New Morgan Supersport Abandons Manual for Enhanced Performance and Luxury

      Morgan Motor Company

      Morgan is purposefully rooted in the 1920s, focusing on producing nostalgic sports cars reminiscent of a bygone age, even though they incorporate modern elements beneath the surface. Each new model resembles its predecessor, by design. However, the new Morgan Supersport represents the brand's most significant departure from its traditional approach.

      The front of the Supersport retains the classic Morgan look, featuring two large circular headlights, an upright horseshoe grille, and sweeping fenders that evoke the feel of a pre-war sports car. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see that those vintage-style headlights are actually modern, equipped with LED main beams and side lights. The sleek black front bumper, which includes pronounced air intakes, is similarly contemporary.

      At its core, the Supersport utilizes Morgan’s latest CXV aluminum platform, which boasts a 10% increase in torsional rigidity and 100% improved stiffness at suspension mounting points. If equipped with the carbon fiber hard-top roof, it can achieve an additional 10% stiffness. The Supersport is arguably the sportiest model Morgan has produced, featuring a quicker steering ratio, stiffer spring rates, revised dampers, and adjustable camber plates.

      Despite its modern elements, much of the Supersport’s body remains handcrafted from finished ash wood, which is evident when you open the trunk lid—a charming detail.

      Beneath the lengthy hood resides a BMW "B58" 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine, generating 335 horsepower and available exclusively with an automatic transmission. It is uncommon for a Morgan to lack the option of a manual gearbox, but the ZF eight-speed automatic is a standout in all BMW applications, so it is expected to perform effectively here.

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      That automatic-only specification seems appropriate for the Supersport. The interior features significantly more technology and luxury than previous Morgans. Highlights include a Sennheiser sound system, Bluetooth connectivity for audio and calls, a digital display between the gauges, and new controls mounted on the dashboard. While many modern Morgans boast pleasant interiors, the Supersport offers the most in terms of comfort.

      The Supersport also features an interchangeable roof system, allowing owners to choose between a soft top or a fixed hard top.

      This isn’t exactly a new chapter for Morgan, as the brand has been moving towards more modern and capable sports cars in recent years, but it certainly represents the culmination of that trend so far. The Supersport still maintains the classic Morgan aesthetic and some traditional construction methods, but it seems to be the ideal choice for those seeking a less traditional sports car experience—provided you don’t reside in the United States, as the Supersport will not be available there.

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