Colin-on-Cars - New Morgan three-wheeler hits the road

The Morgan Super 3, powered by a Ford 1,5-litre three-cylinder engine and driven through a Mazda gearbox, has been launched, introducing a new design philosophy for the Malvern, Worcestershire company.

As the company’s most configurable model to date, Super 3 offers an extensive list of options and accessories that allow owners to tailor their own experience. From adventure touring accessories to race-inspired liveries, Super 3 adopts multiple personalities to reflect the individuality of its owner.

Designers

In comparison with the outgoing 3 Wheeler, which was created in the style of the 1920s V-twin-engined three-wheelers, Super 3’s designers and engineers have drawn influences from the mid to late century. The jet age was an era in which there was a logical relationship between function and form, as the horizons of imagination were broadened.

Aerodynamic and mechanical requirements have heavily influenced the form and proportions of Super 3. This is most notable in the cast aluminium structures that provide the face of the vehicle, brace the engine and control the corner packages, while also directing air into the side-mounted cooling packs.

Super 3 has a mechanically intricate front end and exhibits linear geometry, which is intentionally contrasted against the trailing aerodynamic passenger compartment.

Super 3’s face portrays two familiar headlights and a horseshoe front grille, both recognisable elements of Morgan design.

Optimal

The engine resides beneath the nose cone, which is positioned deliberately to deliver both optimal weight distribution and desirable proportion. Beneath the cowl, the engine is visible through a mesh with its moving mechanical components clear to see.

All of the elements of Super 3’s wishbones, pull-rod suspension and headlight structure have been shaped to assist airflow to the radiators behind them, and the mechanical complexity is reminiscent of that of early-century three-wheeled Morgans. The headlight stalks themselves are structural, acting as an additional brace between the upper and lower wishbone pick-up points, while continuing to reflect the vehicle’s trihedral theme.

The interior of Super 3 has been designed for resilience and is completely dust-tight and protected against water splashing from any direction, even down to the integrated USB sockets.

A choice of seat materials includes vinyl, water-resistant leather, saddle leather with enhanced durability and a technical fabric that combines a high level of water resistance, UV resistance and ease of maintenance and which offers an appealing alternative to leather.

Available for the first time is a footwell heater, making Super 3 even more suitable for adventure, while comfort is further enhanced by a reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel and a quick-release adjustable pedal box.

Adventure

Jonathan Wells, Head of Design, Morgan Motor Company, says: “Morgan 3 Wheeler owners are individual, relish doing things in their own way, and actively seek adventure. With Super 3, we aimed to exaggerate these qualities through design. 

“Super 3 stands out as something different. It looks towards our past, is relevant in the present, and reinstates a firm vision of Morgan’s design future. 

“Super 3 gives you a deep mechanical connection to the car and your surroundings. It takes the idea of adventure and escapism beyond just a romantic notion, whilst presenting a blank canvas for self-expression.

“Life is rarely more complicated after a drive in a Super 3.”

Morgan has worked in partnership with Avon to develop its own 20-inch diameter tyre for Super 3. Reviving the iconic Speedmaster name, the tyre is based on the look of a heritage motorcycle tyre with 'ballooned' sidewalls but has been engineered specifically for Morgan and is closer to a car tyre in its design.

The rear tyre on a three-wheeler plays a crucial role in the handling and dynamic capabilities. After significant real-world testing and simulation, an Avon all-season tyre was selected to provide optimum slip angle.

Techniques

Chris Arthur, Chief Engineer, Morgan Motor Company, added: “The Morgan Super 3 represents a new level of engineering integrity for Morgan. Superform techniques have allowed us to achieve something that is typically out of reach for niche manufacturers. The monocoque platform is light, stiff, strong and resilient and looks good. Throughout the vehicle, the quality of finish is comparable to that of much larger manufacturers, and we feel we have engineered a car that delivers a lot more value to Morgan customers.

“Super 3 remains true to Morgan’s roots because it’s a non-standard construction and every element has purpose. We have employed techniques that are appropriate and improve the quality for the customer. It is a modern take on utilising your own production methods to remain unique.”

