Morgan Plus 8 GTR
In February 2021, Morgan announced a new sports car whose limited production was actually supposed to start in the summer. Various circumstances ultimately led to the new Plus 8 GTR only finally making its debut now, in December. A total of just nine examples will roll out of the halls in Malvern Link. Painted in “Yas Marina Blue” from the BMW color range, this car displays all the special features of the non-road-legal racing version. The color shade is no coincidence, but a tribute to Plus 8 “Big Blue”, with which Morgan participated in GT racing in the 1990s. This car served as a test vehicle for the aluminium chassis that was later used as the basis for Plus 8 and Aero 8.
380 hp naturally aspirated V8 engine
Production of the Plus 8 actually ended in 2018, but at the end of 2020 Morgan bought back some rolling chassis from another company that originally wanted to built a new sports car on it. Four of the nine vehicles will remain in the UK, while the rest will be exported. All customers were able to work intensively and closely with the Morgan Design team to receive specially tailored cars. They also had the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic from ZF, as well as left- or right-hand drive. Under the hood is a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V8 engine from BMW, which until a few years ago was installed in X5 4.8 iS, 550i, 650i and 750i. While the output there was between 355 and 367 hp, the Morgan Plus 8 GTR now comes with 380 hp. Sonorous sounds emanate from the eight-cylinder engine through the two tailpipes under the rear.
Eight units in production
Visually, the car features various classic Plus 8 details. For the first time in decades, for example, it has a high side line due to the doors being pulled far upwards. Five-spoke alloy wheels with center locks were used on the “Big Blue” Plus 8 in the FIA GT Series in the 1990s. The fenders, front splitter and rear fascia are all made from aluminium and feature a modified design compared to the production Plus 8, which was available until 2018. Above the passengers’ heads, a hardtop is firmly attached to the body. Inside, the Plus 8 GTR gets standalone dials for the round instruments and customized door panels. Carbon sport bucket seats and multi-point seat belts are available as options. The remaining eight examples of the Plus 8 GTR are already under construction. Some are scheduled for delivery this month, with the rest to follow in early 2022. Morgan didn’t provide pricing details.
Images: Morgan
