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Morgan Plus Six
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| Morgan Plus Six | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Morgan Motor Company |
| Production | 2019–2025 |
| Assembly | United Kingdom: Malvern, Worcestershire, England |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door roadster |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Platform | CX-Generation aluminium platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2,998 cc BMW B58B30 turbo I6 |
| Power output | 250 kW (335 hp; 340 PS) |
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3,910 mm (153.9 in) |
| Width | 1,745 mm (68.7 in) |
| Height | 1,280 mm (50.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,075 kg (2,370 lb) dry |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Morgan Plus 8 |
| Successor | Morgan Supersport |
The Morgan Plus Six is a sports car produced by the Morgan Motor Company from 2019 to 2025. It is a two-door roadster with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout that replaced the Morgan Plus 8.
History
[edit]Launch
[edit]After the Morgan Plus 8 was discontinued in 2018, Morgan presented its successor, the Plus Six, at the 89th Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Compared to the old platform, the Plus Six features a new glued aluminum platform, with the torsional rigidity increased by 100% and the weight of the new basic structure reduced by 100 kg (220 lb). The body still sits on an ash wood frame, which has been significantly reinforced compared to the previous series.[1]
At the launch, the roadster was available in two colors - Emerald and Moonstone.[1]
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Rear view
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Interior
2022 update
[edit]In November 2022, the series received technical updates, including a new brake system and a revised interior.[2] In collaboration with Pininfarina, the special model Midsummer was created, limited to 50 units, which was presented in May 2024 and had its public premiere at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024. It is a Barchetta without a traditional windshield.[3]
Before production of the Plus Six was discontinued in 2025, Morgan presented the special model Pinnacle, limited to 30 units, to conclude the series in October 2024.[4][5] The successor model is the Morgan Supersport, which was presented in March 2025.[6][7]
Specifications
[edit]The Plus Six features a new bonded aluminum platform called "CX-Generation," combined with a wooden frame. This design increases torsional rigidity by 100% compared to the previous aluminum platform used in other Morgan models. Additionally, they extended the wheelbase by 20 mm and reconfigured the interior to provide more space.[8]
The Plus Six is powered by the 335 hp (250 kW; 340 PS) BMW B58 in-line six-cylinder petrol engine and is notably the first model from Morgan equipped with a turbocharger from the factory. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and the top speed is given as 267 km/h (166 mph).[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Baumann, Uli (2019-03-05). "Morgan Plus Six: Erstmals mit Turbo und neuem Alu-Chassis" [Morgan Plus Six: For the first time with a turbo and new aluminum chassis]. Auto-motor-und-sport.de (in German). Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- ^ "Morgan Plus Four und Plus Six zeigen sich mit Interieur-Update" [Morgan Plus Four and Plus Six have an interior update]. Motor1.com (in German). Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- ^ Christopher Otto (2024-05-17). "Morgan Midsummer: Rassiger Roadster von Pininfarina" [Morgan Midsummer: A racy roadster by Pininfarina]. de.motor1.com. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
- ^ Uli Baumann (2024-10-23). "Feierabend für den Klassiker" [Time to call it a day for the classic]. auto-motor-und-sport.de. Retrieved 2024-10-23.
- ^ Jupp, Ethan (23 October 2024). "Morgan Plus Six bows out with Pinnacle limited edition". Evo. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ Roland Hildebrandt (2025-03-11). "Morgan Supersport (2025): Alte Optik, neue Alu-Plattform" [Morgan Supersport (2025): Old look, new aluminum platform]. de.motor1.com. Retrieved 2025-03-12.
- ^ Fitzgerald, Jack (24 February 2025). "Morgan to Reveal Plus Six Replacement on March 11". Car and Driver. Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ^ Bellois, Bertrand (7 March 2019). "Morgan Plus Six: toute nouvelle !" [Morgan Plus Six: brand new!]. L'Argus (in French). Retrieved 14 March 2024.
