The MG Cyberster takes design cues from old MG models

MG Cyberster images released ahead of global debut

MG's new concept car recalls the brand's past with styling cues from the MG B Roadster while giving us a peek into the brand's future.

Images of MG's futuristic EV concept, the Cyberster, have been revealed ahead of its global unveiling which is scheduled for the 2021 Shanghai Motor Show. MG says the Cyberster is the first-of-its-kind for what it packs inside the cabin, a cockpit that’s reminiscent of gaming environments.

The front of the MG Cyberster is reminiscent of the MG B Roadster

The rear of the MG Cyberster gets a unique tail light design that mimics the Union Jack

The MG Cyberster's interior is designed to be gamer friendly

MG Cyberster design

The MG Cyberster pays homage to the brand's past with design inspiration from the MG B Roadster. Like the iconic sports car it has a long bonnet and a short cabin, the styling doesn't seem to be out worldly as is with concept cars, but there is no lack of lighting elements on the Cyberster. It gets round ‘Magic Eye’ LED headlights and a slim grille design at the front, ‘laser belt’ LED strips that grace the sides and a full length LED bar at the flattened rear end that mimics the Union Jack. The 'kamm tail' design is an homage to the MG B Roadster's stubby and short rear end.

MG Cyberster battery

The Cyberster will get a powerful electric powertrain to boast. Full details haven't been revealed yet but MG says a 0-100 kmph time under three seconds and a range of over 800km is on the charts. MG says this whopping range can be achieved thanks to the usage of ‘cell to pack’ (CTP) battery technology where batteries are packed directly from the cells without the need of creating separate modules. Separate modules or stacks take up space and weight due to the terminal plates, side plates, internal connectors and individual battery management and diagnostic systems. CTP technology does away with all these components and allows the battery to be more dense and pack more energy while also being lightweight. That said, the Cyberster will also have 5G connectivity.

What’s even more striking about the Cyberster is the gaming environment on the inside. The cabin gets what MG calls ‘zero gravity seats’, gaming console-like steering wheel and an LED screen for a minimalist yet futuristic look.

The MG Cyberster gets a 'kamm tail' design

The MG Cyberster's steering wheel doubles as a gaming console

The MG Cyberster gets a futuristic interior

Carl Gotham, the head of the SAIC Advanced Design Centre says the Cybester is “a bold statement that looks strongly into MG’s future, touching on our heritage but more importantly building on our cutting edge technology and advanced design. Sports cars are the lifeblood of the MG DNA and Cyberster is a hugely exciting concept for us.”

The Cyberster is an exploration exercise for a future sports car for MG, with the brand's 100th anniversary due in 2024 a production ready counterpart of the Cyberster is on the cards. Not only that, but MG is aiming to mass produce the Cyberster in the future.

Shanghai