Morgan is a brand that moves at its own pace. These cars are still built around ash wood frames in the same Worcestershire factory the company moved into in 1914.So when they pulled the curtain back on the all-new Supersport 400, it felt just a bit strange.
And that’s not because we don’t like it, but because Morgan has officially crossed the 400-horsepower threshold for the first time in its 116-year history.
A 116-Year Milestone
Morgan has been making cars since 1910. That’s a long runway to finally build something this powerful. The Supersport 400 gets a tuned-up version of BMW’s B58 turbocharged inline-six, now making a ridiculous 402hp. A 67hp jump over the standard Supersport.
The numbers from there are (expectedly) just as impressive. Zero to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 mph. Tipping the scales at just 2,579 pounds, this mighty little Morgan is in the same weight class as the Mazda Miata RF. And even crazier to think that the car is still built on a wood frame.
Familiar Engine, Unfamiliar Packaging
The B58 is one of the most well-traveled engines in modern performance. You can literally find find variants across the board in everything from the the BMW M340i to the Toyota Supra. Hell, even the Ineos Grenadier is powered by the B58.
But dropping it into a hand-built British roadster with a side-hinged bonnet and headlights cribbed from a 1939 Bugatti? That’s a different experience entirely. Power runs through a ZF eight-speed automatic to the rear wheels, which is the one place Morgan purists will grumble. Why no manual? This definitely feels like a miss given the analog vibe of everything else.
The BMW Shifter Problem, Solved
Now for the detail we’ve been waiting for. The standard Supersport’s biggest interior gripe was the BMW-sourced gear selector sitting in an otherwise hand-built cabin like the parts-bin item it is. Morgan finally fixed it.
The 400 gets an optional anodized aluminum shifter designed in-house. Pair it with the new Caerbont-built dial artwork (Caerbont being the original Smiths dial maker) and the Alcantara and leather combos, and the cabin finally matches the rest of the car’s craftsmanship.
Subtle Performance Cues
For the most part the 400 keeps the beloved retro silhouette intact, but there are some new details in the mix. New vents in the front wings help the BMW six breathe. The lower bodywork goes from satin to gloss. And forged 19-inch Sportlite wheels sit at all four corners, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber to round out the affair.
The Dynamic Handling Pack, previously a £3,100 option, is now standard. And that includes adjustable Nitron dampers with 24 clicks of damping front and rear, plus revised suspension geometry. You can also opt for a limited-slip diff if your heart desires.
Spec Sheet
Engine: 3.0L BMW B58 turbocharged inline-six
Power: 402 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0-62 MPH: 3.6 seconds
Top Speed: 180 mph
Curb Weight: 2,579 lbs
Wheels: Forged 19″ Sportlite
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 5
Pricing & Availability
Order books are open now with production starting in May. Pricing kicks off at £112,965 (~$152,000) before taxes in the UK and €138,958 in Europe. Bad news (but expected) for us stateside: like the standard Supersport, the 400 isn’t headed to America. US Morgan buyers are still stuck with the Plus Four and Super 3.
Recap
Morgan Supersport 400
Morgan finally cracks 400 horsepower in its 116-year history with a 402hp BMW-powered flagship that hits 62 mph in 3.6 seconds at just 2,579 pounds. About time.
