Autocar
BMW-sourced straight-six is boosted by 67bhp to 402bhp, cutting Supersport's 0-62mph time to 3.6sec Morgan has broken the 400bhp barrier for the first time with a hardcore new performance version of its Supersport flagship . With its BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight six boosted from 335bhp to 402bhp, the new Supersport 400 has more grunt than the old V8-engined Aero 8 - and with a 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.6sec, it's half a second quicker off the mark. Prices start from £112,965, making it the Malvern firm's most expensive series-production car - lining it up neatly with the similarly powered and conceived Porsche 911 Carrera T . For reference, the standard Supersport is £105,160. Engineered to give a "more intense and deliberate driving experience" than the standard Supersport, launched last year, the 400 is the first step in a "carefully considered" expansion of the Morgan line-up, with a range of bespoke and limited editions to follow over the next 18 months. The 400's power boost comes in combination with a raft of chassis and visual upgrades that mark it out as the most potent and driver-focused Morgan model. The Dynamic Handling Pack is here fitted as standard, bringing adjustable Nitron dampers all round, while the suspension has been revised to give better controllability "while retaining the fluency and approachability" of the standard Supersport. The 400 also gets bespoke, lightweight, forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres and a specially developed active performance exhaust that gives "a more pronounced and purposeful soundtrack". The mechanical enhancements are accompanied by a visual makeover that brings functional vents in the front wings, gloss contrasting lower bodywork, a range of Alcantara upholstery options for the cockpit and bespoke instruments. It can also be painted in a choice of bespoke satin colours. The 400 also presents the option of replacing the BMW shifter for the eight-speed automatic gearbox with an anodised aluminium item. Morgan boss Matt Hole hailed the 400 as "the purest expression of Supersport", which "signals a natural progression for the range" as Morgan readies further derivatives of its existing models for launch. "From the outset, our aim has been to create a vehicle that is sharper and more deliberate, ensuring the additional power is delivered in a way that feels balanced, intuitive and deeply rewarding for the driver," said Hole. "We are immensely proud of Supersport 400. It stands at the pinnacle of our range and reflects the progress we are making as a business. It demonstrates how we can evolve our platform to increase capability in a way that remains distinctly Morgan - defined by handcrafted construction, human engagement in the driving experience and a commitment to delivering pure driving joy." The 400 will go into series production next month, but volumes will be "carefully managed" to preserve exclusivity.
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