Chinese roadster chasing Tesla

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Car fans have always associated stylish sports cars with MG. However, after the former British brand was bought by the powerful Chinese group SAIC a few years ago, it took a long time to resurrect a classic roadster that fans have longed for. The company management bowed to the spirit of the times and brought to Europe a wide variety of electric SUVs, such as the MG4, MG ZS or MG Marvel R, which could certainly be successful. Now, almost in time for MG’s 100th anniversary next year, the makers have heard the wishes of the fan community and are putting a sleek and of course all-electric roadster on wheels with the Cyberster.

There will be two versions of the MG Cyberster: an entry-level version with 313 hp (230 kW) with rear-wheel drive, and a top model with all-wheel drive and a rough overall output of 544 hp (400 kW). Fueled in this way, the two-seater vehicle will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in about three seconds, possibly reaching a top speed of 210 km/h. The standard range should be a good 480 kilometers. The entry-level version is said to weigh around 1850 kilograms, then the top variant hits the two-tonne limit at 1985 kilograms.

simple design

British SAIC design boss Carl Gotham has also succeeded in creating a visually classic two-seater vehicle, instead of an elephant with a cloth hat, measuring 4.53 meters long, 1.91 meters wide and 1.33 meters high. The proportions are correspondingly elegant: the MG Cyberster impresses with its long, straight hood and simple, curved lines that avoid excessive showiness and aim to provide optimum aerodynamics.

Two high-opening scissor doors provide access to the modern cockpit, which must be equipped with “state-of-the-art driving assistance systems,” according to MG. However, it is not yet known whether the production version of the Roadster will feature a yoke steering wheel that will express wire steering, in the style of the Tesla Model S and X.

Earlier than Tesla’s Roadster?

The MG Cyberster is scheduled to launch in Europe in spring 2024 – so maybe even before the Tesla Roadster announced for 2020. It’s true that the Cyberster will have significantly less power than Tesla has declared its “superior sports car”, reaching 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds with almost 1000 hp and a top speed of over 400 km/h. The Cyberster should only cost a fraction of $250,000 of the cost of the Tesla Roadster in the US.

Source: Blick