External links
[edit]- Morgan Motor Company page Archived 2022-03-25 at the Wayback Machine
Morgan Plus Six
View on GrokipediaHistory and Development
Origins and Launch
The Morgan Plus Six emerged as the successor to the long-running Plus 8, which had relied on a traditional steel chassis and a V8 engine since 1968, marking a pivotal shift for the British manufacturer toward contemporary engineering standards.[7][8] In response to evolving global regulations on vehicle safety, emissions, and performance, Morgan developed the CX-Generation platform, an in-house bonded aluminum structure that replaced the company's 84-year-old steel chassis tradition.[7] This new chassis provided significantly enhanced torsional rigidity—twice that of the prior aluminum platform introduced in 2000—while reducing overall weight and enabling compliance with stringent modern safety and environmental requirements.[9][10] The primary goals of the Plus Six's development were to preserve Morgan's signature handcrafted, retro-inspired aesthetics while integrating advanced materials and technology for improved drivability and sustainability.[11] The CX-Generation platform contributed to a kerb weight of 1,075 kg, a notable reduction that enhanced handling and efficiency without compromising the brand's lightweight philosophy.[12][13] Powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine sourced from BMW, the model achieved full emissions compliance, allowing sales in markets previously inaccessible to thirstier predecessors like the Plus 8.[12][14] The Plus Six made its global debut at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show on March 5, where Morgan opened orders for the vehicle as its new flagship roadster.[8] Initial UK pricing started at approximately £77,995, positioning it as a premium offering above models like the Plus Four.[15] First customer deliveries commenced in the final quarter of 2019, following initial allocations to dealers earlier that year.[16][17]2022 Update
In May 2021, Morgan Motor Company announced a mid-cycle refresh for the 2022 model year Plus Six, incorporating subtle aesthetic and functional improvements to enhance usability, visual appeal, and refinement while maintaining the model's traditional character. These updates were applied to all new orders starting immediately and became standard for vehicles delivered from late 2021 onward.[18] Exterior enhancements focused on modernizing key elements without altering the Plus Six's iconic silhouette. The front received a revised lower grille with an optional black mesh finish for a sportier look, complemented by new LED headlights featuring a concierge function that illuminates the area for 30 seconds after the ignition is turned off. Updated wing vents incorporated optional black lower intake mesh, contributing to a more cohesive design. Aerodynamic refinements came via an all-new hood with a redesigned frame structure, eliminating cumbersome rail fasteners and adding enhanced seals to reduce wind noise and improve downforce at higher speeds.[19][20][21] Interior tweaks emphasized comfort and connectivity. An upgraded infotainment system integrated dual USB ports alongside existing Bluetooth functionality, allowing seamless mobile device pairing for audio and charging. New seat options provided better lateral support, with the standard Comfort Plus seats on the Plus Six including pneumatic bolsters that automatically inflate in Sport mode for enhanced grip during dynamic driving.[18][20] On the performance side, minor ECU remapping optimized torque delivery for smoother low-end response, yielding slight improvements in accessibility without increasing overall power output, which remained at 335 horsepower. These adjustments refined drivability across drive modes, prioritizing everyday usability over outright performance gains. The refresh overall aimed to evolve the Plus Six's blend of heritage and modernity for contemporary owners.[22]Discontinuation and Legacy
Production of the Morgan Plus Six ended in early 2025, after six years on sale since its 2019 debut, with nearly 1,000 units hand-built at the company's Malvern facility.[23][24] To commemorate the model's conclusion, Morgan released the Plus Six Pinnacle, a special edition limited to 30 units worldwide. These cars offered extensive customization, including paint-to-sample exterior colors at no additional cost, three premium leather interior options—Fawn (light tan), Riviera (soft blue), or Explore (dark brown with pebble grain)—along with matching sheepskin carpets, unique stitching, satin silver accents on wheels and trim, a flip-up racing-style fuel cap, and commemorative plaques bearing the Pinnacle logo on the backrest, teak center column, and dashboard rail. Priced from £96,995 including VAT in the UK, orders opened in October 2024 with first deliveries following shortly thereafter.[4] The Plus Six's discontinuation cleared the path for Morgan's next flagship, the Supersport, which was unveiled in March 2025 and entered production later that year. Retaining a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine similar to the Plus Six's, the Supersport features an evolved aluminum chassis for improved rigidity and handling, while maintaining the brand's signature lightweight ethos at just over 1,000 kg.[25][26] In Morgan's history, the Plus Six represented a pivotal shift toward aluminum-intensive construction with its CX-Generation bonded aluminum chassis, departing from the steel chassis of prior models while retaining traditional ash wood framing and setting a template for future engineering that balances heritage styling with contemporary performance demands.[27][28]Design and Features
