The Morgan Supersport, a compact sports car showcasing a stylish and charming new interpretation of the British firm’s classic motorcar aesthetic, has been approved for the US market. It will feature a smaller engine compared to the European version, but on the bright side, it presents a much more appealing shifter than previously seen.
The Supersport was unveiled last March. It sports a refreshed appearance while maintaining Morgan’s uniquely retro signature design (extended hood, round lamps, you understand). You can appreciate that as you browse through this article—I’ll include Morgan’s full studio gallery below. The European version we observed was equipped with a BMW B58—a reliable and superb turbocharged inline six (the same engine used in the Toyota Supra, among others). The US variant receives a downgrade to the BMW B46—a single-turbo inline four-cylinder unit.
I personally have a version of this powertrain (B46 with ZF eight-speed) in my BMW 330 wagon. While it’s not blisteringly fast, it’s certainly not sluggish—and a Morgan is significantly lighter than my all-wheel-drive wagon. Hence, I’m hopeful the Supersport will still provide an enjoyable driving experience with around 250 horsepower instead of 330 (although the name now appears slightly overconfident).
Morgan released an extensive studio gallery, which you can scroll through here to view the car in various setups:
As Morgan announced in a press statement, the vehicle has been approved for sale in the United States under the Replica Vehicle laws enacted by the FAST Act (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act). The company indicates:
“The legislation allows manufacturers to create replica vehicles based on models sold no less than 25 years ago and permits Morgan to sell up to 325 qualifying vehicles each year in the market. After a comprehensive program of engineering, validation, and federal approval, the Supersport has been sanctioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for sale in the United States. US-spec vehicles are powered by Morgan’s authorized BMW B46 TwinPower Turbo engine, coupled with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, delivering a powertrain package specifically designed to comply with applicable federal emissions regulations.”
So, it appears the vehicle’s entry into the US is specifically tied to this powertrain. Pricing for the US market is still to be announced, though the B58-enabled Euro-spec Supersport is priced at approximately $130,000 at current currency rates. I would anticipate the four-cylinder American version to be slightly lower. I feel that a price around the $100,000 range is reasonable for a genuinely handcrafted vehicle, even if it occupies a somewhat unique position between sporty and grand-touring. Perhaps it’s a “mini touring” car? You acquire a Morgan for its aesthetics and ambiance, not necessarily for speed specifications.
Additionally, I’m pleased to see the OEM BMW shifter, initially shown in last year’s vehicle photos, has been substituted with a custom-designed unit. It’s perfectly fine and attractive in BMWs, but somewhat jarring within the otherwise distinctive and vintage elegance of a Morgan cockpit. The sleek knob that Morgan has designed suits the interior much more appropriately.
Morgan takes pride in coachbuilding every vehicle it offers—that means limited production numbers and maximal personalization. The boutique automaker states fewer than 50 US-market production slots are available for this year.
“Every aluminum body is handcrafted over a traditional ash wood framework before being seamlessly integrated with
the lightweight CXV-Generation bonded-aluminum platform and its sophisticated suspension, braking, and electronic
systems,” the company stated in its release.
“Over 60% of the aluminum utilized throughout the chassis and body is sourced from recycled materials, reflecting Morgan’s continuous commitment to responsible manufacturing. The cockpit merges natural materials with modern production methods. Scottish leather, obtained as a by-product of the food and agricultural sectors, is used sparingly throughout the interior. While cutting-edge laser scanning technology ensures exceptional consistency, each hide is trimmed individually using traditional techniques and hand-finished by Morgan’s skilled artisans. Due to its coach-built construction, natural materials are used judiciously, resulting in minimal waste.”
Morgan’s design philosophy may not appeal to everyone, but if you have a passion for automobiles, you must respect what they are accomplishing at Pickersleigh Road.
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**The Morgan Supersport Altered to Comply with US Emissions Regulations by Decreasing Cylinder Count**
The automotive sector has consistently led in innovation, particularly in response to regulatory shifts aimed at decreasing emissions and fostering sustainability. A prime instance of this trend is the Morgan Supersport, a vehicle that has undergone extensive modifications to align with US emissions standards. This article examines how the Morgan Supersport has evolved by reducing its cylinder count, thereby striking a balance between performance and environmental accountability.
**Overview of the Morgan Supersport**
Morgan Motor Company, a British maker renowned for its bespoke sports cars, has a long-standing history dating back to 1909. The Morgan Supersport, a contemporary rendition of classic design, merges traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Initially outfitted with a V6 engine, the Supersport was praised for its performance and driving characteristics. However, with emissions regulations becoming stricter, particularly in the United States, manufacturers have faced mounting pressure to innovate.
**The Emissions Standards Challenge**
In recent years, the US has enacted rigorous emissions standards intended to curtail pollutants produced by vehicles. These regulations have compelled manufacturers to reconsider their engine designs and overall vehicle performance. For sports car makers like Morgan, the challenge lies in delivering an exhilarating driving experience while adhering to these environmental mandates.
**Cylinder Count Reduction: A Strategic Adjustment**
To comply with US emissions standards, Morgan made the strategic choice to alter the Supersport by decreasing its cylinder count. This alteration involved shifting from the traditional V6 engine to a more efficient four-cylinder engine. The reduction in cylinder count brings several implications:
1. **Enhanced Fuel Efficiency**: A smaller engine typically uses less fuel, which directly leads to reduced carbon emissions. By switching to a four-cylinder setup, the Morgan Supersport can achieve improved fuel economy without sacrificing excessive performance.
2. **Decreased Emissions**: Fewer cylinders generally result in lower emissions of harmful pollutants. The altered Supersport is now capable of meeting the stringent criteria established by US regulators, allowing it entry into the American market.
3. **Weight Decrease**: A compact engine contributes to overall weight savings, improving the vehicle’s agility and handling qualities. This aligns with Morgan’s philosophy of crafting lightweight sports cars that offer an engaging driving experience.
4. **Performance Optimization**: The new engine can be optimized to maintain a balance between power and efficiency. With advancements in turbocharging and engine management systems, the four-cylinder engine can deliver impressive power outputs while remaining compliant with emissions regulations.
**Influence on Performance and Driving Feel**
While the reduction in cylinder count might raise questions about performance, Morgan has ensured that the Supersport preserves its lively driving dynamics. The new engine configuration facilitates rapid acceleration and responsive handling, key features that enthusiasts anticipate from a Morgan vehicle. Moreover, the sound and character of the engine have been meticulously engineered to provide an engaging auditory experience, a signature of the brand.
**Final Thoughts**
The modification of the Morgan Supersport to meet US emissions standards by decreasing its cylinder count illustrates the automotive industry’s adaptability in the face of regulatory challenges. By embracing innovation while respecting its traditions, Morgan has successfully crafted a vehicle that aligns with contemporary environmental expectations without compromising the core essence of what makes a Morgan exceptional. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Morgan Supersport stands as proof of the balance achieved between performance and sustainability.