MG Cyberster outed in government docs

MG MOTOR has had its top-secret Cyberster electric convertible outed by the Chinese government ahead of the model’s official launch in 2024.

In a report broken by UK publication Autocar, the Chinese-made roadster is shown in full production form as a sleek two-seater whose measurements place it as a larger competitor to the Porsche 718 Boxster and BMW Z4 – and significantly bigger than the current generation Mazda MX-5.

According to Chinese government filings, the MG Cyberster will measure 4535mm in length, 1913mm in width and 1329mm high. By way of reference, the ND-series MX-5 measures 3915mm long, 1735mm wide and 1230mm high.

Importantly – and in stark contrast to the nimble 1090kg Mazda roadster – the Cyberster tips the scale at a chunky 1850kg in single-motor form and 1985kg when optioned with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Despite the weight, the amount of power available would likely result in a 0-100km/h time of less than three seconds.

Autocar says several wheel designs were revealed in the documents sighted, alongside performance specifications that see the entry-level single-motor offering output 230kW and the dual-motor flagship 400kW. The figures mean MG’s electric roadster outputs up to 265kW more than the most powerful MX-5 available and 106kW more than the 718 Boxster GTS.

As reported earlier, the MG Cyberster features a yoke-style steering wheel and numerous digital screens for infotainment and instrumentation – both a far cry from the original MG roadsters which offered little more than toggle-style switch gear and less-than-dependable Lucas electrics.

SAIC-owned MG Motor says it has over 5000 expressions of interest in its forthcoming Cyberster and says the model will be “an affordable sportscar”, in much the same way the MG B was at its release more than 50 years ago.

MG last offered a convertible in 2016 when the MG-F ceased production under the auspices of the now defunct MG Rover Group.

MG UK head of design, Carl Gotham, told Autocar the Cyberster will offer the latest technology and design, but did not offer any insight into the model’s potential range or price.

“(The Cyberster is) a bold statement that looks strongly into MG’s future, touching on our brand heritage, but more importantly building on our cutting-edge technology and advanced design,” he said.

“Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA, and the Cyberster is a hugely exciting concept for us.”

GoAuto understand the Cyberster is built on an all-new platform which does away with the conventional module battery structure used in current electric vehicles.

According to reports, the technology could deliver not only increased production efficiencies, but also better power density, delivering a driving range of up to 800km.

With right- and left-hand drive configurations to be offered from launch, it is likely the MG Cyberster will be green lit for the Australian market. More information will be announced closer to the model’s official launch.