Chassis and Platform
The Morgan Plus Six utilizes the CX-Generation platform, an in-house developed bonded aluminum structure that replaces the traditional steel chassis used in earlier Morgan models after over 80 years. This innovative architecture employs adhesive bonding and riveting to assemble high-strength aluminum panels and extrusions, resulting in a chassis weighing just 97 kg and doubling the torsional rigidity of the company's previous aluminum platform from 2000. The design achieves a substantial weight reduction compared to prior structures, contributing to the Plus Six's initial dry weight of 1,075 kg while maintaining exceptional structural integrity; later models increased to 1,114-1,145 kg with added safety features.[9][10][29][30][31] Safety is integral to the CX-Generation platform, which incorporates high-strength aluminum alloys to comply with modern crash standards, including integrated crumple zones for controlled energy absorption in frontal and side impacts. From late 2022 onward, the structure supports standard twin front airbags housed in a superformed aluminum dashboard and electronic stability control, ensuring the vehicle meets contemporary regulatory requirements despite its lightweight construction. Although not formally rated by Euro NCAP, the platform's engineering prioritizes occupant protection without compromising the model's agile character.[32][5][33] Key dimensions of the platform include a wheelbase of 2,520 mm, overall length of 3,890 mm, and a uniform track width of 1,492 mm front and rear, representing an increase over previous Morgan models to enhance high-speed stability. The front-engine placement, with the powertrain positioned behind the front axle line, delivers a near 50/50 weight distribution, optimizing balance and responsiveness.[30][34]Body and Styling
The Morgan Plus Six embodies a harmonious fusion of heritage-inspired design and contemporary enhancements, preserving the marque's iconic silhouette while introducing subtle evolutions for improved presence and functionality. Its exterior draws on classic Morgan cues, including a low-slung profile that emphasizes its roadster proportions, and hand-formed aluminum panels stretched over an ash wood frame to create flowing, curvaceous lines reminiscent of pre-war sports cars. This construction highlights the wooden superleggera elements beneath the skin, a signature of Morgan's craftsmanship since the 1930s.[35][2] Modern updates lend the Plus Six a more assertive stance, with a body width of 1,756 mm that broadens its visual footprint and enhances stability without compromising the traditional open-wheel aesthetic. The design evolution prioritizes a contemporary edge, featuring larger alloy wheels and subtle trim refinements, such as the optional black lower grille introduced in the 2022 model year update. Aerodynamic considerations are integrated through streamlined underbody panels and optimized exterior mirrors, which help minimize drag for better high-speed efficiency.[30][18][36] Customization options allow owners to personalize the exterior extensively, with factory offerings including premium paint colors like British Racing Green and hand-built ash wood accents visible through select panel cutouts. An optional mohair tonneau cover provides elegant weather protection when the hood is stowed, maintaining the car's convertible purity while adding a touch of luxury. These elements ensure each Plus Six reflects individual taste within the bounds of its timeless styling.[37][38]Interior and Technology
The interior of the Morgan Plus Six balances traditional British craftsmanship with subtle modern enhancements, creating a minimalist cabin focused on driver engagement. It features two manually adjustable bucket seats upholstered in hand-crafted leather, providing fore/aft movement, rake adjustment, and lumbar support for comfort during spirited drives.[14] Optional Comfort Plus seats incorporate inflatable bolsters and additional back support, adjustable via a hand pump, to better accommodate varied body types.[14] Behind the seats lies a compact cargo area with optional lockable storage on the parcel shelf, allowing for practical everyday use without compromising the sports car's profile.[14] Materials emphasize quality and heritage, with the seats and trim finished in premium leather available in multiple colors and grains, such as black pebble grain as standard, alongside optional two-tone schemes and Alcantara accents for a sportier feel.[39] The superformed aluminum dashboard, updated in late 2022 to accommodate airbags, pairs with a solid wooden lower rail—often walnut or teak for a tactile, hand-stitched aesthetic—housing essential controls while maintaining an uncluttered, analog-inspired layout.[30][5] This construction highlights Morgan's in-house woodworking expertise, using seasoned ash and other woods for durability and visual warmth.[14] Technology remains understated to preserve the model's purist ethos, with a central LCD screen introduced in the 2022 update serving as the driver information display for fuel levels, warnings, and trip data, rather than a full infotainment hub.