Morgan has finished building the first example of the most powerful car in its history.
Based upon the discontinued Morgan Plus 8, the limited-edition GTR boasts high performance and racing technology,
Morgan’s motorsport heritage has played an important part in influencing the design of the Plus 8 GTR, too.
Into the deep blue yonder
During the 1990s, Morgan campaigned a Plus 8 race car, affectionately known as ‘Big Blue’. That car inspired the creation of the GTR, with the first example painted in Yas Marina Blue.Â
The use of a BMW paint colour is fitting, given the Plus 8 GTR features a BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V8 beneath its long bonnet.Â
This engine has been tuned, and fitted with a ‘cannon-style’ twin-exit exhaust system to extract more performance.
A peak output of 375hp helps the Plus 8 GTR secure the title of Morgan’s most powerful production car ever.
Classic style, modern performance
Production of the Plus 8 GTR was made possible by the availability of rolling chassis from a discontinued external project. All cars will be built from unused and recommissioned chassis and powertrains.
Each of the nine cars will be crafted by hand, with their owners able to work closely with Morgan’s design team. It means each Plus 8 GTR will be tailored to their specific taste, including the option of an automatic or manual gearbox.Â
All cars feature bespoke bodywork, including a new rear end and resculpted wheelarches. These are made from aluminum, as are the front wings and deep front splitter.Â
The use of five-spoke centre-lock alloy wheels is also a deliberate nod to Morgan’s racing history.
Race-ready on the inside
The interior is less about wood and leather, and much more about carbon fibre. The hard-top roof features a vent to channel air into the cabin, just like a racing car. Buyers can specify lightweight carbon fibre bucket seats, too.Â
Special Plus 8 GTR dials will be fitted, along with a plaque denoting the number of each car in the build sequence.
Morgan says the remaining eight cars have all commenced production, despite the project only being announced in February 2021. Several cars are due for completion before the end of this year, with the rest to be finished in the first quarter of 2022.
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