Founded in 1924, the now SAIC-owned British brand MG celebrates its centenary in 2024 with the MG EXE181 concept. This electric supercar was created by the Advanced Design Centre in London and the design team in Shanghai.
The vision the car embodies is clear: while MG is focused on the future and electrification, it remains true to its heritage and DNA, forever synonymous with sportiness and speed. The very name of the concept, MG EXE181, conjures up the EX181, a car that in the late 1950s, at Bonneville, driven by champions of the calibre of Stirling Moss and Phil Hill, reached 410.5 km/h, setting a speed record that is still unbeaten 65 years later.
The MG EXE181 also resembles the EX181 in appearance. It has in fact a raindrop shape with very fluid lines, a low centre of gravity and an advanced cockpit. The designers paid special attention to aerodynamics in defining the body line and this resulted in a Cx of only 0.181. This is because MG has combined aesthetics and functionality in every detail. This can be seen in the rear fin, which not only has a strong visual impact, but is also tasked with keeping the car stable at high speeds.
The combination of form and function is evident across the rear, which is highly reminiscent of classic models but also has shapes that are very effective in terms of airflow management. This feature fits in well with the concept of electric mobility, where low drag is a must for maximising efficiency. This is why on the MG EXE181 it is not only the bodywork that has aerodynamic shapes, but also the chassis, the hubs and all the other elements that contribute to directing the flows above and below the body and reducing friction and turbulence.
There are many parallels with the EX181 of yesteryear inside the cockpit too: the driver climbs aboard through the integrated sunroof, which lifts forward to allow access, and sits on a low, wraparound seat covered in digital TARTAN (another nod to the EX181). The driver’s seat is positioned centrally and is inspired by aircraft cabins. Another standout feature is the steering wheel with integrated display. This is a solution that redefines the user experience by allowing all necessary information to be perfectly visible at all times while allowing the driver to remain fully focused on the road.
In short, the MG EXE181 looks to the past to meet the challenges of tomorrow, with the ambition to forge a future in which tradition and innovation coexist, and in which MG’s constant pursuit of innovation and excellence since its foundation is clearly evident.
Full article in A&D no. 267
