New 3-wheeler, 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.

[Arragonis]

From Morgan.



Looks lovely and definitely on my list, can't help thinking 1.8 litres seems big for only 100hp ? Smaller engined version for ecmodders please Mr M.

The success of the Morgan Motor Company was founded on the manufacture of an icon, the Morgan Threewheeler. This brilliant but simple design by engineer Harry Morgan (HFS) became one of the most successful lightweight cars of the early days of motoring. From 1909 to 1953 around 30,000 Morgan Threewheelers were manufactured in Malvern and many more were made under license by Darmont Morgan in France. For many lucky owners it was their first experience of the freedom that car ownership could bring. Fast acceleration combined with a cruising range of over 50 miles to a gallon of petrol was an unbeatable combination in the day. On the race track the car became very successful, famously winning the French Grand Prix in 1913 and regularly lapping the banked Brooklands track at an average speed of over 100 mph. Stirling Moss who owned one is on record as saying “My Morgan was a great babe magnet”.

Whilst the world is a very different place in 2011 the time is right to relaunch this exceptional design. Young people may not have experienced the same thrill as the early Threewheeler pilots and perhaps cult status is assured for a car with such an emphasis on simple honest functionality. The future of road transport in the 21st Century has two big issues, the conservation of precious resources and the protection of our beautiful natural environment. Downsizing and a philosophy of simplicity are ways of dealing with these problems.The 'Morgan 3 Wheeler' is a proven answer to these problems. In 2011 the Morgan Motor Company is to expand its range and go back to its roots.

The 2011 'Morgan 3 Wheeler' is a fusion of modern technology into a classic design. By fitting the latest 1800cc V Twin engine and a Mazda 5 speed gearbox the car provides ‘get in and drive’ simplicity and reliability. A sturdy tubular frame and two rollover bars surround the passenger compartment. An aerodynamic super formed ‘bullet’ hull protects the occupants from the weather. However the feeling of freedom and contact with the road through the front wheels will bring to mind the joy of driving cars from the 20’s and 30’s but with none of their fragility or temperament. A leather padded aircraft style cockpit indulges the feeling of ‘flying through the air’. Refining the original design has produced a unique 21st century vehicle. A sub 500kgs overall weight and a slippery hull provides the ultimate in performance and fuel economy. The Morgan 3 Wheeler has unrivalled power to weight for its on the road price.

Weight: 500kg (Est.)

Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)

Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)

0-60 : 4.5 seconds (Est.)

Engine: 1800cc ‘V twin

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

Looks lovely and definitely on my list, can't help thinking 1.8 litres seems big for only 100hp ?

Read elsewhere Geneva Auto Show: Morgan 3 Wheeler - NYTimes.com that it's

...powered by a 115-horsepower V-twin motorcycle engine built by S & S, the same company that builds motors for so-called Harley clone choppers, and is closely based on late-model Harley-Davidson power plants.

Which explains that :-( And how come there's no smiley for "barf"?

[Arragonis]

100hp "at the wheel", so 15 lost in transmission...

[bestclimb]

could use some aero.

[Arragonis]

It has "active aero".

You duck.

[some_other_dave]

I want one! I've always loved seeing the three-wheeler Mogs at vintage races. A new one? Gimme!!!

-soD

[Frank Lee]

I love it, but $40,000... ouch!

[Arragonis]

A less spendy version would be the Lomax 223



All you need is a 2CV, a hacksaw and various spanners.

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Arragonis

All you need is a 2CV...

Good luck finding one of those in the US, though.

Wonder how hard it would be to do with a Metro?

PS: Took a quick look at eBay. 3 2CVs listed, asking price between $16,900 and $25,000. Not something I'm going to use a hacksaw on!

[Frank Lee]

I always thought a Morgan knock-off with a VW or Sooby boxer drivetrain would be the schnizz...