Technical specification
Engine: Ford 1,5-litre, inline three-cylinder
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Maximum power: 87 kW at 6 500 r/min
Maximum torque: 150 Nm at 4 500 r/min
Acceleration: 0-100kph - 7 seconds (pending final certification)
Top speed: 209 km/h
Fuel economy (combined): 5,8 l/100 km (pending final certification)
CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
Dry weight: 635 kg
Length: 3 581 mm
Width: 1 850 mm
Height: 1 132 mm 

https://bit.ly/3LU8dlv

Colin-on-Cars - Building on tradition

As the world races towards electric vehicles, there is a small corner of England that remains unphased by all the hubbub and The Morgan Motor Company has just released sketches of the design direction planned for an all-new three-wheel model.

Design sketches for new Morgan released

To be powered by a three-cylinder Ford petrol engine, the new car – destined for launch next year – has a bold and eccentric design in keeping with the historic traditions of Morgan and takes inspiration from mid-century jet planes, motorcycles, historic Morgan models and modern industrial product design — images of which adorn the walls of Morgan’s design and engineering offices.

Demonstrate

No single sketch in isolation reveals the exact look of the new model, yet in culmination, they demonstrate some of the key design features that will be revealed in full when the new three-wheeled model is launched.

Sketches show a technical front end trailed by a fluid form, the vehicle ‘visually towed’ by its leading front wheels. The visual mass resides behind the centre line of the front wheels and never on top of them, a theme that has remained prevalent from the earliest sketches. Further design tenets include the celebration of mechanical honestly and the communication of function through design, hallmarks of previous Morgan three-wheelers.

Pillar

Steve Morris, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Motor Company, says: “Morgan was founded on the production of three-wheeled cars, and when the 3 Wheeler was re-introduced in 2011 it became a firm pillar of the company’s product range.

“We recognise the importance of evolving this bloodline and continuing to provide our growing community of enthusiasts with new, exciting, and unforgettable motoring experiences. Creating the all-new three-wheeled model has been a ground-up project, throughout which safety, durability, and character have been at the forefront of our focus.

“It has been an absolute joy seeing the new vehicle take shape, and we cannot wait to present it to the world next year, continuing the legacy of the model.”

https://bit.ly/3DuyBgp

 Morgan heads for the hills

Morgan, the British carmaker renowned for its quirky, bespoke hand-built sports cars, has made a leap back in time to the off road arena with the very limited Plus Four CX-T. 

Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 (R3,4-million) and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T.

The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is inspired by Morgan’s history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials. As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in trials competitions. The more adventurous journeys that are frequently undertaken by Morgan customers all over the world have further fuelled the desire for Morgan to imagine the Plus Four CX-T. 

Following the launch of the Plus Four in 2020, Morgan partnered with Rally Raid UK, creator of Dakar race cars, to jointly design and engineer the Plus Four CX-T. One of the aims of the project is to demonstrate the capability and durability of Morgan’s new CX-Generation platform, along with the Plus Four upon which the CX-T is based. 

Every Plus Four CX-T is built at Morgan’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, before undergoing the final preparation and setup at Rally Raid UK’s own workshop facilities. Morgan’s design and engineering team have worked alongside Rally Raid UK throughout the programme to define the concept, specification, technical attributes, and aesthetic of the model.

The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments. 

Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic four-seater Morgan. 

The rack houses two ruggediand waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel/tyre assemblies. Additionally, for those who venture further off the beaten track, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach when required. 

The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to compliment the lifestyle activities of the owner, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle, allowing them to be carried unobtrusively in case of a change in weather conditions. 

The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready: tough and fit for purpose. Durability and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230 mm, has been achieved using modified Plus Six wishbones. These widen the track and allow for the extra arc of movement required to achieve the desired suspension performance. The wheel arch apertures have also been modified, allowing the suspension to compress deep into the wheel well, providing maximum traction and stability. 

In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which further increase durability. 

A five-piece underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, mid-section shield and rear undertray – helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. The car is also fitted with a full bespoke exhaust system with rear side-exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230 mm of ground clearance. 

The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software, calibrated and tested specifically for the application. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied.

Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘All-Terrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential, providing equal torque to both rear wheels. 

Inside the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T features have been added to improve occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is built into to the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder have also been integrated, all designed to withstand operation in harsh driving environments.

Cabin stowage has also been optimised with the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats. 

The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is the second of two special projects being produced by Morgan in 2021, with the first being the Plus 8 GTR. The introduction of the Plus Four CX-T also coincides with the announcement of Model Year 22 updates to the Plus Four and Plus Six, and helps to inform technical and aesthetic advancements for Morgan’s current and future range of vehicles. The Plus Four CX-T is on sale immediately, with all vehicles due to be built before the end of 2021.