The MG Owners Club has a long and storied history. Founded in 1973, it has grown to be the world’s largest single-marque car club, boasting around 20,000 members spread mainly across the UK. Known for their passion for preserving the aesthetic and engineering heritage of MG cars, the club’s members were recently presented with something entirely new: the MG Cyberster, MG’s latest all-electric sports car.
Bridging Past and Future
The MG Cyberster’s introduction was marked by a side-by-side comparison with the iconic MGB Roadster. Both cars share a striking resemblance in their classic British sports car proportions, characterized by a long bonnet and compact cockpit. Despite the drastic changes under the hood, especially the transition from a front-engined rear-drive layout to an electric framework, the Cyberster retains these foundational aspects.
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The Cyberster’s Design Philosophy
Carl Gotham, head of MG’s advanced design studio, led the team tasked with reimagining the classic British sports car for the electrified era. According to Gotham, the biggest challenge was preserving the essence and spirit of the original MG sports cars while incorporating modern elements. Key design features like the windscreen position were crucial in retaining the car’s iconic proportions. The Cyberster’s long bonnet and compact cockpit referred to as the dash-to-axle ratio, uphold the traditional elements while embracing a future-facing design philosophy.
Unlike retro-inspired designs such as the modern MINI or Fiat 500, the Cyberster’s design is intentionally geared towards the future. However, it’s impossible to ignore the Cyberster’s increased size. Electric vehicles necessitate larger footprints to house their batteries and other components, often shared with mainstream models to achieve economies of scale.
An Epic Journey with the Turner Twins
To further cement the Cyberster’s place within the MG legacy, the company launched a unique promotional campaign: a 10,000-mile journey from London to Shanghai with professional adventurers Ross and Hugo Turner at the wheel. This cross-continental expedition reimagines the historic Silk Road, showcasing the capabilities and endurance of the Cyberster.
The journey began at the MG Owners’ Club headquarters in Cambridge, where the new electric roadster received glowing reviews from club members. Roche Bentley, the club’s founder, described the Cyberster as “totally beautiful” and even remarked that it could give Ferrari a run for its money. David Parker, a long-time MG owner, praised its modern yet proportionate design, though he had some reservations about the rear tail-lights.
Overcoming Charging Challenges
A significant concern for the Turner Twins will be managing the car’s charging needs, especially when traveling through less developed regions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Despite these challenges, they remain optimistic. Local MG dealers in the countries they traverse have offered support, and the twins plan to make the most of their charging stops, using the downtime to explore and engage with local cultures.
Ross Turner highlighted the idea of integrating a “pioneering sense of adventure” in all their projects, which aligns perfectly with Cyberster’s ethos. This journey is more than just a publicity stunt; it aims to demonstrate that electric vehicles can handle long, arduous trips traditionally reserved for fuel-powered cars. For enthusiasts and skeptics alike, this is a proving ground for electric mobility’s future.
A Warm Reception from the Club
The response from MG Owners’ Club members was overwhelmingly positive. Club director Richard Monk believes the Cyberster is a worthy addition to MG’s heritage, noting that it “exudes MG.” He acknowledged that while there is ongoing debate about electric vehicles among petrolheads, the transition towards EVs is inevitable. The Cyberster, with its blend of classic design cues and modern technology, represents a perfect bridge between MG’s storied past and its electrified future.
“There’s a lot of debate about electric cars, and petrolheads don’t want them, but nowadays we’re all being steered towards EVs, so why not have something like this [the Cyberster] and have a bit of fun,” Monk commented.
MG’s Commitment to Innovation
The journey from London to Shanghai will end in time for the Shanghai Motor Show, where the Cyberster will mark its triumphant arrival. This event is particularly symbolic as it was the debut venue for the original Cyberster concept in 2021. The Turner Twins’ expedition showcases MG’s commitment to innovation and adventure, illustrating that MG’s legacy is not just alive but thriving.
Statistics indicate that the global electric vehicle market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% from 2020 to 2030. With countries worldwide setting ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, electric vehicles are no longer just a trend but a significant industry shift. The International Energy Agency reports that there were 10 million electric cars on the world’s roads in 2020, and this figure is expected to rise significantly in the coming years.
In conclusion, MG’s introduction of the Cyberster isn’t just about preserving its past but embracing a future where electric vehicles play a pivotal role. The positive reception from the MG Owners Club, the ambitious 10,000-mile journey, and the car’s innovative design all point to a bright future for this iconic brand. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, MG proves it can blend heritage with cutting-edge technology, offering a glimpse into what the future of British sports cars might look like.
