British roadster weighs just 2,579 pounds, matching Mazda Miata RF despite 67hp power increase over standard model.
Morgan launched its most powerful production car with 402 horsepower from a tuned BMW 3.0-litre turbo engine. The Supersport 400 weighs 2,579 pounds. Same as a Miata RF. Sprint to 62 mph drops 0.3 seconds to 3.6 seconds with top speed reaching 180 mph.
The launch comes just over a year after Morgan introduced the standard Supersport, marking rapid product development for the small British manufacturer. European pricing starts at €138,958 before taxes, positioning it against Porsche 718 territory but with Morgan's traditional aluminum chassis and interchangeable roof system that BMW cannot match.
Power Jump Creates Performance Gap
The 67 horsepower increase over the standard Supersport pushes output to 402hp while torque holds at 369 pound-feet. Power-to-weight ratio calculates to 6.41 pounds per horsepower, compared to 7.70 for the base model. That gap translates to the 0.3-second acceleration improvement. Top speed rises from 165 mph to 180 mph, a 15 mph increase. UK pricing starts at £112,965 before taxes, with options packages adding up to £31,000. The calculation puts fully loaded examples near £144,000, entering premium sports car restructuring territory where traditional manufacturers compete against electric alternatives.
BMW Engine Gets Morgan-Specific Tuning
Morgan's engineering team modified BMW's B58 inline-six beyond standard output levels, according to technical specifications released April 2024. The uprated engine receives new exhaust system development and functional vents integrated into front wings for improved breathing. Forged 19-inch wheels with five-spoke design replace standard items, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires as standard equipment. Twenty-four-way adjustable dampers come standard on the 400 variant, compared to fixed dampers on the base Supersport. Morgan's 3D configurator launched simultaneously in the UK market, allowing buyers to specify options including limited-slip differential and anodized aluminum shifter to replace the BMW-sourced unit.
Automatic-Only Transmission Limits Appeal
Morgan offers the Supersport 400 exclusively with BMW's eight-speed automatic transmission, eliminating manual gearbox options that define traditional British sports cars. BMW's own M3 evolution moves toward electric powertrains while Morgan doubles down on combustion engines. The automatic-only approach contrasts with Caterham Seven models that still offer manual transmissions at lower price points. European competitors like Alpine A110 provide manual options in similar weight categories. Morgan's decision reflects BMW partnership constraints rather than customer preference, according to industry observers familiar with the supplier relationship. The policy affects traditional sports car buyers who expect three-pedal layouts in analog-focused vehicles.
Pricing Strategy Defies Market Logic
The €138,958 starting price positions Morgan's 402hp roadster above Porsche 718 Cayman GTS territory despite limited dealer network and service infrastructure. Chinese manufacturers target European production at fraction of Morgan's cost structure, yet the Malvern-based company maintains premium pricing strategy. Production volume remains undisclosed, unusual for limited-series announcements where scarcity drives demand. Morgan's previous Plus Six model sold fewer than 500 units annually across global markets, raising questions about Supersport 400 demand at nearly €140,000 entry point. The company launched 3D configurator before announcing production capacity or delivery timeframes, inverting typical luxury car launch sequences where allocation precedes marketing tools.
Morgan confirmed it will maintain combustion engine production for existing model lifecycles, despite European emissions regulations tightening through 2030. The Supersport 400 represents the company's peak internal combustion output before potential electrification. Orders opened April 2024 with first deliveries scheduled for autumn 2024. The complete Morgan model history and specifications are catalogued in the Global Auto Index manufacturer database.
