Morgan Super 3 Debuts With 1.5-Liter Ford Engine, Mazda MX-5 Gearbox

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Teased at the end of January, Morgan’s new three-wheeled model debuted to continue its 113-year history. Designed and built from the ground up, the new Super 3 has the same character, thrill and adventure as its predecessor, but is also the most configurable model in the automaker’s history to date. The new Super 3 will be manufactured in Malvern, Worcestershire, at the company’s Pickersleigh Road plant.

Underpinning the tricycle is a bonded aluminum monocoque platform and the British company says this is a true monocoque with a depressed exterior A-surface. This technology, an evolutionary version of the 2020 Plus Four and 2019 Plus Six platforms, makes the vehicle lighter and provides a stiffer chassis. Morgan also said the Super 3’s cabin could benefit from better packaging and now offers more space for passengers.

Visually, Super 3 may look more similar than its predecessor, but it’s actually inspired by a slightly different philosophy. Whereas the 3 Wheeler was built in the style of a 1920s V-engined three-wheeler, its replacement took inspiration from the mid to late century. As a result, this new model looks slimmer with the most noticeable change being the absence of a V-twin engine between the front wheels.

The Super 3’s interior, according to the purpose of the vehicle, has been designed from A to Z with adventure in mind. The entire cab is completely dust-tight and water-protected, even down to the integrated USB socket and fully digital round screen. Every touch point in Super 3 is made of molded metal and is cool to the touch. One of the few components carried over from its predecessor is the engine start-stop button, which is inspired by the missile release button on military aircraft.

Powering the Super 3 is a naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine from Ford. While no exact output figures are available, Morgan says the unit is “powerful, efficient, and with character” and fits the Super 3 perfectly. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox like that found on the Mazda MX-5 and is identical to that used on the 3 Wheel. However, the transmission has undergone several modifications and is now linked to a carbon fiber reinforced drive belt.

The new Super 3 is now available to order in the UK, Europe and the US with first shipments planned for continental Europe in a few months time. Then in 2022, the first examples for North America will be sent, followed by Japan and Australia. The starting price in the UK is £34,958 before local taxes, which is around $47,070 at current exchange rates. US prices not yet available.

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