Automotive
Automotive information regarding all types of motor vehicles, cars and automobiles
Matt Humphries Opens New Design Business
Sep 24th
The years since joining Morgan Motor Company, straight from university, must have been a blur for Matt Humphries. From the iconic Morgan AeroMax to the reborn Morgan Three Wheeler, Matt, and the wonderful creative team he built around him, have made a lasting impact on MMC. Morgan Car News have had the pleasure of meeting Matt on various occasions and whilst his passion for automotive design is apparent, it isn’t a challenge to see that a desire to turn his skills toward other luxury products is bubbling just beneath the surface. His foray away from automotive design came in the form of a Lonville watch; therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to MCN when the press release for Matt’s new company, Matthew Humphries Design, crossed our desk: -
Matthew Humphries Design is open for business
Matthew Humphries Design and Morgan Design join forces to develop future Morgan sports cars and bespoke one off vehicles.
Morgan Design has obtained the services of Matthew Humphries Design for future vehicle design and development projects. This collaboration extends the seven year working relationship between Matt Humphries, the former chief designer of Morgan cars, and Morgan Motor Company.
The Morgan Design team was assembled by Matt and under his guidance has successfully evolved Morgan into a design-led company. The team specialises in a tremendously wide variety of design applications including product and merchandising, graphics, advertisements, brochures, exhibition design and of course vehicle body and interior design. Amongst the team’s many achievements Morgan Design has defined strong new identities for both Morgan Motor Company and the Morgan 3 Wheeler Ltd.
Throughout the past seven years the most noticeable evolution is apparent in the products Morgan companies now manufacture. Morgan Design led by Matt has been responsible for a range of concept and production cars. These include the Morgan Aeromax, LifeCar, Aero SuperSports, EvaGT, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler and constant visual improvements to the Classic range of cars.
Newly established Matthew Humphries Design, fuelled by Matt’s extensive experience, offers customers a bespoke design service. MHD specialises in automotive, brand and product design that exudes a strong British, hand crafted and unique style.
Matthew Humphries is very proud to be associated with Morgan whilst relating his skills to other projects and companies. For more information about Matthew Humphries Design or to contact Matthew about the services he offers please contact matthew@matthewhumphriesdesign.com or visit www.matthewhumphriesdesign.com
End of release
MCN wishes Matt every success in his new venture and look forward to seeing what springs from the creative mind of the man who gave the automotive world the wonderful Morgan Aeromax. If you would like to know more about Matt, this interview is a great introduction to some of his time at Morgan Motor Company.
2020 Morgan Sports Car?
May 2nd
Perhaps more Tron that Morgan classic car, this video is a result of a project done by two young designers for Morgan Motor Company and inspired by the LifeCar 2. Whilst not news, it is a little bit of fun and shows that young designers grasp the concept of lightweight, open air motoring and traditional Morgan construction techniques. Enjoy…
Morgan Returns to Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012
Jan 16th
Morgan Motor Company, in conjunction with OAK, have announced that the British sports car maker will be returning to the Le Mans 25 Hours in 2012.
AutoSport UK had the following report:
“The revised version of the French team’s Pescarolo-based LMP2 prototype will be badged a Morgan LMP2 following a partnership deal with the British sportscar manufacturer. The deal encompasses the solo works OAK entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes Le Mans, as well as customer versions of the car.
Morgan boss Charles Morgan said: “It is a source of great pride that we have the opportunity to work with a racing car designer and constructor that has achieved such success on the international stage.
“While Morgan sportscars enjoy a great history, we have also gained a reputation for pioneering new technology, and I believe LMP2 represents a superb proving ground in which to develop innovative new methods.”
OAK owner Jacques Nicolet said he was “deeply honoured and proud” to be working with Morgan.
“In Morgan I feel the same passion that has inspired me since childhood, as well as the family spirit that I hope I have been able to create at OAK Racing,” he continued. “Who better than Morgan to embody the gentlemen drivers’ spirit needed for LMP2 competition?”
Morgan is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of its 1962 class win at Le Mans with the Plus 4 Supersport. It will be the first time its name has appeared on the entry for the 24 Hours since the factory ran a GT2 class Aero 8R in 2004.”
Morgan Car News and Talk Morgan wish MMC and OAK every success at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2012!
2012 Morgan Plus 8
Dec 2nd
What do you say when Charles Morgan, of the Morgan Motor Company, asks you if you’d like to drive the companies latest V8 powered sports car? Well, anything other than “yes please!” would be extremely rude.
