Electric MG Cyberster will be quicker than a Ferrari 296 GTB

MG has been tight-lipped about the technical specifications of its electric Cyberster drop-top, but engineers have shared one wild figure ahead of its official reveal this week.

Asked specifically about Cyberster’s rumoured performance, SAIC Motor director of electric driveline engineering Wang Jian confirmed the sports car is not only capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in under than three seconds, but when tested, it achieved a time of 2.6 seconds.

“I tested it on the proving ground only, and it’s amazing, it’s crazy,” said Wang Jian.

“I think less than three seconds from 0-100km/h, 2.6 seconds is possible – it’s done, it’s no problem.

“Cyberster will have two variants, one single, rear-wheel drive version, and one dual-motor, all-wheel drive variant, though, performance of the single motor model will be less.

“For Cyberster, we use a single-speed gearbox and oil cooling” – to manage the level of heat produced with such levels of performance, no doubt.

Regulatory filings out of China indicate the base model will have a 231kW motor driving the rear wheels, while more expensive models use a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with a 150kW motor up front and a 200kW unit at the back.

According to Car News China, two battery packs — 64kWh and 77kWh — will be available, with Chinese-cycle range ratings of between 500 and 580km.

The Cyberster is 4535mm long, 1913mm wide, 1329mm tall, and has a 2690mm wheelbase. Kerb weight is between 1850kg and 1985kg, or about 700kg heavier than a base Mazda MX-5.

Its styling pays homage to MG roadsters of the marque’s past glory days but the car features thoroughly modern technology, including some very cool rear indicator lights, multiple screens, and even the option of a steering yoke.

While we only got to see Cyberster testing at low speeds at SAIC Motor’s proving grounds and under partial camouflage, it’s due to make its public debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will take on the iconic hill climb in front of more than 150,000 spectators.

The public will also be able to go up-close and personal with MG’s EV roadster (and MG 4 X-Power), that also heralds the brand’s long-awaited return to convertible sports car production for which it became so admired for all those years ago.

MG Motor Australia told CarExpert in Shanghai the car is under strong consideration for our market.

Pricing is rumoured to be around $120,000, give or take, although MG wouldn’t comment.

Expect the Cyberster to arrive here late in 2024.