Morgan Plus Six

Imagine, a car maker presents a new sports car and almost nobody recognizes it. That’s what happened at the Geneva International Motor Show at Morgan. After BMW has finally discontinued the production of their naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine, which was used so far in the Plus 8, the British brand had to look a new drive and in the course also changed the underlying chassis. Now they use the new CX platform, made of bonded aluminium profiles, which has twice the torsional rigidity compared to the old one. To build the bodywork on, the rear quarter is built from ash wood components to maintain the old Morgan tradition.

Beneath the two-part bonnet lies a three-liter V6 biturbo engine from BMW. Car fans know this engine with internal code S58 from the new Toyota GR Supra and the recent BMW Z4. In the new Morgan Plus Six it has 250 kW/340 hp and a maximum torque of 500 newtonmeters. While a manual gearbox is currently still under development, the first examples come exclusively with an eight-speed automatic from ZF. Thanks to the chassis only weighing 100 kilograms, the curb weight of the vehicle is only 1,075 kilograms, which in combination with the performance data promises excellent driving dynamics. Thus, the sprint to 100 kph should be done in 4.2 seconds and the topspeed is 267 kph (166 mph). As an average consumption, Morgan promises 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers.

While everything is new under the sheet metal dress, little has changed in terms of the outside appearance. Curved, only superficially integrated into the body fenders, headlights between front fenders and the curved grille and small taillights characterize the design. Meanwhile, the small British brand refrain from classic bumpers and arrived at least partially in modern times with the use of LED daytime running lights. Over the heads of the occupants either a narrow-cut fabric top or a newly developed hardtop can be found. With the latter, the sports car can also be used in winter time. The first few vehicles running of the production line will be part of the First Edition and will include the hardtop as standard equipment.

Inside, four classic analogue instruments are used, two of which sit behind the steering wheel together with a small display and the other two are located centrally on the dashboard. On the passenger side is a rudimentary glove box with luggage net. The gear selector lever on the center tunnel comes directly and unchanged from BMW. For leather, wood, carpets and stitchings almost infinite color options are available. Invisible speakers, puddle lights and a central locking system are integrated into the doors.

In the UK, the price list for the Morgan Plus Six starts at £ 77,995 (including VAT), while the First Edition cars in the exclusive shades ‘Moonstone Silver’ or ‘Emerald Green’ each cost £ 89,995 (including VAT).

Images: Morgan, Matthias Kierse