If you thought that the Cyberster two-seater roadster was the sportiest MG could go, think again. The SAIC-owned brand has just unveiled the EXE181 hypercar concept for the Beijing Auto Show. This single-seater EV boasts an ultra-aerodynamic body and is propelled by quad electric motors, boasting a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 1.9 seconds. As hinted by its name, the concept draws inspiration from the MG EX181 high-speed experimental vehicle of 1959. The 21st century iteration features a capsule-shaped cockpit, pronounced fenders, futuristic wheel covers, and a long tail with active aerodynamic flaps. MG claims that the sleek design results in an impressive aerodynamic coefficient figure of 0.181cd.
At the front end, a transparent material
covers the facade, providing a glimpse of the monocoque structure and a portion
of the suspension. Within the compact interior, the driver’s seat dominates the
space, accompanied by a yoke-shaped steering wheel featuring an integrated
touchscreen for added functionality.
The MG EXE181 trades the supercharged
1.5-liter engine of its ancestor if favor of a more advanced setup comprising
four electric motors. While the company has yet to disclose specific details
about the combined output, it has confirmed a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 1.9 seconds. For comparison, the production-spec Rimac Nevera
completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in a record-breaking 1.81 seconds.
While the top speed of the concept remains
undisclosed, a social media post by SAIC MG and the inclusion of parachute
brakes in the official renders suggest a potential speed record attempt,
reminiscent of its MG EX181 predecessor. The EX181 set the bar high in 1959,
achieving a top speed of 410 km/h, with racing driver Phil Hill at
the helm.
We should learn more about the MG EXE181
concept at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show later this week. . While MG has remained
mum about any future production plans, the futuristic aesthetics and land-speed
character of the concept strongly suggest it will remain a design study.
