New Morgan Supersport: A coach-built sports car you can drive daily?

Malvern’s new 335-bhp flagship brings all the firm’s trademark old-school charm, but with the usability of a more modern-looking machine. Is this the first Morgan to worry Porsche’s 911? Keep reading to find out.

Recently unveiled by the brand’s most famous proponent (former Top Gear star, Richard Hammond) this is what the future of Morgan looks like. And, yes, it does still appear suspiciously like it belongs in a 1930s newsreel – complete with driving goggles and leather gloves on the passenger seat. But did you expect anything different from the retro-obsessed marque? 

So it’s another sepia-tinted take on the classic two-seat British roadster? Thanks Morgan. End of story. Well, no, actually, there’s more to this tale than first meets the eye. While the new Supersport does boast the same fundamental, grandfather-clock-esque shape as its forebears — which you’ll either love or hate — it’s quite literally glistening with modern accents.

Starting at the front, powerful integrated 8” LED headlights streamline the nose by making any additional lighting pods redundant. This naturally draws your eye to the trademark horseshoe grille – now, finished in either dark or satin chrome to enhance the main focal point. There’s even a lower splitter (not something you’d see on Morgan’s of old) to improve aero and add a subtle hint of aggression.  

Moving down the side, you’ll notice the hand-crafted, flowing aluminum silhouette features a new raised shoulder line. And, though the Supersport’s fundamental shape can easily trace its roots back to the original 1936 Morgan four-wheeler, the lines have been tastefully tweaked to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. For a final design flourish, the sweeping tail houses sleekly integrated LED taillights, indicators, and twin exhaust tips connected to an optional active sports exhaust. 

This old-meets-new formula even trickles down to the roadster’s mechanicals and interior. You’ll not find any trace of electric motors or battery tech under that long nose. But nor will you find some period-correct, carbureted ICE relic. Opting to combine the best of both worlds, Morgan has installed BMW’s venerable (and modern) 335-bhp turbocharged straight six — as seen in the Z4, M340i, and Toyota Supra. The eagle-eyed will also have clocked the standard BMW gear selector protruding between the seats. So no prizes for guessing where the Supersport’s 8-speed ZF automatic comes from.

These modern underpinnings mean blistering performance and engagement, without sacrificing reliability or daily drivability. But just how fast is it? While it’s never been a company obsessed (or even concerned) with raw numbers, Morgan’s new Supersport is said to crack 0-62 mph in under four seconds and march on to a top speed of 166 mph. That’s quick for any car, let alone something handmade using a wooden frame. 

The frame might be honed from ash, but the chassis is thoroughly modern. Titled CXV, it’s an all-aluminum unit designed to boost torsional rigidity and shed precious kgs from the kerb weight. The net result is a machine that’s not only more capable, agile, and dynamically engaging, but also more refined and easier to live with.

Helping to bolster that all-rounder billing, there’s new supple shock absorbers (built by Nitron if you opt for the Dynamic Handling Pack) and an interior kitted-out with everything from Sennheiser audio to wireless charging. So the Supersport won’t be a chore to pilot on less-than-perfect roads. In fact, Morgan argues the new flagship ‘confidently introduces a new level of usability, refinement and driving engagement to the Morgan range.’

Even the wheels and tyres have been carefully picked for their blend of performance and versatility. Buyers can choose between 18-inch flow formed aluminium ‘Superlite’ wheels or optional 19-inch forged aluminium ‘Aerolite’ items. Both offer welcome reductions in unsprung weight and are shod with Michelin’s award-winning Pilot Sport 5 rubber for superb wet and dry traction.

It’s no longer a machine for high days and holidays, then, though don’t think that means it’s also more financially accessible. Given the roadster’s highly limited production numbers (under 1,000 cars a year) and the new heightened levels of fit and finish, we think the Supersport’s £85,000 asking price is justifiably strong. Plus, when you consider a base-model Porsche 911 Carrera now starts from £100,000, the bespoke Morgan starts to look like decent value.

If you agree, the order books are now open with first deliveries expected before the year is out.

Hero image credit: Morgan