Morgan

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 21, 2023

Morgan To Debut Super 3 In The U.S. At The Bridge Event

The event marks Morgan's official return to the American automotive market. Morgan Motor Company is rolling into the United States market in style, as the highly-anticipated Morgan Super 3 is set to make its public debut at The Bridge VII on September 23rd. Hosted at the prestigious Bridgehampton Golf Club, this event is no ordinary automotive gathering—it's one of the most exclusive showcases for automotive connoisseurs, featuring some of the most iconic cars, both past and present. The Morgan Super 3, designed to impress, won't show up alone; the sports car is being shown as two exclusive bespoke models, each representing a different side of this incredibly customizable vehicle. One of these two unique commissions is dressed in an elegant Ice Green Metallic paint and adorned with Cotswold Green leather. Dark graphite wheels and structural castings provide a contrast, accompanied by a subtle one-off livery pattern that graces the lower sides of the body. This model is a head-turner, designed to set new trends in the exotic car market. Its companion Super 3 exudes a different vibe entirely, fitted for those with adventure on the brain. Sporting a Reflex Silver finish, this model boasts numerous bespoke markings. It keeps the Cotswold Green leather consistent but introduces contrasting orange accents, including additional driving lights and side exo-racks. The orange bungees are a highlight, revealing the vehicle's extensive list of fitted options. This grand entrance of the Super 3 marks a significant moment for Morgan Motor Company, as it officially reintroduces the brand to the U.S. market. It’s not just about the debut, though; the Super 3 is now available for test drives at Morgan dealerships across the country. It's more than a product launch; it's the revival of a longstanding relationship between Morgan and the United States. Morgan plans to release more four-wheeled models in the U.S. as soon as 2024, continuing to build upon this renewed alliance. Massimo Fumarola, the Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Motor Company, expressed his excitement: “I am delighted to be showing the Morgan Super 3 for the first time in the United States at The Bridge VII. Super 3 represents bold design, provides a sense of adventure, and is endlessly customizable. These qualities are all portrayed in our two special commissions for the event.” His words encapsulate the aura of endless possibilities and the future of customization that the Super 3 brings to the automotive industry. The Morgan Super 3 is landing in the United States, and it is already making waves. The Super 3 embodies the blend of classic and contemporary, the amalgamation of style and substance, and it is this unique combination that makes it an immediate standout in a sea of luxury vehicles. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Image Source: Morgan

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 24, 2022

The New Morgan Super 3 Proves That 3 Is Still A Magic Number

To Morgan, less wheels means more fun. For 113 years, three-wheeled Morgans have been a staple in motorsport, providing a small, light, yet highly capable vehicle that does a wonderful job at boiling driving down to the basics, and connecting the driver to the car for a visceral, exhilarating experience. MUST READ: First Morgan Plus 8 GTR Complete, Most Powerful Car in Company’s History Now, the newest three-wheeled Morgan, the Super 3, is the best one yet. It effortlessly combines the vintage and historical appeal of driving a car that has its roots in some of the earliest days of motorsport, and stays true to them, with the modern innovation and technology to make the Super 3 remain a fun, exciting, and practical car to drive by today’s standards. The Super 3 is the first Morgan to feature a monocoque structure, and it also features more options and customizations than ever before, making it the perfect blend between historical homage and modern machine. Similar to the number of wheels, its 3-cylinder engine makes 118 horsepower, and the Super 3 gets to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. While those aren’t exactly performance car numbers, the open-air, lightweight driving experience, along with the 5-speed manual transmission, not to mention the £34,958.33 price makes for an affordable and exciting way to bring driving pleasure back to basics.

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2021

First Morgan Plus 8 GTR Complete, Most Powerful Car in Co...

The first of nine. The very first Mordan Plus 8 GTR has been completed, officially making it the most powerful vehicle that the automaker has ever produced. Each of the planned nine Plus 8 GTR examples will be powered by a V8 engine that packs 375 horsepower, an amount that makes the model the most powerful Morgan. There are plenty of other changes that make the Plus 8 GTR stand out, like the twin exhaust setup, a high shoulder line, five-spoke center-lock wheels, revised rear end, front wings, front splitter, and unique GTR branding inside and out. As for the first example to be produced, it's finished in a lovely Yas Marina Blue paint with a black interior. We can't wait to see the rest of the eight examples that come out of Mordan's Malvern factory. Source: Morgan Motor Company

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 06, 2021

Morgan Motor Company Debuts The All-New Plus Four CX-T

Morgan has partnered with Rally Raid UK, renowned creators of Dakar race vehicles, for the project. When it comes to traditionally designed sportscars with modern performance and technology, the Morgan Motor Company is one of the most well-known brands in the automotive industry. The United Kingdom-based manufacturer is proud to debut its newest model, the Morgan Plus Four CX-T. The Plus Four CX-T is a new modified version of the traditional Morgan Plus Four, designed explicitly for an overland adventure. Exterior Morgan Motor Company 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. Simultaneously, Morgan has ensured that its visual design reflects this capability and purposefulness. Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with unique side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic four-seater Morgan. The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surfboards, 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. Interior Morgan Motor Company 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 optimized 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. Just like the exterior equipment, every interior feature has been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, whether this is for use in remote conditions or the leisure pursuits of the owner. The cabin is enclosed within a composite hard top which is unique to the Plus Four CX-T and has been intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages. Technical Features Morgan Motor Company The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software, calibrated and tested specifically for the application. 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. The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready: tough and fit for purpose. Durability, and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230mm, 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. View All Morgan Vehicles For Sale Media/Information Source: Morgan Motor Company