Here, in brief, are my initial impressions of the 2012 Morgan +8; The first things that impresses you about the reborn Plus 8 are both the ride quality and steering feel. After spending many hours behind the wheel of a standard Aero 8, an Aeromax and a variety of Classic Morgans, the new +8 went straight to the top of the pile in terms of steering precision. The poise is aided by the chassis being closest to the Series 1 Aero and thus with the minimal overhang of the Plus 8 bodywork, the car feels both nimble and lithe (this is also helped by the fact the 2012 Plus 8 will have an excellent power to weigh ratio).
This power to weight ratio also meant the Plus 8 felt extremely quick – acceleration was always rapid (no need for the right gear or the right RPM, the torque seemed to mean the power was always on tap) and it was only the rules of the road that restricted your ability to proceed at a physics bending pace; all the above was only exacerbated by the superb handling adding huge confidence, even on a slightly damp British winter road. A quick nod should also be made to the exhaust note, which in typical V8 fashion is there to egg you on – in the new Plus 8, you cannot help but fall in love with the idea of pressing down on the accelerator, simply to hear the tune it plays.
Aesthetically, the 2012 Morgan Plus 8 is a very purposeful looking Classic. The rear and the front perspective afford it a wonderfully wide stance; in the Black bodywork of the development car, the Plus 8 possesses an attractively menacing quality, more subtle than many performance cars but with plenty of presence. The profile is more difficult to judge because I simply don’t like the wheels on the development vehicle and therefore, tried to imagine it with another set in situ. Were a set of Classic Morgan wheels fitted, I think you’d be hard pressed to tell it apart from the rest of the range from afar (which given the heritage of the profile, is certainly not a bad thing!). I will watch, with interest, which wheels MMC choose to fit to the production cars because I believe getting them correct is essential to completing the package. I’m sure the company will devise a suitable solution; their Sport line for the Classic range has proven they understand simple beauty and the elegance of clean lines.
Whilst not fair to judge a development vehicle on fit and finish, the interior was a nice place to sit, the cut down doors adding to the elbow room. The dash was still a work in progress but was coming together nicely: blending Classic and modern with panache. The hood seemed substantial and consideration has been given to the side screens and the fit of them when the Plus 8 is at speed. As it stands, the development car was rattle free and felt very solid and well put together. I look forward to sitting the finished product but all signs point to another Morgan cabin that is a pleasure to spend time in.
I believe that gives a fair reflection of my opinion on the new Morgan Plus 8. It is quite easy to fall under the spell of this wonderful vehicle and even in development form, it is an extremely attractive package. Once the development process is over and the car has reached the public, I believe the Plus 8 will sell itself; the words of others, such as myself, will become superfluous to the individuals experience behind the wheel. This is a Morgan which needs to be driven to truly appreciate the depth of its potential and the magic it is capable of.
Morgan 4/4 75th Anniversary Specification Announced
Nov 2nd
Today Morgan Motor Company announced the specification for the latest Morgan Four Four offering. Created to honour the 75th anniversary of the iconic Morgan 4/4, the Anniversary edition will be produced as a limited run special. Morgan Motor Company state that the 75th Anniversary combines “the low size and weight benefits of the entry level 4/4 with the power train from the larger more powerful Morgan Plus 4. A carefully selected set of standard options, with additional unique body graphics, completes arguably the best standard combination of body, engine and aesthetic in the Morgan Classic range.”
This new Morgan 4/4 Sports car is being offered in 3 colours: Sport Black, Sport Red and Old English White. All come with black perforated leather interior, carpets, hood and wheels. The dashboard is polished Tawny ash and a Mota Lita wheel is standard. The combination of the Ford sourced 2.0 engine from the Classic Plus 4 and the narrow wings of the standard 4/4 should make for a very spirited drive. The car is available for £38,750 + on the road charges from Morgan Motor Company and their associated dealers. To discuss the 4 4 75th Anniversary specification photographs and information, or to see more photographs of this exciting Morgan sports car, visit Talk Morgan.
First Drive of 2012 Morgan Plus 8
Oct 10th
One of the team behind Talk Morgan, Brian Voakes, had the chance to drive prototype 2012 new Morgan +8 in September 2011; which is believed to be the first time a member outside the MMC team has been offered a drive of the new V8 engined traditional Morgan. As an owner who has had the keys of many Morgans pass through his hands and done many miles behind the wheels of both traditional and Aero Morgan, Brian was well placed to comment on how this exciting model is shaping up. With praise such as, “(the new Morgan Plus 8 is) really well planted and also very light and without the same slight roll-oversteer you get with most post Series I Aero’s, but there is now doubt that it is fast and there is certainly nothing much wrong with the set-up straight out of the box” you can tell this car has left a positive impression on one stalwart Morgan owner. The rest of the story and photographs of the development Morgan +8+ can be found on Talk Morgan.
