by Morgan Supersport Finally in the US, but with a More Modest Engine
Morgan builds cars unlike any others. While most sports car manufacturers chase ever-increasing power, Morgan chooses a different path — a simple return to the fundamentals of driving. One of the brand’s most interesting models is now available in the US.
Ahead of its American debut at Monterey Car Week next month, Morgan received permission to sell the Supersport under the FAST Act Replica Car Rule. The British manufacturer notes that obtaining federal approval required significant engineering work and a homologation process to meet the requirements of this rule, which ultimately opened the way for the roadster to American buyers. First deliveries will begin in September.
American Version Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine
Unfortunately, the Supersport that will be sold in the US is not as impressive as its European counterpart. In Europe, Morgan installs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six from BMW, which produces 335 hp in the standard version and up to 402 hp in the Supersport 400. American buyers will have to settle for a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BMW B46 engine with 255 hp and 350 Nm of torque. This is the same unit used in the smaller Morgan Plus Four.
Mated to this engine is an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The only advantage of the four-cylinder engine is that it is slightly lighter than the six-cylinder, which could improve the car’s front axle feel. Customers can also order the Dynamic Handling Pack, which adds adjustable Nitron front and rear dampers, developed specifically for the American version of the Supersport.
The car comes standard with lightweight 18-inch aluminum wheels, with lighter 19-inch forged wheels available on the options list. Buyers can also add a carbon fiber composite hardtop weighing just 19.7 kg, a Sennheiser audio system, and a wireless phone charger.
Limited Edition: Act Fast While They Last
Aside from the engine, the American Supersport looks almost identical to the one sold in other countries. It features a beautiful hand-crafted aluminum body and is available with either a carbon fiber hardtop or a soft folding top.
Don’t expect the Supersport to flood American roads. Due to the FAST Act rule under which it is imported, only 325 units can be brought in annually. The starting price is $119,995, which is also relatively expensive, although it’s hard to find hand-built cars that don’t cost many times more.
Morgan Photos
Thus, the American market has received a long-awaited Morgan model, but with a compromise in the form of a less powerful engine. This decision is likely driven by the complexity of homologating the six-cylinder engine under US emissions regulations, or perhaps a desire to keep the price at a more accessible level. It is worth noting that even with the four-cylinder engine, the Supersport remains a unique proposition thanks to its hand assembly, exclusive design, and limited production run. For brand enthusiasts in the US, this is still a significant event, as buying a new Morgan was previously nearly impossible. Whether the $120,000 price tag for a 255-hp car will meet buyer expectations remains to be seen, but in any case, it will add diversity to the sports car market.
