Auto Channel

The new Morgan Plus E concept unveiled in Geneva.

Designed to gauge consumer interest, the prototype is based on the Plus 8 but features a Zytek electric motor and a lithium-ion battery which enables it to travel up to 120 miles (193 km) on a single charge.

Morgan Electric Plus E Concept will develop a system of 160 bhp (120 kW / 162 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb / ft) of torque. It mated to a five-speed manual transmission with a weight of approximately 1.250 kg, which allows this roadster can be run from 0-100 km / h only 6.0 seconds and reaches a maximum speed at 115 mph (185 km / h). It was very proud of considering the model of Morgan spirited classic cars but is supported by the current capability.




Press Release

MORGAN ELECTRIC PLUS E - OFFICIAL UNVEILING AT GENEVA

Niche Vehicle Network funds Morgan led Consortium's Electric Sports Car Demonstrator

An electric sportscar with a five-speed manual gearbox has been designed by Morgan with the support of British technology specialists Zytek and Radshape. Shown as a concept to test market reaction, the radical new roadster could enter production if there is sufficient demand.

"We wanted to see how much fun you can have in an electric sportscar, so we have built one to help us find out," explained Morgan operations director Steve Morris. "The Plus E combines Morgan's traditional look with high-technology construction and a powertrain that delivers substantial torque instantly at any speed. With the manual gearbox to increase both touring range and driver involvement, it will be a fantastic car to drive."

The Plus E is based on a tailored version of Morgan's lightweight aluminium platform chassis clothed in the revised ‘traditional' body from the new BMW V8-powered Plus 8, also launched at Geneva. Power is delivered by a new derivative of Zytek's 70kW (94bhp) 300Nm electric engine, which is already proven with US vehicle manufacturers.

Mounted in the transmission tunnel, the Zytek unit drives the rear wheels through a conventional five-speed manual gearbox. When the clutch pedal is pressed, electronic controls automatically match motor revs to the output shaft speed to ensure a perfect change.

"A multi-speed transmission allows the motor to spend more time operating in its sweet spot, where it uses energy more efficiently, particularly at high road speeds," explained Zytek Automotive managing director Neil Heslington. "It also allows us to provide lower gearing for rapid acceleration and will make the car more engaging for keen drivers.

"The programme will deliver two engineering concept vehicles. The first, with the five-speed manual box and Liion batteries, will be used for preliminary engineering assessment while the second will be closer to potential production specification, with alternative battery technologies and possibly a sequential gearbox.

"The superb capability of the finished car reflects the passion with which the Zytek team has applied their considerable expertise," adds Morris. "The project is a true collaboration aimed at delivering as much driving pleasure as possible in a zero emissions vehicle. It worked really well, with aluminium fabrication specialist Radshape paying particular attention to retaining chassis stiffness and weight distribution to ensure excellent dynamics and ride quality with good steering feel."

The collaborative research and development project is part-funded by a £100,000 grant from the UK Government's Niche Vehicle Network Programme, which is managed by CENEX to promote the development and commercialisation of new low-carbon vehicle technologies.

Zytek's sales and marketing director Steve Tremble said that one of the reasons for joining the consortium is to show the ease with which his company's technology can be integrated with a rear-wheel drive platform. "With maximum torque from zero rpm, electric power can deliver an immediate, thrilling driving experience," he said. "Our intention is to demonstrate drivability, performance and refinement that comfortably meets the expectations of Morgan's most discerning customers, with an easily-implementable technical solution designed to world-class standards."

Zytek's first experience with a high-performance electric sportscar was in 1997 when it converted a Lotus Elise to electric drive. The award-winning design led to engineering programmes with Chrysler and General Motors, closely followed by a long-term relationship with Daimler to develop and build electric powertrains for the smart fortwo ed (electric drive). In motorsport, Zytek was the first company to race a hybrid at Le Mans and supplied technology for the first KERS-equipped Formula 1 car to win a grand prix.

