What is this MG’s Cyberster after Tesla’s Cybertruck?
MG reveals the first-ever electric sports car named Cyberster, which will be launching a new chain of high-end dealerships for its more expensive models.
The Cyberster is a strong contender, though the Chinese-owned British company has not yet confirmed which models will be offered from these new, upscale showrooms. It can be expected that the MG’s first Electric sports car will go on sale in foreign markets.
The brand unveils its plans and presents a sneak peek at some of its upcoming models, like the Cyberster. Though MG is currently considering the advantages and potential of a new flagship brand a-la Toyota-Lexus, or even a premium retail channel akin to Maruti Suzuki’s Arena – Nexa dealerships, the launch of the electric sportscar is still some time off. Thus, the Cyberster would serve as the launch pad for this new network or flagship brand.
The Cyberster made its premiere as a concept in 2021 and made its official debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023. It's the brand's first electric sportscar as well as its first sportscar in a long time. Based on a born-electric platform, the Cyberster has a wheelbase of 2,689mm and dimensions of 4,533mm in length, 1,912mm in width, and 1,328mm in height.
The two-door sports car with an open top has timeless proportions and a modern design language that pays homage to MG's illustrious racing past. It features a heavily sculpted bumper with multiple noticeable air intakes and a swooping nose with sweptback headlamps up front.
Details that heighten the drama include the scissor doors, fabric soft-top, and alloy wheels shaped like petals. The door handles are asymmetrically positioned on the accent line that extends from the A-pillar to the back, and the side profile has very smooth surfacing, prominent rear haunches, and side skirts. There are aggressive split diffusers, a rectangular light bar spanning its entire width, and arrow-shaped taillights at the back.
The interior of the Cyberster includes three digital screens that wrap around the driver and are equipped with infotainment and driving data. The steering is flat on the bottom and has multiple buttons. A second screen and a few physical buttons for the drive selector, HVAC controls, and roof mechanism are located on the center console. The driver and passenger sides of the center console are divided by a grab handle and feature a waterfall effect. The instrumentation and plush fascia are inspired by current gaming trends.
A 77kWh battery pack powers two electric motors on either axle of the Cyberster, providing drive to all four wheels. Its stated 0-100 kph sprint time is 3.2 seconds, and its maximum torque output is 725 Nm, along with 544 horsepower. A single charge is said to have a maximum range of 580 km by MG (CLTC cycle).
A more affordable, single-motor RWD model with 308 horsepower and a stated 520 km range on a 64kWh battery pack is also available. Weight varies according to specification; the dual-motor AWD variant weighs 1,985kg, while the single-motor variant tips the scales at 1,850kg.
The Cyberster is expected to launch in foreign markets by the middle of 2024 and is marketed as an "affordable" sports car with a starting price that is probably around £50,000 (roughly Rs 53 lakh), which is quite reasonable even by Indian standards.
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