MG Cyberster vs MGB: a fresh take on the classic roadster

author: FutureCar Staff    

When it comes to reimagining the classic British sports car for the electrified age, Carl Gotham and his team at MG's advanced design studio faced a daunting task. To understand how the new MG Cyberster fits into MG's rich heritage, they decided to compare it to the iconic MGB Roadster, a model that is synonymous with the brand and represents the essence of a 'great British sports car'.

One of the most fundamental visual references that define the MGB Roadster is its proportions. Like many sports cars of its time, the MGB had a front-engined rear-drive layout, with an in-line engine mounted longitudinally under the bonnet. This setup allowed for a manual transmission that transferred power to the rear wheels. As a result, the MGB had a long bonnet and a compact cockpit located behind it, closer to the rear axle.

This layout was not only aesthetically pleasing but also contributed to the car's dynamic balance. By placing heavy components like the powertrain closer to the center, the chassis was well-balanced. Additionally, this layout determined the dash-to-axle ratio, which is the space between the windscreen and the front wheels. This ratio, found in traditional luxury saloons and GT sports cars, was generous and played a crucial role in defining the classic British sports car.

Interestingly, modern open-top sports cars, such as the Mazda MX-5, also adhere to this layout. The Cyberster, despite having a different set of technical elements, features this characteristic as well. According to Carl Gotham, maintaining the essence and spirit of the original idea was the biggest challenge in designing the Cyberster. The position of the windscreen was a key factor in achieving the desired proportions.

FutureCar Staff