Further Information
The Niche Vehicle R&D Programme provides support and grant funding for groups of companies throughout the UK that are active in the niche vehicle sector. The programme is funded by Advantage West Midlands and the Technology Strategy Board. Managed by CENEX, it promotes the development and application of new technology to take advantage of the increasing market opportunities for lower carbon vehicles. The Morgan Motor Company has been manufacturing distinctive motor cars since 1909. Today, the company's range combines the best of traditional elegance and craftsmanship with the latest light-weight construction techniques and a choice of high-efficiency engines that offer everything from economical daily motoring to outstanding supercar performance.

Radshape is one of the UK's leading specialist manufactures of high-precision sheet metal components and assemblies. Combining traditional craftsmanship with substantial investments in the latest production technologies allows the company to work across a wide range of low to medium volume programmes. Radshape has worked with Morgan on the design, development and production of aluminium chassis structures for more than 12 years.

Zytek Automotive has designed and integrated electric drive systems for a wide range of major European and US vehicle manufacturers. The company is currently building high performance electric drivetrains from 25kW -70kW and has drives of 100kW and more in development to meet growing demand for zero emissions light commercial vehicles and high-performance passenger cars. Their UK facility can integrate up to 6,000 E drives a year in batches as low as 100, providing vehicle manufacturers with a highly flexible specialist production resource for their low carbon vehicle programmes.

All Content ......

The Morgan Motor Company has decided to bring back the classic with the release of their 2011 Morgan Threewheeler. The car will be launched at the 2011 Geneva motor show, with UK sales expected in summer 2011. Prices will be announced at launch, but CAR understands around £30,000 is likely.

Around 30,000 examples of the original model were built between 1909 to 1953. But while the new version retains the old school looks, Morgan has thoroughly updated the design.

Power will be provided by an 1800cc Harley Davidson 'Screaming Eagle' engine with approximately 100 hp (75 kW / 101 PS). It will be paired to a Mazda-sourced five-speed manual transmission, which should allow the 500kg (1100 lb) trike to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).

The interior is decked out in aircraft style with toggle switches, a "bomb release" style start button and black or tan leather seating, and the three wheels are gloss black wire, with gloss black wheel arches and lamps.

It's based on a tubular frame wrapped in aluminium superformed bodywork. The leather-padded cockpit will be protected by two rollover bars, but there is no hood available. Morgan claims a kerbweight of 500kg.

Buyers will be able to select one of eight exterior color choices, which are all complimented by black components in matte or gloss finish.

Source: Morgan




Press Release

The Morgan Threewheeler

The success of the Morgan Motor Company was founded on the manufacture of an icon, the Morgan Threewheeler. This brilliant but simple design by engineer Harry Morgan (HFS) became one of the most successful lightweight cars of the early days of motoring. From 1909 to 1953 around 30,000 Morgan Threewheelers were manufactured in Malvern and many more were made under license by Darmont Morgan in France. For many lucky owners it was their first experience of the freedom that car ownership could bring. Fast acceleration combined with a cruising range of over 50 miles to a gallon of petrol was an unbeatable combination in the day. On the race track the car became very successful, famously winning the French Grand Prix in 1913 and regularly lapping the banked Brooklands track at an average speed of over 100 mph. Stirling Moss who owned one is on record as saying "My Morgan was a great babe magnet".

Whilst the world is a very different place in 2011 the time is right to relaunch this exceptional design. Young people may not have experienced the same thrill as the early Threewheeler pilots and perhaps cult status is assured for a car with such an emphasis on simple honest functionality. The future of road transport in the 21st Century has two big issues, the conservation of precious resources and the protection of our beautiful natural environment. Downsizing and a philosophy of simplicity are ways of dealing with these problems.The Morgan Threewheeler is a proven answer to these problems. In 2011 the Morgan Motor Company is to expand its range and go back to its roots.

