MG Unveils New EXE181 Electric Hypercar Concept
MG, the storied British automotive brand now owned by China’s SAIC Motor, is taking a monumental leap into the future of high-speed electric vehicles with the unveiling of its new hypercar concept, the EXE181. Revealed in anticipation of Auto China 2024, this concept is a nod to the marque’s innovative spirit and rich history, specifically harking back to its record-breaking forebear that shared the same name.
The original EX181, built in 1959, was an experimental vehicle that broke the land speed record for its class, achieving a staggering 254.91 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. This was made possible by its aerodynamic teardrop design and a robust 1.5-liter twin-cam engine, supercharged to deliver 300 horsepower. Fast forward to today, and the new EXE181 mirrors the distinctive teardrop shape of its predecessor, though the design has been significantly modernized to achieve even more impressive aerodynamic efficiency. With a drag coefficient of just 0.181, it boasts better aerodynamics than some of the sleekest cars currently on the market, such as the Volkswagen XL1 and McLaren Speedtail.
This ultra-aerodynamic hypercar is not just a tribute in form but also in function. The EXE181 concept is powered by an electric drivetrain speculated to deliver over 1,000 horsepower, thanks to its four-motor setup. This configuration suggests comparisons with the Rimac Nevera, a benchmark in electric hypercar performance. MG has not fully disclosed the technical specifics, but the information available points to groundbreaking capabilities, including an acceleration time from zero to 62 mph in an astonishing 1.9 seconds. While MG has not confirmed the top speed, expectations are that it could challenge or even exceed the original’s record-setting pace.
The EXE181’s design extends into its interior, which features a minimalist approach with a single seat, a yoke-style steering wheel integrated with a touchscreen display, and little else to distract from the driving experience. This setup emphasizes the car’s focus on performance and the driver’s interaction with the machine.
Despite the excitement around the EXE181 concept, MG has made no announcements regarding plans for production. Nevertheless, this concept, along with other recent projects like the Cyberster EV, indicates a revitalized focus on sports cars under SAIC Motor’s stewardship. This direction is a refreshing shift for MG, which had seen quieter decades in terms of groundbreaking sports car production. As it stands, the EXE181 serves as a promising glimpse into the potential future of electric hypercars, blending historical homage with cutting-edge technology and performance.