[40] Bluetooth connectivity enables wireless music streaming from paired devices, controlled via simple knobs, eschewing complex interfaces.[14] From late 2022 (2023 models) onward, a standard Sennheiser audio system integrates invisible speakers in the doors and rear shelf, delivering high-fidelity sound with minimal added weight through advanced software for an enveloping listening experience.[41] Comfort provisions include an adjustable steering column for reach and height, manual climate control with rotary knobs for temperature and fan speed, and optional air conditioning vented through the dashboard and footwells.[14] Heated seats, operated via switches on the center tunnel with two intensity levels, provide warmth in cooler conditions and deactivate automatically with the ignition.[14] The gauge cluster combines classic analog dials for speed and revs with the supplementary digital LCD, ensuring readability without overwhelming the cabin's simplicity.[40]Powertrain and Performance
Engine and Drivetrain
The Morgan Plus Six is equipped with the BMW B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, a sophisticated power unit that produces 335 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque available from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm.[30][12] This engine employs a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved low-end response and direct fuel injection to optimize combustion efficiency and power delivery.[29][42] The drivetrain configuration is rear-wheel drive exclusively, with power routed through an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters mounted on the steering column for precise manual gear selection.[1][43] This setup integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's aluminum-intensive CX-Gen chassis, where the engine is longitudinally mounted low and rearward in a mid-front position to achieve a near 50:50 weight distribution for optimal handling balance.[44][12] The B58's aluminum oil pan further contributes to weight savings, aligning with the overall lightweight architecture of the Plus Six.[45] In terms of efficiency, the powertrain delivers a combined fuel economy of 38 mpg (UK) under WLTP standards, accompanied by CO2 emissions of 180 g/km.[30][2]Handling and Dynamics
The Morgan Plus Six employs an independent double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, providing a balance of compliance and control tailored to its lightweight aluminum-intensive chassis.[5] This configuration, combined with updated dampers and bushes introduced in the 2023 model year, allows the car to absorb road imperfections without excessive harshness, though the limited suspension travel can result in a moderately brittle ride over particularly uneven surfaces.[2] Optional adaptive dampers, available via the Dynamic Handling Pack with Nitron adjustable units, enable further tuning for enhanced ride quality and cornering precision.[46] Standard 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with performance-oriented tires, contribute to the car's agile response while maintaining everyday usability.[47] Braking performance is handled by a robust system featuring ventilated discs and AP Racing six-piston calipers at the front, paired with four-piston units at the rear, measuring 332 mm in diameter upfront for strong stopping power.[2] The setup includes anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control, which intervene smoothly to prevent lockup or loss of traction, with the brakes exhibiting progressive feel and minimal fade even under repeated hard use.[5] This combination ensures confident deceleration from high speeds, enhancing overall safety without compromising the car's sporting character. In terms of performance metrics, the Plus Six accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 166 mph, figures that underscore its potent BMW-sourced powertrain while benefiting from a curb weight under 1,200 kg.[48] These capabilities translate to brisk overtaking and highway composure, with the car's low center of gravity—stemming from its compact dimensions and engine placement—minimizing body roll during cornering for a planted feel. The driving experience emphasizes lightweight agility and precise steering, delivered through an electric power-assisted rack that, while not offering the sharpest feedback, provides linear response and requires deliberate inputs for tight turns.[1] On winding roads, the Plus Six exhibits minimal understeer and excellent front-end grip, allowing drivers to exploit the abundant torque for playful yet controllable dynamics, though rear-end slides can occur abruptly without electronic aids in aggressive scenarios.[1] Overall, it delivers an engaging, open-top thrill that blends classic roadster charm with modern poise, rewarding skilled inputs while remaining accessible for varied conditions.[48]Specifications
The Morgan Plus Six features the following key technical specifications.| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length | 3,910 mm[14] |
| Dimensions | Width | 1,745 mm[14] |
| Dimensions | Height | 1,280 mm[14] |
| Weights | Curb weight | 1,160 kg[14] |
| Capacities | Fuel tank | 46 liters[49] |
| Tires and wheels | Front tires | 225/40R18[14] |
| Tires and wheels | Rear tires | 245/40R18[14] |
| Tires and wheels | Standard tires | Cooper Avon ZV7[14] |
| Tires and wheels | Wheel size | 18 inches[14] |
| Compliance | Emissions standard | Euro 6d[50] |