The 2011 Morgan Threewheeler is a fusion of modern technology into a classic design. By fitting the latest "Screaming Eagle" 1800 cc engine from Harley Davidson and a Mazda 5 speed gearbox the car provides 'get in and drive' simplicity and reliability. A sturdy tubular frame and two rollover bars surround the passenger compartment. An aerodynamic super formed 'bullet' hull protects the occupants from the weather. However the feeling of freedom and contact with the road through the front wheels will bring to mind the joy of driving cars from the 20's and 30's but with none of their fragility or temperament. A leather padded aircraft style cockpit indulges the feeling of 'flying through the air'. Refining the original design has produced a unique 21st century vehicle. A sub 500kgs overall weight and a slippery hull provides the ultimate in performance and fuel economy. The Morgan Three wheeler has unrivalled power to weight for its on the road price.

Specification
The specification ensures the driver and passenger have exactly what they need whilst encapsulating the original Morgan Threewheeler's DNA. The attractive themes apparent in the successful Sport range of traditional Morgans forms the basis of the specification of the cars. Eight Sport colours with black detailing and a choice of black or tan leather are offered.

Weight: 500kg (Est.)
Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)
Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)
0-60 : 4.5 seconds (Est.)
Engine: 1800cc 'V twin'
Gearbox: 5 speed + reverse
Super formed aluminium body
Motorcycle homologation
Choice of 8 sport colours
Gloss black wheel arches and lamps
Gloss black wire wheels
Matt black exhausts + gloss heat shield
Nickel colored cowl
Super formed aluminium body
Gloss black roll hoops
Twin flyscreens
Black or tan leather
Leather seats, dash and side pads
Exposed tubular black chassis
Leather steering wheel + alloy centre
Black anodized dash panel
Aluminium 'aircraft' toggle switches
Body Colored trim panels
'Bomb release' style start button
'Bespoke' specifications for the Morgan Threewheeler will be available, as with any Morgan, but at increased cost and following a run of standard cars off the production line.

All Content ......

In this 100th year of operations for Morgan Motor Company, the specialty manufacturer has announced they will be putting the Morgan Aero SuperSports on the market. To this day, Morgan is still owned by the family of entrepreneur HFS Morgan, and it shows in many of the design characteristics still seen on their cars today.

Press Release

Morgan Aero SuperSports

Throughout 2009 the Morgan Motor Company is celebrating one hundred years of continuous manufacture of motorcars. The company has remained in one family's ownership since the founder HFS Morgan made his first car in 1909.

As part of the Centenary celebrations Morgan announces a truly special model.

Designed and engineered in house, the Morgan Aero SuperSports is a lightweight aluminium sports car with a luxurious specification. The interior features a comfortable combination of polished hardwoods, hand stitched leather and electronic technology to create a driving environment that is efficient, ergonomic and sumptuous. In spite of all this opulence the overall weight of the car is still minimal so the car is responsive to driver inputs and economical to run. The unique way Morgan can achieve this is down to our use of aircraft style superformed aluminium outer panels and the skills of our craftsmen to hand finish the assembly of each car.

This technology debuted in the 100 AeroMax coupes built by the factory in 2008 and 2009.

Such was demand for this model, that Morgan have taken the decision to produce the Morgan Aero SuperSports. A limited edition, the car makes use of two aluminium detachable roof panels. These can either turn the car effectively in to a coupe or when detached bring fresh air and the aromas of the seasons to the driving experience without undue wind disturbance to spoil the journey. The panels can be stored conveniently in the boot.

The car of course benefits from the lightweight aluminium Aero chassis which is adhesively bonded for class leading rigidity. Exceeding global crash protection standards, this is also the platform used by the Morgan Aero Eight GT3 currently competing successfully in the 2009 International FIA GT3 Championship. This chassis combined with the aluminium 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine and a choice of 6 speed automatic or manual gearboxes offers an unrivalled driving experience. No other automatic car offers such dynamic power transmission.

Drawn by Matthew Humphries, and engineered for production by the experienced "Morgan Design" team, the new Aero Super Sports is due to enter production in early 2010. A deposit of £25,000 is required to ensure the supply of one of these exciting new models. It is anticipated to cost around £127,000 including VAT.

