The exciting new MG Cyberster is undergoing tests here in Australia. It will come in as the quickest and most powerful MG ever when it launches locally later this year – even surpassing the crazy little MG4 XPower.
MG was previously a British company that made two-door sports cars, and perhaps most iconically, an open-top two-door sports car. Soon, that lineage will follow through into the modern age with the Cyberster. Although, it won’t feature a tired old 1.8-litre engine.
Instead, the new iteration will use battery-electric power only. Overseas, this new model has launched in two different configurations, incorporating either a 64kWh or 77kWh battery. The smaller battery supplies energy to a rear-mounted electric motor generating 230kW.
The top-spec model features twin motors for all-wheel drive, and produces up to 400kW/725Nm. Even though the kerb weight stands between 1850kg and 1948kg, either setup should provide fun driving and thrills. In fact, the 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds for the 400kW version puts it in supercar territory.
In terms of range, the 230kW system is rated at 520km (CLTC), while the twin-motor setup is rated at an impressive 580km (CLTC). That means you should be able to go for a decent Sunday drive and not have to worry about charging.
The new model has just picked up a Red Dot Award in the Product Design category. Although it doesn’t look anything like the original MGs, it does showcase a futuristic aesthetic with swooping lines and a low-slung profile. It looks striking and certainly stands out. MG Australia’s CEO, Peter Ciao, offered some comments in a statement, saying:
“We don’t think of ourselves as just car owners, it’s more than that. These cars and MG are a part of history and we’re lucky enough to be their custodians. A lot like a Swiss watch. You never really own it, you just keep this watch for the next generation.”
What a load of rubbish. None of that means anything to you and I. But what is important is the MG badge will soon be worn on a two-door sports car once again. It arrives in Australia “later this year”, MG says.