Morgan readies Three Wheeler for Geneva Motorshow
Feb 24th
After months of teaser information and just short of a 60-year hiatus, the début of the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler at the Geneva auto show is almost upon us. On March 1st, Morgan Motor Company will reveal the revised 3 Wheeler to press and invited guests in the PalExpo. The following information details what they, and the viewing public in the days to follow, have to look forward to: -
DESIGN
When did you last regard a journey by motor car as an adventure? The Morgan 3 Wheeler is launched to bring the fun and passion back to personal transport. Lift the safety catch from the “bomb release” starter, hear the massive twin cylinders detonate and choose your favourite destination.
The iconic design of the Morgan Threewheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine mated to a Mazda 5 speed (and reverse) gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance. The car is a fusion of old and new.
Safety is paramount with a reinforced tubular chassis and twin rollbars for driver and passenger. A sturdy V belt provides traction to the reinforced rear tyre. Some things have not changed. The Morgan Threewheeler still holds long distance speed records for one litre cars set in the 1930’s so why change the shape? The pronounced bullet shape and the exposed chassis and aluminium tub are accompanied by the aeroplane profile of the car’s sides. The shape is of a gentle yet powerful missile at the front leading to a beetle back tail at the rear. From the design viewpoint, the focus was set on making the car as close to an aeroplane as possible, while retaining handy extra space for driver, passenger and a holdall in the rear. But above all the Morgan 3 Wheeler is designed for one purpose alone, to make driving fun. A leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft instrumentation adds to the sense of flying on the road. The car is easy to control with compact dimensions offering a perfect view ahead and to the rear. The car seems to respond as much to thought as physical input.
Dynamism is further enhanced by what the Morgan design team calls a sporty “race on Sunday” design philosophy. The car’s lines do not end abruptly but instead flow organically and echo the smooth shapes of a racetrack. The smooth profile makes the car look sleeker and lower. The sculpted bonnet and boot enhance the aerodynamic feel and the short overhangs front and rear emphasize the sports car sense of purpose.
CHASSIS AND DRIVING DYNAMICS
Morgan chassis experts have worked on the driving experience of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler with the same passion given to the development of any new Morgan. The result is a driver’s car with properties that do the sporting appearance full justice. The weight of the engine is counterbalanced by the mass of the passengers and the car has a planted feel with a very low centre of gravity to ensure it remains glued to the road. During the development process, the chassis team worked on the new 3 Wheeler in parallel with the forthcoming Morgan EvaGT. The result is a solution that features changes and refinements to virtually every single detail that affects a car’s cornering capabilities.
ENGINES
During its first year of production, the new Morgan 3 Wheeler will be available with a V twin from specialist engine builder S & S. The car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions. With an economical 115 horsepower the motor provides maximum power at minimum revs. Big torque spells effortless hillclimbing ability. The current focus of the Morgan Motor Company to cut CO2 emissions and low fuel consumption is very much part of the rationale behind the launch of this car. The time is right for Morgan to take a new look at the combination of acceleration, on road performance and economy. The time is right for Morgan to relaunch the 3 Wheeler.
Price £25,000 before tax
Bespoke extras
Bespoke leather and paint are available at extra cost as on the classic Morgan. A Polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl,headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for a more classic look.
Exciting graphic packs to compliment the Sport “race on Sunday” philosophy
High quality decals are available to give the owner the opportunity to boost the sporty attitude of the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. These include special designs including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a fearsome shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.
We will post more information on the 2011 Morgan 3 Wheeler as soon as we receive it; however, in the interim you can find more information on the Morgan Three Wheeler web site and photos and videos on Talk Morgan.
2011 Morgan Plus 4 SuperSports
Feb 3rd
Morgan Motor Company have announced the 2011 Morgan +4 SuperSports. The company have this to say:
“At the 1950 Earl’s Court Motor Show Morgan introduced the 2088cc Plus 4 car to the world. This highly capable machine became the platform for annual innovative performance upgrades within the company. The perfect balance between engine size and weight was the catalyst for the birth of the Plus 4 Super Sports race ready car. This car introduced the infamous low-line aluminium body and a highly tuned mechanical specification taking Morgan to victory in their class at the 1962 Le Mans 24 hour race. This ground breaking success encouraged Peter Morgan to introduce many permanent additions to the Plus 4 which has continued to evolve to this day.