Charles Morgan, Grandson of the founder said " The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a luxurious flamboyant sports car which also remains true to Morgan's philosophy of lightweight minimalist simplicity. It is a celebration of our love of cars and the romance of travel and is a fitting model to announce during Morgan's Centenary year."
via:World Car Fans



Other article:
Morgan SuperSports Junior 3-wheeler pedal car revealed
Morgan Aero 8 Updated for 2006

All Content ......

The SuperSport Junior Pedal Car is built to 2/3 scale and is based on the original Morgan 3-wheel vehicles built by Morgan founder HFS Morgan at the beginning of the 20th Century.


Morgan will make only 500 of the SuperSport Junior Pedal Car. Each will sell for 2,510 UK pounds, or 2,642 euros. Leather upholstery will cost you an extra 250 pounds.


The car features high quality materials to keep the weight down and is made from aluminum. Morgan Motor Company says it has designed this pedal-powered car for 6 to 13 year olds.


Okay, let's get this out of the way: It's a tricycle. A very expensive tricycle.


But what if they made this car for adults? Larger and with a battery and no pedals? Yes, that's a great idea. An electric car!


via:World Car Fans



Other article:
Morgan LIFECar Project
Morgan LifeCar Concept
Morgan AeroMax and GT3 On Show at Geneva
Morgan Aeromax to be Produced
Mr Bean Jumps in Morgan Aeromax
Morgan AeroMax goes into production


All Content ......

Morgan's funky retro-modern AeroMax coupe, originally built as a custom vehicle and displayed at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, is going into production. The startling AeroMax combines Morgan's familiar lines with a modern envelope body. It's a love-it or hate-it design, but enough people love it that Morgan will build 100 of them.

The AeroMax features an all-aluminum body bolted to Morgan's signature ash wood frame. The complex body's twin rear windows are powered, allowing access to the luggage compartment with its available fitted Connolly luggage. Power is provided by a 4.8 liter V8 sourced from BMW, and the AeroMax is rated at 367bhp. In addition to being possibly the most aerodynamic-looking Morgan ever, the AeroMax is also the first Morgan to have an automatic transmission, as it's equipped with a six-speed ZF autobox. Morgan claims a 4.2-second 0-100km/h run and a 170mph top speed.

The modern technology bolted to the AeroMax' wood frame also includes electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), cruise control, a tire pressure monitor and anti-lock brakes.

The AeroMax is in production at Malvern, with the first cars to be delivered soon.

Press Release

Morgan AeroMax Enters Limited Production

Two years after world debut
Just 2 years after its debut at the 2006 Geneva Autoshow as a one off built to order for one of Morgan’s discerning customers, the AeroMax coupe has entered series production at the Morgan factory.
Such was the interest surrounding this unique design that it was decided, with the kind permission of its owner, to make a limited production run of 100 cars, all of which were sold within just a few weeks of its announcement.
Following a two year intense period of production development, and a number of minor improvements to the overall design, the first customer AeroMax is shortly to be delivered.
No expense has been spared in ensuring that the production quality mirrors expectations. Innovations include a world first, the use of high tech super formed aluminium panels for the entire body. This process allows the most complex of shapes to be made in aluminium which are then fitted over a traditional ash frame. Beautifully detailed inside, the coachbuilt ash frame proves that construction of the Morgan AeroMax remains true to Morgan philosophy. Using this unique mix of technology and high quality materials, the AeroMax is assembled with care and dedication by the craftsman and women in Malvern. This method of construction offers a minimum of carbon emissions and maximum sustainability.
The body is bolted to a stiff yet lightweight Aero 8 chassis which from 2008 is fitted with the 367Bhp 4.8 litre BMW V8 engine. This gives AeroMax performance to match its looks. For the first time a Morgan can have an automatic gearbox. The latest ZF 6HP 26 gearbox gives the fastest change in the world and endows the automatic with better acceleration and fuel economy than the manual thanks to its lock up clutch, low power loss and instant change characteristics. It also delivers lower CO2 emissions, 267 g/km, a figure not normally associated with a 0-62 mph (100 kph) capability of just 4.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 170mph.
This will be the first Morgan to use Canbus software to control not only the engine functions but also some body technology such as lighting, wipers and instrumentation. Reassurance and security are provided by Electronic Brake Distribution, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS and Siemens electronic airbags.
The twin electrically operated glass rear windows allow easy access for the optional stitched calf leather Connolly luggage.
The technically advanced engine and lightweight construction give the best of all worlds – performance, economy and low emissions, yet still with all of the safety systems one would expect in a modern performance car.
Morgan believes with AeroMax it leads the way in exclusive bespoke low volume car construction using quality raw materials and advanced technologies that are not available to Morgan’s competitors in the world of luxury car production. Owners of the Morgan AeroMax will be joining a very exclusive club with a unique opportunity to share their motoring dreams.

