MG EX181 HYPERCAR CONCEPT REFERENCES 254-MPH LAND SPEED RECORD
- MG EXE181 concept revealed ahead of Auto China debut.
- Electric hypercar was inspired by MG's record-breaking car of the 1950s, the EX181.
- Has a claimed 0-62 mph time of 1.9 seconds.
MG, the Chinese-owned British marque that brought us the Cyberster, has unveiled a new electric hypercar concept that is gunning for the Rimac Nevera. The EXE181 is inspired by the legendary EX181, built to shatter land-speed records in the 1950s. Like its namesake, the EXE181 is incredibly aerodynamic, cutting through the air with a slippery drag coefficient of 0.181. To put that into perspective, the Lucid Air, one of the world’s most aerodynamic production cars, has a Cd figure of 0.197.
The automaker has yet to share drivetrain details and performance statistics but does note the EXE181 can rocket to 62 mph in 1.9 seconds. This places it in the same territory as the aforementioned Nevera, the Pininfarina Battista, and the Aspark Owl, all of which hover around the 2,000-horsepower mark. As a result, we expect the EXE181 to have similar power levels and a quad-electric motor setup. There’s no mention of top speed, but the company does reference the EX181’s 254.91 mph speed run with racing driver Phil Hill behind the wheel...
Breathtaking Styling Looks Like Something From The Future
To call the EXE181 eye-catching would be an understatement. The MG looks like something from Minority Report or Speed Racer, with purposeful and dramatic lines. The front is fascinating, with a transparent cover encompassing the fascia, windscreen, and roof, placing the driver in a unique cocoon-like cabin. The MG badge and headlights sit beneath this cover, visible with illumination. With no traditional doors in sight, the canopy likely flips open, allowing the driver to get in the vehicle in the same way pilots enter a fighter jet.
Electric MG Cyberster Red Top Edition Revealed As Throwback To The Iconic MGB
This color combo looks super elegant on the small sports car.The unique front splitter and sculpted exterior styling contribute to the incredible Cd figure, with an elegant longtail-style rear. Aerodisc wheels underscore just how serious MG is taking the aerodynamic performance of the EXE181. Should the vehicle go into production, we expect several changes, such as a more realistic ride height, but frankly, we'd be amazed if any element of this concept reaches the road in the next decade.
Might Make An Appearance In America Later This Year
Sadly, we have a feeling the EXE181 won’t reach production and will instead remain a design study that influences future MG work and designs. Perhaps, if we’re lucky, MG will build a one-off and attempt some speed and acceleration records. We expect MG to share additional details during the official debut at Auto China, also known as the Beijing Motor Show.
We may get a glimpse of the EXE181 stateside later this year. In August, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor several brands, including Porsche, Koenigsegg, and MG, celebrating a milestone anniversary. MG is celebrating its centenary this year, and there would be no better way of doing so than by bringing the EXE181 here for gearheads to ogle.