MG is returning to its roots with the all-new Cyberster, which pays homage to the classic British roadsters of the past. The fully electric model has been partially revealed thanks to photos from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, prior to its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show next week. The Cyberster will be available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, with the dual motor model boasting up to 536 horsepower (400 kW) of electric power.
The production version of the 2021 MG Cyberster concept was initially shown in leaked design patent drawings in June 2022, before being spotted undisguised in February 2023. The new images give us the best look at the exterior design of the car so far, which is certainly attractive. It is not often that roadsters debut in our SUV-dominated world, so the MG Cyberster will likely generate an enthusiastic response from the public.
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The Cyberster adopts a traditional two-door bodystyle with rear-wheel-drive proportions and a retractable fabric roof. Although the production version’s design is toned down compared to the futuristic concept, it still boasts an eye-catching appearance with a muscular body and alluring curves. While the “arrow-shaped” taillights are not the car’s strongest feature, the overall styling is impressive for an affordable sports car. The lettering on the tailgate appears a bit unusual, but it does not detract from the Cyberster’s appeal.
The fabric roof will come in black or red shades, providing buyers with some options to customize their vehicle. Additionally, two bi-tone alloy wheel designs measuring 19 inches or 20 inches are visible, adding to the car’s sporty look.
MG’s new roadster measures 4,535 mm (178.5 inches) long, 1,913 mm (75.3 inches) wide, and 1,329 mm (52.3 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,690 mm (105.9 inches). The car’s dimensions make it 620 mm (24.4 inches) longer than the Mazda MX-5 ND and 211 mm (8.3 inches) longer than a BMW Z4 G29. According to data from China, the Cyberster has a curb weight of 1,850 kg (4,079 pounds) and a total mass of 2,075 kg (4,575 pounds). These figures are significantly heavier than the ICE-powered Mazda MX-5, which has a curb weight of 1,058 kg (2,332 pounds).
With Up To 536 HP And Available AWD
The Cyberster will be available in two different powertrain variants. The single-motor version is RWD and can produce up to 310 horsepower (231 kW / 314 PS), while the dual-motor version adds AWD capability and has a combined output of 536 HP (400 kW) from the 201 HP (150kW) front and 335 HP (250 kW) rear motors. These figures are impressive for the segment, although it remains to be seen if the flagship production version matches the performance of the concept, which accelerated from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than 3 seconds.
Regardless, the RWD Cyberster’s 193 km/h (120 mph) and the AWD model’s top speed slightly better 200 km/h (124 mph) are pretty good for an electric vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the range or capacity of the lithium-ion battery pack, which is manufactured by SAIC.
Full details on the MG Cyberster will be released at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 18. We look forward to seeing how it is priced compared to non-electrified competitors such as the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5.
Correction: A previous version of this story mistakenly stated that the AWD dual-motor model has 355 horsepower, when in fact it produces 536 horsepower.
