Full-time Morgan models down to just two

BY TUNG NGUYEN | 29th Jan 2019

SPORTSCAR niche brand Morgan will cull its Australian line-up from six models to two as the 4/4 and Plus 4 are discontinued due to the stricter Worldwide Harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP), and the engine supply for the Aero 8 and Plus 8 runs dry.

The remaining models, the V6-powered Roadster and quirky 3 Wheeler will still be available on an ongoing basis from $145,000 before on-road costs and $107,000 respectively, however a small number of production slots of the 4/4 and Plus 4 are still on offer for 2019.

Powered by an ADR-compliant 82kW/131Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that does not meet new WLTP standards, the Morgan 4/4 is priced at $94,000 and is expected to be the last naturally aspirated version of the nameplate that has been in production since 1936.

Similarly, the Morgan Plus 4’s Ford-sourced 115kW/201Nm also fails to meet WLTP regulations, but is still available to order in limited numbers from $105,000.

Meanwhile, the Aero 8 and Plus 8, which are powered by a 270kW/490Nm 4.8-litre petrol V8 borrowed from BMW, has officially been taken off the market as supplies of the bent eight dried up last year.

For reference, the Roadster is motivated by a 3.7-litre V6 producing 209kW of power and 352Nm of torque and has been updated with a five-link rear suspension set-up, limited-slip differential and adjustable dampers as standard.

Finally, the 3 Wheeler continues with its 60kW/140Nm 2.0-litre two-cylinder engine and a number of no-cost options as part of its 110th anniversary.

For the future, Morgan Cars Australia expects fresh metal to bolster its line-up as the “factory is known to be working on a new ‘up-market, premium price’ models”, but production and deliveries will likely not come before 2020.

One such model, seen in overseas spy photos and now confirmed by a Morgan Motor Company spokesperson, is a 'wide body' vehicle to be launched later this year built on an all-new aluminium platform that will sit close to the top of the brand's performance spectrum.

"The same new platform will underpiun a 'flagship' vehicle that will feature an entirely new body shape, due to launch within the next four years," the spokesperson also said.

Last year Morgan Cars Australia sold just 10 examples of its vehicles, a 25 per cent jump over the eight units it shifted in 2017.

2019 Morgan range pricing*