Automotive

Morgan plans limited edition EvaGT

Morgan plans limited edition EvaGT
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Morgan has released a teaser image of an upcoming four seater Coupe to be known as the EvaGT. Taking its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950s such as the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328, the EvaGT will run a direct petrol injection, twin turbo 3.0 liter BMW six-cylinder motor producing 306bhp and 400nm torque. Though power is modest in terms of supercar figures, the EvaGT uses aluminum body panels and its bonded aluminum chassis is developed from the Morgan Aero SuperSports, where it is used successfully in European GT3 racing, meaning that the car tips the scales at just 1250 kg (2755 lbs). This gives it a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h), a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds and distinctly un-supercar-like fuel economy of 7.06 liters/100kms (40 mpg) along with Euro 5 and 6 emissions compliance at 200 gms Co2/km.

Morgan has committed to releasing a new car every two years from this point, which is somewhat of a turnaround for a company best known for making the same car for 50 years!

The modernization process is excellent news for automotive enthusiasts as the company’s vehicles have enjoyed a reputation as drivers cars for 75 years and the progressive young design team will now target new niches. Some of the first target niches include an electric sports cars, a fun weekend vehicle and the first of the new cars will be the Morgan EvaGT, a four seater Coupe aimed at young families, with “a bit of drama or automotive theatre” as Morgan likes to call it.

Five members of the Morgan technical team are currently working towards engineering PHDs, and hence are well tapped into the research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City and the tertiary knowledge network required to make more efficient cars.

This team is developing a high torque electric motor “twice as powerful as others of the same weight and size” and “a powerful lithium phosphate battery with a higher charge density to achieve the most efficient performance for weight so far”, according to Morgan.

Morgan EvaGT Provisional Specification

Chassis: The Morgan EvaGT makes full use of clever technologies that the Morgan Motor Company has developed to manufacture a lightweight car. Morgan was one of the first car companies to see the advantage of a bonded aluminum chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminum chassis of the Morgan Aero SuperSports, a chassis that successfully competes in International GT3 Sports Car Racing. Compliant with European and US safety approvals.

Bodywork: Morgan was the first car company in 1995 to see the benefit of superformed aluminum, an aircraft technology, to manufacture smooth accurate body parts. Morgan Design have sculpted a new shape for the Morgan EvaGT that focuses on natural materials and understands their unique technical properties. Using computer technology in design and in manufacture to ensure accuracy, the parts are then hand finished to make sure they feel as good as they look. A perfect “A” class surface, minimal shut lines, hidden wipers, flush door handles and sharp creases deflect air over the surface of the car. The new Morgan EvaGT represents a philosophy of lightweight luxury that embraces authenticity, sustainability and innovation achieving its final result through the process of skilled craftsmanship.

The first public view of the Morgan EvaGT will be at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Carmel, California, USA on the August 15, 2010.

The Morgan Motor Company will begin taking orders worldwide with a deposit of GBP 5000 from prospective clients for an allocated build slot. The first 100 cars of a limited run are planned to begin production mid 2012 and the “on-road” price will be "competitive for a car of this class".

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1 comment
Stan Sieler
Is it just me, or does this look similar to the car that comes \"free\" with the Strand Craft 122 yact? (http://www.gizmag.com/strand-craft-122-luxury-yacht-free-supercar/15394)