New Morgan Supersport Blends Retro With 21st Century Tech

At Morgan, change happens gradually. Over the 116-year history of the British company, the cars’ appearance and feel have remained virtually unchanged. Morgan remained a tiny company making hand-finished sports cars, while many of its rivals grew into mass-production automakers. Its classic Plus Four still has the same appearance as it did in the 1960s, and its frames are still made of ash wood, just as they have been for half a century.

However, the new flagship Supersport changes everything. An all-new chassis, a reliable 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine from BMW, and discreetly integrated technologies combine with a reworked iteration of the iconic Morgan design. According to Morgan, the brand’s vision has been completely redesigned, bringing it headlong into the twenty-first century.

The Supersport has a rich history as the successor to Morgan’s former flagship, the Plus Six—which was the Plus 8’s replacement, and manufactured from 2019 till this year. Produced from 1968 to 2004 and again from 2012 to 2018, the Plus 8 was a V-8-powered muscle sports automobile and one of Morgan’s most renowned and long-running models.

That collaboration between Germany and Britain still exists today with BMW’s smooth inline-six providing power for the Supersport. It is the same engine that propelled the Plus Six and is a variant of the inline-six seen in the Toyota Supra, Ineos Grenadier, and BMW’s own Z4 M40i. With its 335 horsepower, the Supersport sprints from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds with that aid of the ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can shift gears smoothly up to 166 mph.

Another important factor that makes the Supersport such an alluring vehicle is its styling. With its dramatic grille, round headlights, and long, sweeping fenders, it’s a stunning design that pays homage to Morgan’s history as it blends modern and classic. The characteristic rear end tapers elegantly to hide a rear trunk, and the fenders have new, flatter angles. When opened, a portion of the lacquered ash frame is visible highlighting its unique construction.

The Supersport’s cabin employs well-integrated technology that’s nicely laid out. The centre console has a convenient phone storage tray to charge your mobile while you use it for navigation, and it is also the first Morgan to boast hands-free calling.

CARLIST THOUGHTS

It might be new for the 21st century, but the Supersport still requires good driver technique, as it exposes the occupants to the elements. Compared to many of its rivals, it is a more straightforward device with just enough contemporary technology and functionality to be useful. But like Morgans of yore, the car delivers far more dramatic thrills than the average coupe, as you feel like a film star from the moment you open the tiny doors.

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