive via a more potent 335 hp rear electric motor coupled to an extra 201 hp motor up front. The end result is a 0-60 mph time of about 3 seconds and a combined output of 536 hp and 535 lb-ft of torque.
Since the British claim to have mastered the actual classic roadster formula, it only makes sense that the vehicle would be lightweight. Being an EV, it is impossible for it to be the case. It’s hefty at 4,376 pounds (1,984 kg), as well.
Being a classic roadster formula that the Brits do so well, you’d expect the coupe to be lightweight. But that’s not the case. Tipping the scales at 4,376 lbs, it’s certainly not a light car, and that fact will definitely impact handling and cornering.
We hear that both versions are powered by a 77 kWh battery pack as standard, a setup that should deliver a range of up to 360 miles. But given that this number is based on China’s light-duty vehicle test cycle, we can expect that number to fall below 300 miles.
OUR THOUGHTS
MG was once a proud British brand. Now, given that the new Chinese owners have launched a good-looking roadster the pressure is on in Ol’ Blighty to try to pull back some of that glory that MG stood for back in the 20th century. Price-wise, it’s estimated to land in showrooms at around £50,000 which translates to around $62,000. Given that it’ll come up against the new Porsche Boxster EV, that could be somewhat competitive.