To celebrate this on the sixth decade of the Plus 4, Morgan Motor Company is proudly reintroducing the limited edition Plus 4 Super Sports.
Like it’s sixty year old predecessor, the 2011 Plus 4 Super Sports features a carefully considered specification including an array of performance upgrades, track inspired accessories and fashionable sixties themed aesthetics. This truly versatile car contains all the reliability of the modern Morgan but with a large injection of legendary 60s racing spirit.”
The key aspects of the new +4 SuperSports are 200bhp 2.0 variable cam engine, upgraded throttle bodies, performance exhaust, uprated sports suspension, 3.73 limited slip differential and 3-turn steering rack. The list price of the new 2011 Morgan Plus 4 SuperSport is £49,995 inclusive of VAT. The full brochure can be found on Talk Morgan – MMC and dealers are now accepting orders for this Morgan sports car.
New Morgan 3-Wheeler for 2011
Oct 4th
Today, Jayne Jones of the Morgan Motor Company confirmed the launch of a new Morgan 3-Wheeler at next year’s Geneva Show. She went on to say that the maker of fine British sports cars, whose business was founded on the design and production of 3-wheeled vehicles, anticipates the price tag to be “under £30,000″. Enthusiast and potential customers do not have long to wait for more information as she added that details of the car’s design and power plant would be revealed in November 2010.
Morgan Sports Cars at Le Mans Classic 2010
Jul 15th
A superb time was had by MSCC & Talk Morgan members at the 2010 Le Mans Classic; from parade laps of the 8-mile Circuit de la Sarthe to watching the classic cars race through the night, the event held over July 9th, 10th and 11th was a resounding success. For a selection of photos, taken by the members of Talk Morgan (which include photos of a variety of classic Morgans, the new Aero SuperSports, the Aeromax, classic racing cars and other cars at Classic Le Mans), you can follow these links: LMC Photos One, Two, Three and Four.
Morgan EvaGT 2+2 Sports Coupe
Jun 11th
The Morgan Motor Company have sent Talk Morgan and the Morgan Car News a preview of their upcoming press release for the Morgan EvaGT, previously only refereed to as the Morgan 2+2 concept. Here is the information provided by MMC: -
At a time of global conservation with a drive towards improved fuel economy the Morgan Motor Company introduces a new concept for a sporting family, the Morgan EvaGT. The four seater Coupe takes its inspiration from the British sports saloons of the early 1950’s. Among these were the Bristol 400 series and the Frazer Nash BMW 328. After the Second World War rationing forced designers to conserve and make the most of the materials at their disposal. However the pressure cooker of war had also led to an abundance of innovative engineering ideas. Steel was scarce so lightweight aluminium was used for bodywork. Smooth “in-line” straight six cylinder engines were fitted to give long distance comfort and reliability. Because the engineers had often worked on aircraft development during the war aerodynamics contributed to high but economical cruising speeds.
The Morgan Motor Company is the last survivor of these British sports car manufacturers. Of course the company is lucky enough to have 100 years of continuous success behind it and like Bristol and Frazer Nash; Morgan has a history of successful collaborations with German suppliers BMW, Siemens and Bosch. But Morgan also works with a number of young engineering companies in the United Kingdom and with world class British university research departments.
The new challenge is to make cars that are more efficient than any we have seen so far. The Morgan Motor Company is in a good position to respond to this challenge because the company is small and flexible with a proven track record of fast development cycles. It currently manufactures one of the greenest sports cars in the world, the Morgan Four Four Sport. Morgan achieves this result with the use of the new Ford 1.6 Sigma engine coupled with a light chassis. Morgan currently has a young well qualified technical team working towards a potential 5 engineering PHD’s, who will make full use of research departments at the University of Oxford, Cranfield and Birmingham City to tap into a technical knowledge network to make more efficient cars. This team is helping to develop 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.
The dynamic team at Morgan has made a commitment from 2010 that they will bring out a new model every two years. The legendary sports car manufacturer will target new niches…..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 we like to call it. This is a revolution for a car company famous for making the same car for 50 years!
The Morgan EvaGT
Brief 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 aluminium chassis to give rigidity but also to save weight. The EvaGT uses a further developed version of the bonded aluminium 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 aluminium, 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.
Technical Specification (subject to change):
BMW 3 litre straight six mono twin turbo with direct petrol injection 306bhp and 400nm torque
- Euro 5 and 6 compliant at 200 gms Co2/km, US FMVSS, CARB and EPA approved.
