Morgan is being a bit of a tease. The company released today a silhouette of its latest car called the EvaGT.
In true Morgan style, the design draws its inspiration from British cars of the first half of the twentieth century. Morgan lists its muse as cars like the Bristol 400 and Frazer Nash BMW 328 (yes BMW is German, but Frazer Nash was once their U.K. importer/tuner.)
What is much more modern is the engineering behind the EvaGT. The specs on the car include utilizing lightweight materials and aerodynamics to create a 2755 lbs car with 40 mpg. But this car will be not be a slow-moving green machine. Morgan plans to borrow a 306 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six from BMW for 0-60 sprints in 4.5 seconds and a 170 mph top speed. The EvaGT utilizes a version of the Aero SuperSports chassis, which complies with European and U.S. safety standards. Morgan describes the car as, “a four seater Coupe aimed at young families”.
The EvaGT may be the next evolution Morgan’s LIFECar project. Morgan first showed off the hydrogen fuel-cell LIFECar over two years ago in Geneva. Since then the company has announced plans for a “LIFECar2” that would, “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.”
While the picture doesn’t answer all of our questions (we also created two enhanced versions of the teaser sketch,) we won’t have to wait long for the full reveal. Morgan will have its world premiere of the EvaGT car on August 15 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It should be on the road by 2012.
Also, don’t think Morgan will make the EvaGT its only trick up its sleeve for this decade. The company has announced a commitment to bring out a new car every two years, including a full-electric sports car and “a fun weekend vehicle.”
Read the EvaGT's full specs in the press release below
PRESS RELEASE
The Morgan EvaGT
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.
Keywords:
Morgan EvaGT Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance future cars Pebble Beach
