MGB reborn in stunning new electric concept car
E-motion concept marks MG’S return to its sports car roots, but fully electric drivetrain is a first for Chinese-owned firm
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Sub-four second 0-62mph time
Range estimated at 310 miles
MG will make a dramatic return to the sports car market with its all-electric E-motion coupé. Revealed as a concept at the Shanghai Motor Show last week, this spiritual successor to the MGB has been given the green light for production and could cost less than £30,000 when it arrives in the UK, possibly by the end of 2019.
The E-motion is based on the new electric modular architecture of parent company SAIC; MG claims the car will be capable of 0-62mph in less than four seconds and cover up to 310 miles on a single charge. However, MG has not issued any details on power, battery density or number of on-board electric motors.
Lei Ming, deputy executive director at SAIC, told Auto Express that the company is now in a strong financial position and has the confidence to launch a new sports car. “MG has a very rich heritage when it comes to sports cars. We believe we have set up a strong portfolio which will enhance this brand and ultimately [we] want to go back to that heritage, which is sports cars.”
As well as signalling MG’S return to the sports car market, the E-motion also previews a new design language for the brand, aimed to help attract young buyers. Matrix LED headlamps are inspired by the London Eye tourist attraction, and feature innovative covers that slide open to give the E-motion roadster the trademark round headlamps from classic MG sports cars.
There’s a retractable rear spoiler, carbonfibre diffuser, new MG badge and glass canopy that extends the full length of the car. Butterfly doors also feature on the concept, but it’s unlikely these would be realised in the production version.
“E-motion previews a new design language for MG, aimed at young buyers”
Proportionally, the E-motion is slightly larger than a Toyota GT86, but like that model, it only has a 2+2 seating layout.
A central spine running through the car features two large digital displays and gives access to the car’s on-board functions, while a clear digital instrument cluster and a squared-off steering wheel also feature. “From an architecture perspective, we are prepared and we have a new energy system available,” Zhang Liang, MG product portfolio planning director, told Auto Express. “The next step is to gather audience and customer feedback. We plan to make it; we are prepared for production,” he told us.
Much of the sports car’s tech will appear first on MG’S more mainstream models, with plug-in hybrid and all-electric versions of the new ZS small crossover due before the new sports car hits showrooms.