The Morgan Supersport emerges as a remarkable blend of heritage and innovation, presenting a vehicle that, at first glance, appears to be a relic from a bygone era, yet beneath its classic facade lies a heart of modern performance and engineering. It defies easy categorization, offering an experience that is simultaneously nostalgic and exhilaratingly contemporary. This unique approach allows it to carve out its own niche in the highly competitive sports car market.
The Supersport's design cues are unmistakably Morgan, with a wide, low stance that gives it a surprisingly aggressive and purposeful look. This aesthetic is paired with substantial mechanical enhancements, ensuring that its performance capabilities match its striking appearance. The vehicle's interior, while embracing a minimalist, "digital detox" philosophy, still offers a luxurious and engaging environment, prioritizing the raw driving experience over technological distractions. This careful balance ensures that every journey in the Supersport is not just a drive, but a memorable event, connecting the driver directly to the road and the machine.
The Morgan Supersport is a testament to blending timeless design with contemporary engineering, presenting a vehicle that visually harks back to classic eras while offering performance metrics aligned with modern sports cars. It features a robust 3.0-liter turbocharged BMW engine, delivering 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain enables a brisk 0-62mph acceleration in just 3.9 seconds. The car's structure is built on a redesigned aluminum chassis, which is 10% stiffer, complemented by a faster steering system and re-engineered suspension geometry. Optional features, such as a limited-slip differential and adjustable Nitron dampers through the Dynamic Handling Pack, further enhance its dynamic capabilities. Weighing in at only 1170kg, the Supersport offers a power-to-weight ratio that rivals more contemporary, track-focused machines, providing an exhilarating driving experience that is both spirited and refined.
Despite its classic styling, the Supersport incorporates several modern conveniences aimed at improving usability, such as a Sennheiser sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, and inductive phone charging. It even boasts a functional, albeit compact, boot for storage—a novel feature for a Morgan. The interior is a luxurious affair, adorned with exquisite leather, polished wood, and metal accents, creating a cabin that feels both opulent and inviting. The analogue dials, though backed by digital displays, contribute to the car's retro charm. On the road, the Supersport is surprisingly docile in urban settings, thanks to its light and direct steering, a firm yet comfortable ride, and the seamless operation of the ZF gearbox. This blend of classic appeal and modern performance ensures that the Morgan Supersport is not just a car, but an experience, offering a unique proposition in the sports car segment. Its ability to combine a vintage aesthetic with thrilling modern dynamics makes it a highly desirable vehicle for enthusiasts seeking something truly distinctive.
While the Morgan Supersport pushes boundaries in performance and maintains its iconic aesthetic, its ambition to be a more "usable" car is met with some inherent practical compromises. Despite efforts to enhance daily functionality, such as a designated storage area and modern infotainment features, the Supersport retains certain characteristics that align it more with occasional pleasure drives rather than everyday commuting. The interior, while beautifully crafted, presents ergonomic quirks like limited armrest space and seats that position occupants "on" rather than "in" them, alongside a steering wheel that adjusts only for reach, not height. These design choices, while contributing to the car's unique charm and driving feel, can detract from long-distance comfort and accessibility. Furthermore, the small boot, significant cabin wind noise even with optional hardtops, and the absence of cruise control limit its touring capabilities, making longer journeys less convenient. The manual operation of the soft top and the rather quaint windscreen wipers also add to the vehicle's idiosyncratic nature, reinforcing its identity as a specialized driving machine.
Ultimately, the Supersport occupies a niche that defies direct comparison with conventional sports cars like the Porsche 718 or Alpine A110, which offer broader talent and greater practicality for their price. Starting at over £105,000, it is a significant investment that primarily appeals to a discerning clientele. Its true value lies not in its ability to compete as a daily driver, but in the unparalleled sensory experience it provides. Every drive in the Supersport is transformed into a special occasion, an event defined by its distinctive looks, engaging dynamics, and rich heritage. It is a vehicle designed for those who cherish the journey as much as the destination, willing to embrace its unique compromises for the sheer joy and theatricality of driving something truly extraordinary. As a weekend indulgence or a prized collector's item, the Morgan Supersport excels, offering an authentic, unadulterated driving pleasure that few other vehicles can match, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a car with genuine character and soul.