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By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2021

2010 Morgan SuperSports For Sale

Imagine a proper English grand tourer built with the best parts from every automaker. Now imagine it in your collection, because we are proud to offer this 2020 Morgan SuperSports for sale. Back in 2009, the Morgan Motor Comany wanted to celebrate their centenary in style. In lieu of badges and decals, they decided to build a targa-topped example of the Aero 8. Inspired by their limited production AeroMax, the SuperSports required reinforcements to the chassis to cope with going topless. In addition, the fuel filler, fenders, and trunk were all revised for a run of only 180 cars. Each part of the body and chassis is superformed of high-strength aluminum. After heating, the raw parts are inflated against a mold with a near-vacuum on the other side. The result is a car that is lighter and much stronger than it needs to be. As such, it is easily capable of handling the BMW 4.8-liter V8. Backed by a six-speed manual transmission, you will have 6-Series power at your command. Never straying from their heritage, the artisans cut and formed a layer of ash wood to insulate the cockpit to the chassis and support the body panels. Unlike plastics and carbon fiber, wood is completely renewable and it inspired a certain Chevrolet 2-seater to seek out wood for their floorpans. Each Morgan is built to order and this one has only been driven 2,739 miles. Click the button below for all the details! View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2021

2021 Morgan Plus 8 GTR Is Light & Limited

More power feels great, but less weight is more rewarding. If you need a new featherweight track machine, the 2021 Morgan Plus 8 GTR is light and limited. Only nine cars will be offered in this new series. Evoking the best styling attributes of its predecessor, the high beltline and center-lock wheels are just as functional now as they were before. These cars are inspired by "Big Blue", their first chassis of bonded aluminum. Also staying true to form, the BMW 4.8-liter V8 is onboard to offer 363 horsepower. Your choice of six-speed manual or ZF automatic is the only real question, so click the button to find one for yourself. Browse Morgan For Sale Images (C) Morgan Motor Company

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2020

Morgan is Ending 3 Wheeler Production With a Limited Edit...

It's sad to say, but the Morgan 3 Wheeler's production will cease in 2021. The Morgan Motor Company is saying farewell to the beloved model with the new P101 edition. The name given to this limited edition model stands for Project 101 which was actually the name given when the revival of the 3 Wheeler occurred back in 2011. Each P101 will be available in either a Deep Black or Satin White paint finish. Furthermore, customers can also choose from four different P101 art packs. Here how Morgan explains each on in their press release: "The Belly Tank – Referencing liveries found on belly tank racers and ‘lakesters’ that were inspirations for the 3 Wheeler initially, The Belly Tank graphic pack features a distressed effect in the vinyl. The Dazzleship (vehicle shown in photography/video) – The Dazzleship is the boldest of the art packs. Its striking black and white design is inspired by the graphic camouflage of period military vehicles. The Aviator – Evoking a sense of aviation spirit, The Aviator graphic pack is an extension of similarly themed graphics currently offered on the 3 Wheeler. This art pack is inspired by nose art found on RAF planes in WWII. The Race Car – Three wheeled Morgan vehicles were competing in motorsport almost as soon as the first example was created. The Race Car graphic pack features stripes and roundels, paying homage to the liveries that adorned early Morgan race cars." The new Morgan 3 Wheeler P101 will have a starting base price of £45,000, which equates to around $60,000 USD. Those interested should note that all 33 production slots have already been spoken for across the globe. See All Morgans For Sale

Morgan CX-Generation platform and traditional steel chassis (1)

By Edward Jones – July 07, 2020

Morgan Says Goodbye to the Steel Chassis After 84 Years

It's the end of an era as Morgan Motor Company says goodbye to their steel chassis. After 84 years, the last Morgan with such a chassis has rolled off the production line at their Pickersleigh Road factory in Malvern, UK. This chassis first came into the world back in 1934 and has been in produtione ver since, making it the longest running production car architecture. For the final car built on the steel chassis, that was a Plus 4 70th Edition that was purchased by a longtime Morgan collector who actually has other historically significant Morgans. Replacing the steel chassis will be Morgan's new CX-Generation bonded aluminum platform that was introduced back in March 2019. This chassis can be found in all four-wheeled Morgan models. See All Morgans for Sale Steve Morris, CEO and Chairman of Morgan Motor Company, said: “The steel chassis has been fundamental to Morgan’s production for more than eight decades, found beneath the skin of some of the most important and successful models in the company’s history. Its unique driving charm is loved by many and, in fact, demand for steel chassis cars is still strong. However, with the introduction of our CX-Generation platform, which underpins our revolutionary new range of four-wheeled products, the time has come to bid farewell to the steel chassis. We are delighted to present this final steel chassis car to a long-standing friend of the factory, who we know will enjoy it alongside his extensive Morgan collection.”

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2015

Morgan EV3 3-Wheeled Electric Prototype to be Unveiled at...

Neither we nor Morgan Motor Company are strangers to three-wheeled transportation. The storied marque reintroduced their classic 3-wheeler in 2011 with Harley-Davidson power up front mated to a Mazda Miata 5 speed manual transmission. They are a staple of our annual Exotic Car Buyers Guide, and generate exponential smiles every time we showcase one in our booth.With an estimated cruising range of 150 miles, it has the potential to be a fun contender in the electric car marketplace. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Morgan news, and check out their authorized dealer page in the Exotic Car Buyers Guide for a dealer near you.3 Wheelers For Sale(Source: Morgan Motor Company) See More Morgan News

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