First pictures and details of all-electric Mazda MX-5 rival surface via Chinese government website
The all-new 2024 MG Cyberster electric roadster has been leaked online via a filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
Apart from images of a production-spec vehicle that looks consistent with the roadster spied in China in February, the Chinese government website reveals data confirming the MG Cyberster will come with a dual-motor powertrain producing a combined output of 250kW.
There’s no data on acceleration for the all-electric Mazda MX-5 rival, which could make its world debut at next week’s Shanghai motor show, but we expect the all-wheel drive drop-top to hit 100km/h in under four seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h.
Measuring in at 4535mm long, 1913mm wide and 1329mm tall, the reborn MG roadster is considerably bigger than the MX-5 (620mm longer, 175mm wider and 94mm taller, with a 381mm-longer 2690mm wheelbase), suggesting the Cyberster will offer considerably more space inside, although it remains a strictly two-seater.
But the smaller MX-5 also has weight on its side, tipping the scales at around just 1062kg. Meantime, the added mass of the MG’s battery pack means it weighs in at a hefty 1985kg.
Heavily influenced by the wild 2021 MG Cyberster concept , the production version features a toned-down design that includes conventional headlights instead of the show car’s ‘Magic Eyes’ that looked like they incorporated eyelids.
Other changes include a completely revised front bumper with narrower twin air intakes, plus the addition of two new triangular air-dams below the headlights that look like they might direct air to the front brakes and both the 19- and 20-inch wheels. A new lower splitter has also been added.
At the back, there’s an abrupt ‘Kammback’ rear-end and the wild arrowhead tail-light design carries over, resembling the British Union Flag.
New for the production car – as seen in spy pics – is a folding fabric roof in place of the concept car’s retractable hard-top.
Within the cabin, earlier leaks suggested the Cyberster would feature a yoke-style steering wheel and a widescreen curved instrument and infotainment display above a high-set centre console to provide a cossetting sports car feel inside.
There are no images on the Chinese government website to confirm that will be the case, but the cabin is also expected to incorporate a third touch-screen to operate the climate control systems, plus a steering wheel paddle shifters to adjust brake regeneration on the move.
Although these fresh images don’t confirm it, it’s been tipped that the concept’s scissor doors might carry over to production, which is likely to begin either late this year or in early 2024 to coincide with the MG brand’s centenary celebrations.
Already locked in for right-hand drive production, the MG Cyberster is likely – but not officially confirmed – for Australian release.
Spy photos: MG Motor SAIC News Facebook group
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Keyword: New 2024 MG Cyberster leaked