- 40 mpg / 7.06 litres/100kms
- 6 speed sport automatic or 6 speed manual gearbox.
- Rear wheel drive with fully independent intelligent suspension
- Aluminium body panels with a laminated internal safety structure.
- Predicted weight of 2755 lbs/1250 kg
- Predicted 0-60 mph 4.5 seconds/ 0-100km/h 4.5 seconds
- Predicted top speed 170mph / 273 km/h
Launch
The first public view of the Morgan EvaGT will be at the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Carmel, California, USA on the 15th August 2010.
The Morgan Motor Company will be taking orders worldwide with a request for a deposit of £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.
Morgan LIFECar2
May 20th
LIFECar2 – The Next Generation of LIFECar
Following on from the rapturous response that LIFECar received, Morgan Motor Company has decided to take LIFECar from a prototype, to a fully fledged production vehicle. There have been some changes to the original brief, making the car more practical, while retaining the revolutionary features that made LIFECar unique.
In the place of the original hydrogen fuel cell is a super-efficient, series hybrid drivetrain, developed using some of the countries best universities, making use of the wealth of knowledge in their research departments. The drivetrain will power a vehicle that epitomises Morgan core value of innovation. The use of sustainable lightweight materials will ensure that not only is the vehicle fuel efficient with a low carbon output, but that at the end of its very long life, it will be easily recyclable.
Some key figures for the LIFECar are:
- 1000 mile range
- Ultra lightweight (sub 800kg)
- 15 mile EV range
- 0-60mph in 7 seconds
- ~£40,000 Price
Universities involved with LIFECar2 are:
- Birmingham City University
- Oxford University
- Cranfield University
More information on this exciting project as soon as we receive it! in the interim, Talk Morgan has detailed photographs of the interior and exterior of the LIFECar in the member’s section.
The Morgan Sports Car Garden
May 6th
Craig Hamilton-Smith Garden Design Ltd. and the Morgan Motor Company have won a silver medal for their garden at RHS Malvern Spring Show 2010.
MMC and Craig Hamilton-Smith describe their vision for the Morgan garden:
“The Morgan garden celebrates the companies aim for zero emission sports cars.
The three wheeler car at the back of the garden and the zero emission Morgan Sports Car at the front are an example how Morgan have developed over the last 100 years.The Morgan garden, like Morgan, is a mixture of formal structure, but is overlaid with meadow-like planting. This garden will encourage biodiversity, a place where native ecology can thrive.
The garden will be alive with life and movement, catching the wind and light, hopefully there will be something for everyone. This is a garden you could take home and it explores how even with limited space one could have a little piece of meadow. This garden will require relatively little maintenance and consume significantly less resources than a lawn and border.”
The RHS Malvern Spring Show is on from May 6th until the 9th 2010; so why not go and see the wonderful Morgan garden for yourself. The design plan can be found on the Morgan Motor Company web site or via this link.
Charles Morgan Awarded the President’s Trophy by The Guild of Motoring Writers
Apr 28th
Hot off the press, The Guild of Motoring Writers have awarded Charles Morgan their highest accolade; Guy Loveridge, Press Officer for The Guild, had this to say: -
“The Guild of Motoring Writers recognises a unique British achievement
Charles Morgan of the Morgan Motor Company has been awarded the President’s Trophy, The Guild of Motoring Writers’ highest accolade, in recognition of the specialist car company’s centenary.
The presentation was made at the Guild’s Annual General Meeting by its president, Nick Mason. Mr Morgan expressed his “delight and extreme gratitude” in accepting the award, and went on to thank the Guild for its members’ help and support during the 66-year association between the two organisations.
Introducing the award, Nick Mason said: Introducing the award, Nick Mason said: “I’m delighted to present Charles with this Trophy in acknowledgement of The Morgan Motor Company’s commitment to British automotive engineering”. In accepting, Charles Morgan replied: “It is an honour to accept this on behalf of all those who have and who continue to make Morgan a success.”. In accepting, Charles Morgan replied: “It is an honour to accept this on behalf of all those who have and who continue to make Morgan a success.”
He added that Morgan has plans for an electric car and a small family vehicle, plus a ‘weekend’ car, hinting it might be a three-wheeler.
The presentation was a highlight of the Guild’s AGM, which was generously hosted by Rolls-Royce at its Goodwood headquarters. After the meeting, members were given a VIP tour of the production facility, and had the opportunity to drive various Rolls-Royce models.”
A warm congratulations to Mr. Morgan from all at Talk Morgan and the Morgan Car News on being awarded this prestigious trophy.