MG previewed the sleek concept ahead of its debut at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show
April 22, 2024 at 06:44
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- The MG EXE181 is a single-seater hypercar with an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.181cd.
- A quad electric motor setup is said to allow a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 1.9 seconds.
- The concept will debut at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show as a modern take on the 1959 MG EX181 land speed record vehicle.
If you thought that the Cyberster two-seater roadster was the sportiest MG could go, you’re definitely wrong. The SAIC-owned brand announced the EXE181 hypercar concept for the Beijing Auto Show. The single-seater EV features an ultra-aerodynamic body and is powered by quad electric motors, promising a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 1.9 seconds.
As suggested by its name, the concept is inspired by the MG EX181 high-speed experimental vehicle from 1959. The new 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, benefiting performance.
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The front end is covered by a transparent material, revealing the monocoque structure and part of the suspension. The driver’s seat occupies most of the tiny interior, alongside a yoke-shaped steering wheel with an integrated touchscreen.
The MG EXE181 trades the supercharged 1.5-liter engine of its ancestor with a more advanced setup comprising four electric motors. The company didn’t get into specifics about the combined output at this point, but confirmed a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 1.9 seconds. For comparison, the production-spec Rimac Nevera completed the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in a record-breaking 1.81 seconds.
While the top speed of the concept has not been disclosed, the social media post by SAIC MG and the parachute brakes on the official renders hint at a possible speed record attempt, in line with its MG EX181 predecessor. The latter achieved a top speed of 254.91 mph (410 km/h) back in 1959, with racing driver Phil Hill sitting behind the wheel.
We will know more about the MG EXE181 concept at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show later this week. MG didn’t mention anything about future production plans, but the futuristic looks and the land-speed character of the concept suggests it will likely remain a design study.