New Morgans don’t tend to happen all that often. Or at least they didn’t used to. Now things are moving along at what seems like light speed compared to the old days; the Three Wheeler was replaced by the Super 3 after 11 years, when decades had passed without a three-wheeled Morgan. And now there’s the Supersport, arriving just six years after its Plus Six predecessor, with a new platform, fresh look and renewed purpose. Not so long ago it felt like six years was the wait list…
CXV is the important detail this time around, the Supersport underpinned by an evolution of the previous CX aluminium architecture that promises big improvements when it comes to ride, handling and fun. Still lightweight (1,170kg at the kerb) and still relatively small (similar dimensions to a Six) the Supersport aims to be the most engaging and rewarding Morgan sports car yet. Overall torsional rigidity is increased by 10 per cent against the old car, or 20 per cent with the hardtop on (buyers will choose whether they want that or a mohair soft roof); that global figure for the whole car is as much as 100 per cent better than before in certain localised areas like suspension mounting points. The overall CXV architecture weighs 102kg including subframes. There’s a new steering rack and column with fewer universal joints for a better sense of connection; there are now anti-roll bars at both ends, and more active travel in the suspension, up from 50mm to 80mm, for more compliance and confidence. NVH has been improved on as well, without compromising the raw nature, says Morgan.
Michelin tyres are on a Pickersleigh Road sports car for the first time, the Pilot Sport 5s chosen for their progression and feel at the limit as well as wet weather grip. The standard 18s are the lightest cast wheel Morgan has ever made, at 10.8kg each, which can be reduced further with the forged 19s at 9.7kg each. (Standard Plus Six wheels were 13.8kg.) Also on the extras list are a limited-slip diff and Nitron adjustable dampers. When they speak of a ‘level of handling performance beyond any previous Morgan sports car’, they really mean it. Indeed, in a preview of the Supersport at Morgan Works in London, Chief Design Officer Jon Wells suggests that the company is serious about wanting this to be considered an alternative to Porsches and AMGs as a £100k sports car.
It’s a view echoed by Lead Chassis Engineer, Joe Whaler: “The project to transform ‘CX’ to ‘CXV’ has been carried out in the pursuit of delivering a more consistent vehicle response, for an increased connection between the driver, the car and the road. We want to inspire confidence to push Supersport to its limits whilst also providing an engaging and comfortable experience at lower road speeds. A data-led approach to analysing all areas of the outgoing ‘CX’ chassis structure, suspension and steering systems, combined with an extensive programme of real-world testing has ensured that the Morgan character has been retained, whilst elevating the platform’s dynamic capabilities.” Sounds very promising.
The powertrain is unchanged from the Plus Six to the Supersport, meaning 340hp and 369lb ft from the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six. The eight-speed auto is standard fit as well, including the lever from an old X3; before you say anything, it must be included as part of the deal with BMW. That’s just how it is, sadly - Ineos has to do the same. Expect a 0-62mph time in the 4s and a top speed of more than 160mph.
That latter figure will be helped by the Supersports dramatically improved aero performance, another area cited for work against the Plus Six. While a good chunk of the improvement comes from work underneath, the new design surfacing up top works with the new silhouette - see a much longer tail than a Plus, for example - means a five per cent reduction in drag, a 20 per cent reduction in lift and what Morgan says is an improved aerodynamic balance compared to what came before. All sound properly beneficial. The Midsummer resemblance isn’t a coincidence, either, the Supersport project beginning before the barchetta and able to lend some of its design cues. ‘Supersport remains instantly recognisable as a Morgan,’ reads the press release, ‘whilst showcasing a more contemporary aesthetic with greater levels of intelligent surfacing and a minimalistic, de-cluttered approach.’
That approach can be seen in details like the doors (no, really): the sidescreens can still be removed, but the mounting and operation are now much more secure with door hinges that bolt directly to the chassis rather than the wooden frame. The new headlights are a good example as well, the design unmistakable but using LED tech to eliminate the need for any additional pods. It’s a cleaner, cooler-looking Morgan , but also couldn’t be anything else. And still with handcrafted aluminium panels over an ash frame, of course.
It’s certainly a more accommodating Morgan in every sense, with an actual boot (for the first time in more than 10 years) and more room behind the rear seats. Apparently the carbon composite, 19.7kg hard top is a reasonably easy task for a couple of people to complete in a few minutes. The interior, if still reasonably familiar, feels a useful step up over the old Plus Six, a comfier spot for taller drivers, even nicer smelling with the new Scottish leather and boasting additional smart details like the dials, designed in collaboration with Smiths and featuring Morgan’s own font. Sennheiser has again provided a sound system and, true to the everyday claim, Morgan says that a Bluetooth phone conversation can take place at 70mph - with the roof down. And how’s this for usability - the washer jets have been moved. Meaning that the screenwash should now serve its purpose, rather than merely acting as a water feature on the bonnet.
Morgan MD Matthew Hole added: “Supersport marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Morgan – a flagship that reflects the spirit and confidence of our brand today. Supersport embodies an effortless combination of dynamic performance – thanks to its new lightweight ‘CXV’ aluminium platform – and contemporary yet unmistakable design. Every element has been carefully considered to create an engaging and responsive driving experience, where technology is seamlessly integrated to enhance– rather than overpower – the connection between car and driver." While it isn’t difficult to be won over by the prospect of a new Morgan when Morgan folk tell you it’s great in a Morgan showroom, there seems a lot to be encouraged by in the Supersport's finer details as well, that chassis overhaul in particular. First drive verdict coming in April, just in time for first orders - the price is £102,000.
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