Does The MG Cyberster Reside Up To The Legend Of A Traditional Like The MGB?
The MGB nonetheless has a powerful following greater than 60 years after it was launched however will we glance again as fondly on the Cyberster in 2083?
October 22, 2023 at 14:26
When MG collapsed into receivership in 2005, few individuals may have imagined that 18 years later we’d be speaking in regards to the model attaining enormous gross sales success, rolling out critically acclaimed electrical household automobiles just like the MG4 EV that undercuts rivals and is healthier to drive, or beating Porsche to market with an electrical sports activities automobile.
However right here we’re, and so is the Cyberster, the primary all-new convertible MG sports activities automobile because the TF of 1996. The TF borrowed its title from a basic MG sports activities automobile of the Fifties, one of many separate-fender, post-war classics that helped set up MG in America. However a mid-engined format and hydragas suspension meant the Nineties TF appeared nearly as far faraway from the model’s most well-known automobile, the long-lasting 1962-80 MGB, again then because the all-electric Cyberster seems right this moment.
Extra: MG Cyberster Idea Exhibits Off Manufacturing-Spec Inside In Munich
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We are saying nearly, as a result of the Cyberster is a really totally different proposition from the TF or the B, and never simply because it has an electrical, not combustion, powertrain, and out there all-wheel drive. For one, it’s designed to enchantment to a brand new sort of buyer. Aside from the short-lived six-cylinder MG B spinoff, the MGC, the V8-engined MGB GT, and hideous SV (a rebodied De Tomaso) from the early 2000s, MG’s sports activities automobiles have been at all times reasonably priced. The highest-spec Cyberster, although, is anticipated to value £50,000-60,000 ($61-73k) within the UK relying on spec. That’s Porsche Boxster cash, not MX-5 territory.
One of many causes MG thinks it may cost such a excessive value is the sort of energy output that makes even the Boxster look weedy, by no means thoughts the Miata. The bottom, single-motor Cyberster has 310 hp (314 PS) and the flagship dual-motor, all-wheel drive automobile serves up 536 hp (544 PS). Examine that with round 95 hp (96 PS) for the unique 1.8-liter, four-cylinder MGB. Zero to 60 mph (96 km/h)? No contest. An early MGB roadster would get there in 12 seconds, however the quickest Cyberster will hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.2 seconds.
Associated: MG Cyberster Is A Cruiser, Not A Carver, Says First Reviewer
However you’d count on the brand new automobile to stroll over the previous timers given the many years between them. What you may not be ready for in case you’re nonetheless pondering of it as a Chinese language MX-5, is how a lot greater the Cyberster is. The MGB rode on a 91-inch (2,310 mm) wheelbase and measured 153 inches (3,890 mm) lengthy, each figures matching the fashionable Mazda’s although the Miata is 8 inches (203 mm) wider. However the Cyberster’s wheelbase is 14.9 inches (379 mm) longer, it’s 37 inches (943 mm) longer general and it’s broader by 15 inches (388 mm) than the B.
After which there’s the killer stat: weight. An early MGB tipped the scales at round 2,000 lbs (907 kg); the Cyberster is available in at 4,080-4,375 lbs (1,850-1,985 kg) relying on whether or not you’re speaking in regards to the single-motor or dual-motor model. After all the fashionable MG additionally has a stronger construction and a ton extra security and luxurious gear to assist account for that weight distinction, together with an influence high and wraparound digital dashboard show – although it’s value noting that the Miata is sort of as gentle because the B and can be secure and properly outfitted, albeit moderately cramped.
The shrinking sports activities automobile market, the phasing out of combustion energy and the excessive value of constructing EVs means the Cyberster is smart for MG. However given how enjoyable and reasonably priced the MG4 hatch is, we are able to’t assist suppose it’s a disgrace that MG didn’t persist with a well-known path and use that automobile to ship an thrilling however reasonably priced electrical sports activities automobile. Perhaps one with out the flowery supercar doorways and 536 hp, however retaining the basic lengthy hood, quick deck proportions of a basic front-engined, rear-wheel drive ICE roadster just like the the MGB that MG ensured the Cyberster additionally has. Do you suppose the Cyberster is a worthy successor to the MGB and can we bear in mind it as fondly? Go away a remark under and tell us.
Gorgeous MGB photographs courtesy of Motor Classics. This one has bought however try their inventory to search out one thing related
