RE: Morgan Plus Six: Geneva 2019

[ukaskew]

Gorgeous, seems a bit over-wheeled though, a rare case of some smaller wheels or larger profile tyres suiting the aesthetic better.

[AdamV12AMR]

notread said:

Hey, it's bloody brilliant and it'll attract a new generation of customers, which is what it's all about... ...Good on you Morgan.

I've just turned 40, so (maybe optimistically) count myself as 'a new generation of customer'. My dad loves Morgans but, maybe because of this, they have always been the preserve of the generation above.

I'm on my 4th Aston Vantage, having graduated to the V12 last year, but I'm genuinely considering leaving AML for the first time in 8 years for this car.

I genuinely hope Morgan read the comments re: a manual option. If they added a stick and a third pedal, count me in

[Tickle]

Really like this, well done Morgan.

As a side note, the wheels are the nicest looking I have seen on a new car for a long time.

[MX6]

This looks great. I did quite like the Aero 8 and how Morgan modernised the classic shape, but I prefer this more shamelessly retro design.

As everyone else has already said, the gear selector just looks wrong here, it's not beyond the wit of man to fashion a more in keeping part. I'm not a fan of the steering wheel either, it needs a wooden rim or something. Also, I don't mind the wheels but would prefer some bigger tyre sidewalls.

[markcoopers]

I must admit to not having checked this, but were the last Aero 8's not using the ZF 8 speed, in which case their selector was a milled aluminium and splendid effort compared to this. That said i suspect an aftermarket option will be offered soon.

I had an early Aero 8 and i am not sure where the "Bedstead" view comes from, it was originally built to comply with the as then GT2 racing regulations.....they were capable cars. I would still choose a Plus 8 over this mind, as i am really not bothered with 0.5 seconds 0-60 improvement, the noise and experience is far more important.

[Reciprocating mass]

I agree with others the best way to lose that absolutely horrid gearleaver would be to replace it with a manual gearbox then it would be a very nice car indeed

[pods]

The gear lever would be an easy sort out.
Simple to do, use MIM (METAL INJECTION MOULDING).
Short production runs, to high tolerances, are perfect for this application.
This technique is used extensively in low volume high specification areas.

[bakerstreet]

notread said:

Oh dear, even as I wrote that, I'm thinking what a stuffy old fart I am. Hey, it's bloody brilliant and it'll attract a new generation of customers, which is what it's all about - not appealing to vintage fans like me! Good on you Morgan.

How are they attracting a new generation of customers?

The changes they have made have in some parts been forced on them by legislation. Would they have even made the other improvements if they hadn't need to make changes to accommodate new engine and transmission.

I'm not that bothered y the auto box.Surely the lazy progress of an auto is suited to a Morgan? As others have said, that shifter is horrible.

Also, I'm not convinced that the IL6T soundtrack will be that special and certainly not a patch on the NA V8.

[RosscoPCole]

I like it and how Morgan have stuck to their traditional looks. It will interesting to see what future models are released and what design language they use, traditional, retro or modern. I just wish they would bring back the four seater, but looking at the chassis it looks unlikely.#
I've just noticed that there appears to be no third/high level brake light. Should there be one?

Edited by RosscoPCole on Tuesday 5th March 14:33

[DonkeyApple]

I wish they’d built the Eva. For me it was the most stunning car I’ve seen in years and the only modern car I’ve found truly desirable.

[gareth h]

markcoopers said:

I must admit to not having checked this, but were the last Aero 8's not using the ZF 8 speed, in which case their selector was a milled aluminium and splendid effort compared to this. That said i suspect an aftermarket option will be offered soon.

I had an early Aero 8 and i am not sure where the "Bedstead" view comes from, it was originally built to comply with the as then GT2 racing regulations.....they were capable cars. I would still choose a Plus 8 over this mind, as i am really not bothered with 0.5 seconds 0-60 improvement, the noise and experience is far more important.

Nope, the late Aeros used a 6 speed auto

[anonymous-user]

bakerstreet said:

How are they attracting a new generation of customers?

By retaining something of their their traditional 'style' whilst offering a higher performance, more contemporary driving experience? I agree that many changes have been driven by legislation, but I think it's unfair to suggest that's the only motivating factor behind their progress. I've not driven a modern one, only classics, but road tests suggest they offer excellent handling and performance, which doesn't happen by accident.

bakerstreet said:

Surely the lazy progress of an auto is suited to a Morgan?

Depends how you view the brand I suppose. I don't, personally, associate Morgans with 'lazy progress'. Historically, the Morgan has been very much a sports car in the traditional sense - ideal for a spirited B-road blast and even competitive on track (see historic racing success and the current Morgan Challenge series), not really a refined tourer. Having said that, they know their customers better than anyone, and presumably they think most owners will want an auto or, at least, not be put off by it.

[bp1]

DonkeyApple said:

I wish they’d built the Eva. For me it was the most stunning car I’ve seen in years and the only modern car I’ve found truly desirable.

Totally agree, the Eva was stunning.

[CABC]

Morgans have real racing pedigree and still race today. they handle really well on smooth surfaces, mostly due to low CoG and low weight. hustling one through smooth b roads is a delight and a rewarding insight into rwd handling. unfortunately the trads have the old "bedstead" chassis, and rough surfaces are really not pleasant. The Aero style chassis is a welcome update. the Plus Six potentially transforms the Trad from a characterful tourer with occasional real driving involvement into a proper sports tourer that's got all bases covered.

[Reciprocating mass]

Not sure if it has been mentioned but the Morgan family have sold there majority stake to an Italian venture capital firm

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motor-shows-gen...

[Bobajobbob]

AdamV12AMR said:

I've just turned 40, so (maybe optimistically) count myself as 'a new generation of customer'. My dad loves Morgans but, maybe because of this, they have always been the preserve of the generation above.

I'm on my 4th Aston Vantage, having graduated to the V12 last year, but I'm genuinely considering leaving AML for the first time in 8 years for this car.

I genuinely hope Morgan read the comments re: a manual option. If they added a stick and a third pedal, count me in

I'm on my second Vantage, having previously owned a Morgan, and this is the first car in a while that may tempt me from the Aston. Is the box a pure slush auto box or a quick shifter like the one in the new Vantage?

[Gecko1978]

GroundEffect said:

That shifter would cost around $0.5M to engineer and $1M to tool up if you wanted a new one. It's an eShifter, not just a bit of metal and rubber to the transmission - it carries a lot of safety protocol overheads.

really...surely we are talking about repackaging whats in the knob not anything else its just a bit of metal plastic an if there is circuitry inside surely it cool be in a different package. Same issue with the supra the gear knob screams BMW parts bin

[redroadster]

GroundEffect said:

That shifter would cost around $0.5M to engineer and $1M to tool up if you wanted a new one. It's an eShifter, not just a bit of metal and rubber to the transmission - it carries a lot of safety protocol overheads.

Think a retro wooden sleeve over top would work old cricket bat hide that ugly BMW item.

[AdamV12AMR]

Bobajobbob said:

I'm on my second Vantage, having previously owned a Morgan, and this is the first car in a while that may tempt me from the Aston. Is the box a pure slush auto box or a quick shifter like the one in the new Vantage?

I *think* it's the same ZF 8sp that's in the new Vantage, therefore the speed of shifts will come down to ECU programming from the OEM, based on what they feel their customers want (rather than hardware changes).

[anonymous-user]

The silver hardtop looks like it should be in a ZZ Top video in - the Malvern Eliminator.
Cool as a penguin licking a lollipop.