Morgan Supersport 400: A Porsche Rival

Morgan has launched its most powerful car to date, the Supersport 400, directly aiming to compete with established sports car manufacturers like Porsche and appeal to a new customer base.

A New Era for Morgan

The £135,000 sports car features a BMW-sourced engine and a significant performance boost. This marks a notable shift for the Worcestershire-based, classic car manufacturer, known for its traditional craftsmanship and focus on handling.

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 currently employs around 200 people and produces approximately 800 hand-built vehicles annually.

Powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine from BMW’s ‘M’ performance division, the Supersport 400 accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 180mph.

Blending Heritage with Modernity

While slightly more powerful than the base Porsche 911 Carrera (389bhp), the Porsche remains more affordable. However, Morgan’s strategy isn’t solely based on price. The Supersport 400 represents a fundamental change in the company’s approach.

Traditionally, Morgan prioritized classic construction techniques – including ash wood for the car’s frame – and refined handling. This new model combines that heritage with modern performance capabilities.

Design and Features

The car retains the iconic Morgan aesthetic, featuring a long bonnet, oval headlamps, and a distinctive grille, with curved front wings seamlessly integrating into the rear design.

The Supersport 400 includes Morgan’s Dynamic Handling Pack as standard, featuring adjustable coilovers, revised valving and spring rates, and optimized suspension geometry. 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, allowing it to forgo features like automatic lane-keeping and autonomous city braking. This also shields the company from stringent emission regulations, providing a competitive advantage.