HOT-SHOT DROP-TOP

A brief time in the all-new MG Cyberster was all it took to raise our eyebrows. Could this be the shock-value sports car of the year? Time to find out

- MANDAR SAWANT

It's 8am at a very gloomy Buddh International Circuit, India's temple of speed, and I've lined up on the infamous back straight, ready to launch the new MG Cyberster. After pressing the big red 'Super Sport' button on the steering wheel, I hit the brake pedal, stomp hard on the accelerator and, a second later, lift off my left foot. I'm shoved back into my seat and, in the next three seconds or so, I'm doing north of 100kmph. By the end of the straight, I've crossed 200 clicks - with a big smile on my face. All this in just about 15 seconds. Good lord.

After many launches and three fast laps, I pull into the pits, park my Nuclear Yellow example (which, I have to say, looks absolutely smashing), untie my helmet, and open the powered scissor doors via the button on the centre console. I step out giggling, because honestly, I didn't expect this thing to be so much fun around a track.

People who are going to buy the Cyberster are going to love launching it, because this is one seriously quick car. It's propelled by a 503bhp dual-motor setup that churns out 725Nm of peak torque and delivers it to the road via Pirelli P Zero tyres - with no drama at all. Three-point-two seconds to 100kmph is no joke, and it's particularly impressive because the Cyberster weighs a smidge under two tonnes. Yes, there are a few more surprises - but before I tell you everything about it, here's a quick overview of the car.