MG CYBERSTER

A two-door, all-electric, convertible sportscar with over 500PS on tap is one hell of a way to join the green brigade!

- ABHAY VERMA

MG CYBERSTER Powertrain: 77kWh battery pack, dual-electric motor eight: 1,985kg Range: 580km (claimed) Power: 510PS Torque: 725Nm Price: 75 lakh ex-showroom

I’ve always been one of those purists who believe sports cars should not go electric.

But with its design, convertible roof and 510PS power output, the MG Cyberster has had the attention of enthusiasts - including me - for a while. And last month I finally got a chance to drive the Cyberster, at the Buddh International Circuit no less! Our time behind its wheel was limited to a couple of laps on track, with an instructor sitting shotgun, besides three laps on an autocross circuit in the racetrack's expansive parking lot though. This isn't a full-blown review thus, but we're talking about a sports car, so seat time at a F1-grade circuit does count I guess!

Before we get to the driving bit it is imperative to talk about the design though. The Cyberster is styled to be a looker, and has that classic sportscar silhouette. It looks properly modern but not overly futuristic, and exactly how a new-age sportscar should look. The lines are smooth and taut, with a very Italian vibe to the styling, giving it that unmistakable, low-slung stance. Overhangs are short and the boot lip rises upwards sharply, again, a design trait you see on a lot of high-end sportscars. The front bumper design is a little unconventional, especially with the sharp creases in the centre, but it adds to the car's aerodynamics, as the Cyberster's coefficient of drag is just 0.26.