375bhp Morgan Plus 8 GTR unveiled 10 | 12 | 2021
MORGAN HAS LIFTED the wraps from the most powerful model in the company’s 112-year history: say hello to the 375bhp, 4.8-litre V8 engined Plus 8 GTR. No price has been confirmed yet, but expect it to be in the £200,00-£250,000 range. (Related: VW Polo GTI on-sale from £26,430)
Taking inspiration from the company’s Plus 8 track racers of the 1990s, the Plus 8 GTR will be the first time the British brand has sold a V8-engined car since the Aero 8 was axed in 2019.
Although this newcomer looks almost identical to the current Plus Four and Plus Six, the special edition GTR isn’t based on Morgan’s new bonded aluminium underpinnings which was designed to work with BMW’s latest four- and six-cylinder engines. Instead the Plus 8 GTR will use the same V8 used in Morgan’s previous-generation sports car.
The 375bhp the current BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V8 delivers is 13bhp more than was offered when the powertrain was first bolted to the Plus 8’s frame in 2012. Buyers can also choose from either a six-speed manual or six-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Not surprisingly, to cope with the increase in power Morgan has upgraded the Plus 8’s suspension, brakes and tyres. Strengthening plates have also been added around the engine bay, plus there’s extra bracing for the chassis legs.
The Plus 8 GTR also benefits from a number of new styling features, including a new aluminium hardtop, a deep rear diffuser, an aggressive front splitter and a set of wider wheelarches. There’s also new lightweight alloy wheels. To improve engine cooling, the bonnet also receives a few extra louvres, while vents behind the front wheels will help extract heat from the brakes. (Related: Toyota's first all-electric SUV, the bZ4x)
Inside the cabin there are model-specific “GTR” dials and a plaque to mark each model's place in the build series, plus new door cards. The options box includes carbon fibre seats and racing harnesses for serious track enthusiasts.
“We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year,” Steve Morris, Morgan’s chairman and CEO, said.
“The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018.
“Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming months.”
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Jim McGill