Source: Morgan




Related entries:

Morgan AeroMax and GT3 On Show at Geneva
Morgan Aeromax to be Produced
Morgan LifeCar Concept
Mr Bean Jumps in Morgan Aeromax

All Content ......

First Morgan GT

Following confirmation last year that just 100 AeroMax’ are to be built from early 2008, just 29 of the planned 100 remain unsold such has been the response to this unique vehicle.

The first Gran Turismo coupe from the Malvern factory since the unique Plus Four Plus in the 1960s, the new car was styled by in response to a special request from Swiss Morgan owner and enthusiast, Eric I Sturdza. The AeroMax uses the sophisticated aluminium chassis from the Aero Eight but is coachbuilt in the traditional Morgan fashion using a laminated ash wood skeleton skinned in “A class” superformed lightweight aluminium panels.

The AeroMax combines lightweight construction with advanced technology. The car is available with a 6 speed manual gearbox or the latest ZF automatic 6 speed transmission to increase economy and reduce emissions. Reassurance and security are provided by Electronic Brake Distribution, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, ABS and Siemens electronic airbags. The engine is the latest 4.8 litre all alloy V8 from BMW. BMW’s unique valvetronic technology combined with Morgan’s light weight construction leads to very low Co2 emissions as well as the high performance expected of an environmentally responsible supercar. This will be the first Morgan to use Canbus technology to control not only the engine functions but also the body technology such as lighting, wipers and instrumentation.

The all up weight minus driver and fuel is expected to be under 1200Kg.

The high output engine and lightweight construction give the best of all worlds – performance, economy and low emissions, yet still with all of the safety systems one would expect in a modern performance car.

Morgan is delighted with progress on the project and believes the company leads the way in exclusive low volume construction techniques using quality raw materials that are not available to Morgan’s competitors in the world of low volume luxury mass production.

First race May 6th

Following a short break, Morgan rejoins the international race circuit with the latest version of the Aero 8 GT3.

The 3 car “AutoGT Racing” team, sponsored by Banque Baring Brothers Sturdza S.A., and run by the renowned F1 racers Jean Pierre Jabouille and legend Jacques Laffite will appear for the first race of the season at Silverstone on May 6 2007.

Lafitte commented, “we are so looking forward to running this car. We are convinced the basics are there, and now have the team and the funding to make the project prove the potential”

Fitted with a dry sump 5.0 litre BMW V8, with some 420 Bhp, a Holinger 6 speed sequential gearbox, reworked suspension and racing brakes, carbon bodywork and revised aerodynamics the package looks highly competitive.

With a top driver line up, Jacques Laffite, Frederic O’neil, Marguerite Laffite, Georges Alexandre Sturdza, Frederic Makowiecki and Jean Francoise Le Roch the team are both optimistic and excited about the prospects for the coming year.

Related entries:

Morgan Aeromax to be Produced
Morgan LifeCar Concept
Mr Bean Jumps in Morgan Aeromax

All Content ......