British car maker Morgan has unveiled its latest model – and it has a wheel missing.
The Super 3 is the Worcestershire-based brand’s replacement for the outgoing 3 Wheeler and aims to take its tripod sports car into a new era.
The biggest news is the introduction of a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder Ford engine producing 118bhp – which is almost 50 per cent more than the V-twin motorcycle powerplant in its 3 Wheeler predecessor – and a new monocoque chassis.
The Super 3 is on sale from today and prices for option-free base models start from £41,995 – though with an extensive customisation programme, most will leave the Malvern factory with a price tag far exceeding that figure.
Is three really the magic number? This is the all-new Morgan Super 3 – its next-generation three-wheel sports car that costs from £42,000
Morgan’s 3 Wheeler, first introduced in 2012, has been the answer to an alternative sports cars for petrolheads who want to stand-out from the crowd – and don’t mind getting soaked when it rains.
It was inspired by the cars Morgan first produced way back in 1911 and has been the company’s most successful model in terms of sales. More than 2,500 examples have been bought over its nine-year cycle, which isn’t bad for a car maker that produces around 850 vehicles in total each year.
Apart from its shortage of wheels, the standout characteristic of the 21st century 3 Wheeler is its Harley-Davidson ‘Screaming Eagle’ V-twin engine – which ironically produces more of a slow thump than a wail.
However, the new Super 3 does away with the thudding bike motor, which Morgan admits is no longer feasible for a new model due to the stringent EU emissions regulations manufacturers face today.
In its place is a completely different powerplant – a three-cylinder petrol engine taken from the Ford assembly line.
The 118 horse of power from the 1.5-litre engine is sent to the lone rear wheel via belt drive and – according to Morgan – should see the car accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in around 7 seconds. Top speed is a pretty impressive 130mph – more than enough if you’ve chosen a Super 3 without a windscreen (which we’ll cover later).
The Super 3 is the Worcestershire-based brand’s replacement for the outgoing 3 Wheeler and aims to take its tripod sports car into a new era
The biggest news is the introduction of a new 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder Ford engine producing 118bhp – which is almost 50 per cent more than the V-twin motorcycle powerplant in its 3 Wheeler predecessor
The new design has cleaner lines and the option for lots of additional kit, including side-mounted luggage and a rear rack
The larger capacity engine has impacted overall weight, with the Super 3 tipping the scale at 635kg dry – that’s around 75kg more than the car it replaces. Still, fuel economy is relatively impressive at a claimed 40mpg.
While the change in powerplant means the Morgan will no longer have its alluring thud, the brand says the raspier three-cylinder motor adds more character.
It will also retain Mazda’s brilliant five-speed transmission – the same one used in the existing MX-5 – which will retain that very mechanical, clunk-between-gear, changes.
The additional of a larger engine block up front has dictated much of the Super 3’s design, which is new from the ground up.
Morgan’s 3 Wheeler, first introduced in 2012, has been the answer to an alternative sports cars for petrolheads who want to stand-out from the crowd – and don’t mind getting soaked when it rains
The Super 3 is inspired by the cars Morgan first produced way back in 1911. The 3 Wheeler it replaces is the British company’s most successful model in terms of sales with more than 2,500 units built during its nine-year cycle
Apart from its shortage of wheels, the standout characteristic of the 21st century 3 Wheeler is its Harley-Davidson ‘Screaming Eagle’ V-twin engine – which ironically produces more of a slow thump than a wail
The traditional teardrop shape has been kept, as has some of the exposed engine mechanicals and the outboard spindly front wheels – be it new 20-inch wheels with an exaggerated positive offset to allow the wishbones to be as long as possible to improve cornering stability – but everything else is very much different.
Swapping an air-cooled motorbike engine for a liquid-cooled car powerplant also necessitates radiators, of which there are two mounted to the side of the body that are integrated into rectangular side blades behind the front wheels.
They also have a dual purpose, providing mounting points for Super 3-specific luggage for if you’re going on a weekend trip in your open-top motoring tripod.
Rectangular side blades behind the front wheels also house the radiators and provide a mount for external luggage
The 118 horse of power from the 1.5-litre engine is sent to the lone rear wheel via belt drive and – according to Morgan – should see the car accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in around 7 seconds
Top speed is a pretty impressive 130mph – more than enough if you’ve chosen a Super 3 without a windscreen
Those who appreciated the looks of the old 3 Wheeler will also notice that the externally-placed exhaust is no more, with an enclosed ‘exhaust cannon’ that is still side mounted but hidden behind the bodywork.
Morgan Super 3: Will it fit in my garage?
On sale: Now
Price: from £41,995
Built in: Pickersleigh Road factory, Malvern, Worcestershire
Engine: Ford 1.5-litre, inline three-cylinder
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Maximum power: 118bhp (87 kW) at 6500rpm
Maximum torque: 110lbft (150Nm) at 4500rpm
Acceleration 0-62mph (0-100kph): 7 seconds
Top speed: 130mph (209kph)
Fuel economy (combined): 40mpg
CO2 emissions: 130g/km
Dry weight: 635kg
Length: 3581mm
Width: 1850mm
Height: 1132mm
Buyers will also have the option of ordering a new double windscreen, which can also be requested in a yellow tint – or take the traditionally route of having no facial protection whatsoever and wear a pair of goggles.
Again, occupants in the three-wheel sports car are very much exposed to the elements, though the cabin does adhere to IP64 certification for resistance to dust and water splashes.
A new first is the incorporation of digital gauges – something never before seen on a Morgan – though the ignition switch retails the ‘missile release’ button inspired by military aircraft. There is also an optional smartphone-linked navigation system, which displays instructions on the small circular screen behind the steering wheel.
Prices will very much be impacted by how personalised customers make their Super 3s, with boundless options from helmet mounts, to bespoke luggage and a host of graphic packs and liveries.
Commenting on the new model. Steve Morris, chairman and CEO at Morgan Motor Company, said: ‘Following on from the incredible success of the outgoing Morgan 3 Wheeler has been no easy task.
‘When we first decided to reintroduce it back in 2011, the company couldn’t have imagined just how popular and successful the V-twin model would be.
‘The Morgan 3 Wheeler represents something different, something unique and something to be celebrated. As we launch Super 3, I am confident that our latest three-wheeled offering is as relevant as ever.
‘We have developed this vehicle at a time when the industry, and the wider world, has been challenged beyond comprehension. Yet our engineering and design teams, along with our project partners, have been able to deliver a fitting new chapter to Morgan’s three-wheeled story.’
He added: ‘The all-new Super 3 introduces new levels of engineering integrity to Morgan, a new sense of adventure to the brand and a new design language that indicates our future direction.’
A new first is the incorporation of digital gauges – something never before seen on a Morgan – though the ignition switch retails the ‘missile release’ button inspired by military aircraft. There is also an optional smartphone-linked navigation system, which displays instructions on the small circular screen behind the steering wheel
Prices will very much be impacted by how personalised customers make their Super 3s, with boundless options from helmet mounts, to bespoke luggage and a host of graphic packs and liveries
Like the 3 Wheeler it replaces, Super 3 occupants are very much exposed to the elements, though the cabin does adhere to IP64 certification for resistance to dust and water splashes
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