Morgan Super 3
Within the last weeks, Morgan often announced that their 113-year old history with three-wheeled sports cars would be continued. It meant that a new model had to be presented. The well-known Three Wheeler was only produced until 2021. Now the new Super 3 is ready. For the first time, the British small series brand uses an aluminium monocoque. This helps to combine the driving joy of the predecessor with more torsion stiffness. In addition the Super 3 shows a new design language compared to the Three Wheeler. While the predecessor was inspired by fighter planes of the 1920s, the new one takes inspiration from the jet age. That’s why aerodynamics were an important part of the development. Behind the front wheels, two sideblades are important for an intelligent cooling management. Additional they are used for transporting devices and luggage.
Pullrod suspension at the front
The front shows the typical horseshoe grille and two (optional four) round headlights. On their cases sit small LED indicators. A retractable bonnet covers the engine, which is mounted directly behind the front axle. From the front, movable parts of the engine are visible through a mesh. At the sides, the engine is embraced by aluminium struts, which are available in black or silver. While designing the pullrod suspension with wishbones, the designers also had best possible airflow to the coolers in mind. The front wheels are cambered slightly positive. They are covered by mudguards, that are completely closed on the inside. Together with Avon, new 20-inch tires were developed. Compared to the predecessor model, the turning circle is significantly smaller. For this, the water radiators have been moved further back. They are behind the sideblades mentioned above.
Ford engine and Mazda gearbox
In the pointy rear is a small trunk. Above it an additional luggage rack can be fitted. The license plate and small LED taillights are mounted on the rear end. For the first time, since the Aero 8 debuted in 2000, Morgan started on a white paper developing this new car. This enabled them to move the engine inside the bodywork and behind the front axle. It is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder from Ford. The manual five-speed gearbox comes from the Mazda MX-5, as with the predecessor. Despite the emissions being at Euro 5a for motorcycles and Euro 5b for cars, Morgan hasn’t released anymore specifications yet. For the monocoque they use their Superform technology. With this, aluminium is heated to form it just as good as plastic. Some parts of the monocoque of the new Super 3 are designed to work as bodywork to save weight.
Let’s start the adventure
Many customers of the Three Wheeler used their cars for very adventurous drives and journeys. This is why the new Super 3 has been planned for the same adventures from the start. All parts in the interior are dust-protected and secured for water-splashes. Central in the dashboard are digital instruments for the first time. Some details as well as the surrounding of the instruments are made from metal and available in silver or black. The start-stop button for the engine is styled like the rocket launcher switch in fighter jets and taken over from the Three Wheeler. For the seats, customers have the choice between vinyl, water-proofed leather, saddle-leather or a durable technical fibre. As an option there is a footwell heater. Pedals and steering column are adjustable. At the passenger side, the same universal fixture points as on the sideblades are used to mount cup holders or a smartphone holder. Under the seats are lockable compartments and on the cockpit sides optional Bungee cords for maps.
Images: Morgan Motor Company
