Morgan has unveiled its most powerful car to date, the Supersport 400, positioning it as a direct competitor to Porsche and seeking to attract a new generation of buyers.

A New Era for Morgan

The £135,000 sports car represents a significant shift for the Worcestershire-based manufacturer, traditionally known for its classic craftsmanship and handling. Morgan is now entering the high-performance power segment with this new model.

Performance and Power

The Supersport 400 boasts a formidable 402bhp and 500Nm of torque, making it the most powerful road car ever produced by Morgan. The company employs around 200 people and produces approximately 800 hand-built vehicles annually.

Engine and Speed

At the heart of the Supersport 400 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine sourced from BMW’s ‘M’ performance division. This engine allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph.

Pricing and Target Audience

Priced at £135,558, the Supersport 400 exceeds the cost of a Porsche 911 and other high-end sports cars like the Mercedes AMG-GT. Morgan’s strategy aims to modernize the brand and attract a younger, affluent demographic – individuals in their 40s and 50s – currently driving vehicles from Porsche and Aston Martin.

Design and Specifications

Despite the performance upgrades, the Supersport 400 retains the iconic Morgan aesthetic, featuring a long bonnet, oval headlamps, and a distinctive grille. Key specifications include a kerb weight of 1,170kg, a power-to-weight ratio of 344bhp per tonne, and CO2 emissions of 180g/km.

Enhanced Handling

The Supersport 400 incorporates the Dynamic Handling Pack as standard, featuring adjustable coilovers, revised valving, and spring rates, along with modifications to the suspension geometry and damping. An optional limited-slip differential is also available.

Regulatory Advantages

Due to its limited annual production (under 1,000 units), Morgan benefits from legislative exemptions, avoiding features like automatic lane-keeping and speed limit warnings. This also shields the company from regulations like the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel engine sales.