MG’s new, electric sports car is here, and it’s a chonker
Whatever your thoughts on the styling, name, or powertrain, isn’t it refreshing to read about a new car that isn’t a crossover? The MG badge means you’ll more likely than not have your opinions on this electric convertible, dubbed the Cyberster.
As expected—and indeed, as its concept version previewed last year—the MG Cyberster is an all-electric sports car with two seats and a retractable roof, and has just been officially unveiled at the Shanghai auto show.
While we might associate MG with small and nimble sports cars of the past, the Cyberster is significantly larger than that. At 14.8 feet long, 6.3 feet wide, and 4.4 feet high, the MG is longer, wider and taller than the current Mazda MX-5—in fact, it’s more like a 992-chassis Porsche 911, which is still shorter, narrower and lower than the MG.
At 4078 to 4376 pounds, depending on the specification, it’s 1600 pounds heavier than a Mazda MX-5, give or take a bag or two of sugar. That too eclipses the 911, the heaviest of which is around 3748 pounds. It is, to use the modern vernacular, a bit of a chonker, and the culprit is, as usual, that electric powertrain.
The Cyberster will be available in both single- and dual-motor guises, with outputs ranging from 309 hp to 536 hp. The top speed is 124mph, while the 0-to-62-mph time is likely to be very quick. Range, like that of other MG models, should be pretty decent, though full battery details haven’t yet been confirmed.
When the Cyberster arrives in 2024, it’ll be the company’s first new two-seater sports car since the ’90s MG F (driven here) and later TF (2002–5). Neither was sold in the States. The British-built TF re-emerged in 2008 as the LE500, with a new nose, interior tweaks, new suspension and brakes, and a 1796-cc engine configured for Euro 4 emissions standards.
While the car will likely be built in China, it’s been designed in London, at the brand’s studio in Marylebone, in London. Advanced Design Director, Carl Gotham, said the company’s intention was to “create a design that was respectful of the brand’s illustrious past and to bring back that sporting bloodline,” hinting at the disappearance of a proper MG sports car with the LE500 more than a decade ago. At the same time, the shape is “modern and forward-facing like the MG of today, completely in-tune with the rapid transition to electric vehicles.”
In an earlier teaser video, shown below, the Cyberster appeared with scissor doors, a Tesla-style steering yoke, and an electrically operated folding roof. The doors and electric folding roof are present and correct on the car in Shanghai, but while no full interior views have been shown, it looks like the steering wheel is at least conventional for now.
While the weight and size are something of a disappointment—making it more of a serious sports car than a spiritual successor to the MGF—MG’s recent products have been competitive, well-priced, and even good fun. If MG can replicate those brand characteristics in a sports car, we might be in for a treat—something we’ll discover when it arrives in the U.K. in summer 2024.
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Via Hagerty UK
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To big, to heavy, to ugly, to whaaaat china built. Take it back to a British build please. no slam on China intended.
Please make a petrol version 👍
Change the name!
I’m sorry to get political… There are no Chinese made cars in my future… Since they have no history they have unfortunately purchased ours (MG, Volvo, Lotus etc) and use those profits against our way of life…
I have a feeling a number of people commenting on this car have never really driven a 70’s era MG and don’t really understand what it is like to drive one. A car of that era has a spirit about it that is hard to explain. For example, almost any car with a stick shift is more fun to drive than any car without one. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but other than the Miata, possibly the most fun car out there today is a Honda Civic with a stick. I have a Morgan and there’s nothing about that car that can be rationally explained.
Ray, I liked your comments. I just LOVE driving my Miata, but my ’87 Alfa Romeo is loads of fun, too, and of course, the faster the better. I have been driving a stickshift since I was 17; you’re not really driving unless it’s a manual. I never owned an MG and would really like one as a daily driver (Long Island). My mechanic is negative on this idea. How old can I go for everyday use? Are parts available? Thanks a lot!!
Wow. A daily driver? You may be asking a bit much, since the newest MGB is now 43 years old (they stopped building them in 1980). Later MGB’s are kind of underpowered and don’t handle as well as earlier ones, as British Leyland took the cheapest and least imaginative solutions to safety and emissions regulations. For example, when the U.S. set a bumper height regulation, what did BL do? Re-engineer their bumper? Naaah. They jacked the car’s height up until the bumper met the reg. And how did they meet emissions requirements? By engineering a compliant carburetor, or equipping their car with fuel injection? Naaah. They replaced the dual carburetors with a single carb, set it reeeeallly lean, and hoped they’d pass emissions. If you’re seriously looking for an MGB, focus on 1968 to 1973. No later. 1974 marks the start of the ugly black rubber bumpers. Prior to 1968, MGB’s used a generator with a positive ground electrical system; post-68 used an alternator with negative ground. You don’t want to muck about with positive ground, no one knows how to work on them. Be aware that MGB’s are fierce rusters, a real problem where you are (salt on roads); the problem is made worse because MGBs are unit bodies, so rust repairs aren’t easy. That being said, the MGB is one of the best of the classic sports cars. You might also want to look at Triumph TR6s and Spitfires. TR6s are best prior to 1972, when they made major changes, Spitfires are best from 1968 to 1974. Any one of these three would give you lots of smiles per gallon.
why don’t they just build a modafied 1976 mgb with a turboe v6 and upgraded interior with jag trany and rear end with wire wheels electric windows and top…this i would buy !
It’s just too big. Needing more than 2 tons of machinery to take a Sunday drive is just crazy.
I took the bait. MG! Electric! Red! Great overhead picture. Oh? Made in China, sorry not for me.
My biggest trepidation, having owned MGs back in the late 50s early 60s, is the issues we used to have with their electric systems. Back in the day Lucas, the electrics provider was dubbed as “Lucas, the prince of darkness.”
Assuming you can get a quick charge on the road, say in 30 minutes, but there are three cars waiting in front of you. I have no interest in a car that does zero to sixty in two hours. I’ll stick with my E Type, thank you very much.
☝️good points.
I luv the look and the design/idea but weight and WIDTH are a huge concern. Why so darn large? Drop the range and cut the power supply and they could build a lighter, narrower, more “flickable” sports car, more like the old MGs and Triumphs!
This thing we is going to be loaded with creature and tech “comforts” and cost a fortune too , btw!
Oh yeah……it’s also too slow on top; 125? How 1940’s is that?
It’s okay in looks for a sporty-little roadster. But without the light maneuverability, the gratifying engine and exhaust sounds, and no shifting action, it would just be a sad and pathetic little thing to drive. :'(
If the company is to survive, they will have a RWD Gas model in their inventory within 2 years.
And what’s a “chonker”? Sounds bad.
I like it and think this category of vehicle – 2nd Car/Weekend Toy – is the perfect deployment of EV powertrains.