Before 2023 reaches its halfway point, MG will reveal its first roadster in years, harking back to the classic British soft-tops like the MG A and MG B.
The slightly delayed Cyberster is based on a concept of the same name released by MG during 2021, though recent teasers from the Chinese-owned (but still English-headquartered) brand have made it clear the production car’s design won’t be nearly as radical.
A short teaser video published by MG shows a more subtle, but still sleek version of the roadster, hidden mostly in shadows. Elements like a tail-light bar with Union Jack inspiration are clear, however, as is the layout of the car in terms of seating and its silhouette.
The two-seater is now set to be revealed in April 2023, after being delayed due to Covid concerns, with its original set date at the November Guangzhou motor show.
The Cyberster, which will be an electric car, is also tipped to be called something else when its production version is revealed, as Autocar reports the brand trademarked the name ‘MG C EV’ earlier in 2022.
Historically, the MG C badge followed on as a version of the MG B powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.
Though there’s no evidence of it being considered, there’s also scope for the brand to badge the car MG E.
The MG brand used the MG F badge on a roadster in the early 2000s, leaving E both alphabetically next in line, as well as standing for ‘electric’. The brand has also been internally using the ‘Project E’ name for the Cyberster.
MG’s UK commercial director Guy Pigounakis told Autocar the roadster would be a “game-changer” in terms of public perception of the MG brand.
“Right up to when the model was arriving we were looking at it as a natural successor to the MG F. It’s completely not. It’s in a completely different sector of the market,” he told the outlet, implying the model won’t be as much an ‘affordable’ sports car as it will be a halo model for MG.
While it’s possible the production version of the Cyberster could still be a spiritual rival to the Mazda MX-5, uncertainty around market positioning could have the MG roadster targeting more upmarket drop-tops.
It’s yet to be seen whether the brand will attempt to tackle the Japanese convertible, which took inspiration from MGs of yesteryear and proceeded to become the world’s most popular sports car.
Before the MG convertible arrives here, which it could as the brand has confirmed it will be produced in right-hand drive, the MG 4 crossover hatchback is expected to be launched at some point after the middle of 2023 as the next addition to the brand’s growing stable.
Keyword: MG goes back to roots! Roadster return as electric MG Cyberster sports car nears delayed reveal