Morgan Supersport Comes to the US, But It Misses Its Biggest Highlight
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Morgan Supersport Arrives in America With One Big Compromise
Morgan has confirmed that the new Morgan Supersport is coming to the United States. That is good news for buyers who enjoy lightweight, handcrafted sports cars with classic styling. However, there is one important catch.
The version arriving in the U.S. will not get the powerful six cylinder engine available in Europe. Instead, American buyers will receive a four cylinder version that is closely related to the Morgan Plus Four.
Even with that compromise, the Supersport brings sharper handling, premium craftsmanship, and Morgan’s unique driving experience to the American market.
Why the Six Cylinder Morgan Supersport Isn't Coming to the US
Morgan is a very small car manufacturer, and its U.S. sales depend on the FAST Act. This law allows low volume manufacturers to sell up to 325 vehicles per year in the United States if the vehicles resemble models that are at least 25 years old.
That regulation helps companies like Morgan continue selling their traditional looking sports cars in America despite modern certification requirements.
Because of those regulations, Morgan is currently offering the Supersport in a different specification for U.S. customers.
Classic Looks, Modern Engineering
At first glance, the Morgan Supersport looks like a sports car from the 1930s. That vintage appearance is exactly what many buyers love about it.
Underneath the retro body, however, the engineering is thoroughly modern.
Some key highlights include:
- Lightweight all aluminium chassis
- Traditional ash wood body frame
- Hand formed aluminium body panels
- Handmade construction using traditional coachbuilding techniques
- Optional carbon fibre bonnet
Morgan continues to combine old world craftsmanship with modern materials, making every car feel unique.
Engine Options: Europe Gets More Power
The biggest disappointment for American enthusiasts is the missing six cylinder engine.
Europe Specification
| Specification | Europe Model |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0 litre turbocharged BMW inline six |
| Power | 340 hp |
| Higher performance version | Up to 400 hp |
| Weight | Just over 2,500 pounds |
With that much power in such a lightweight car, the European Supersport delivers an impressive power to weight ratio.
US Specification
American buyers will instead receive:
| Specification | US Model |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 litre turbocharged BMW four cylinder |
| Power | 255 hp |
| Platform | Based on the Morgan Plus Four |
Although it loses nearly 85 horsepower compared to the European model, the Supersport remains a lightweight sports car. Its weight is similar to a hardtop Mazda MX5 Miata, so 255 horsepower should still provide lively performance.
Sharper Handling Than the Plus Four
Morgan says the Supersport focuses heavily on improving driving dynamics over the Plus Four.
Some of the upgrades include:
- Steering rack that is 14 percent quicker
- Firmer suspension tuning
- Improved aerodynamic body design
- Optional adjustable dampers
- Lightweight 18 inch and 19 inch wheels
- Optional carbon fibre bonnet
These changes are aimed at making the Supersport the sharpest handling Morgan currently on sale.
Plenty of Personalisation
One of the biggest attractions of buying a Morgan is the level of customisation.
Customers can choose from a wide range of options, including:
- Composite roof
- Walnut interior trim
- Different exterior finishes
- Multiple wheel designs
- Various handcrafted interior materials
Since every Morgan is built by hand, buyers have far more freedom than they would with a mass produced sports car.
Morgan Supersport Price
The Morgan Supersport starts at $119,995 in the United States.
While that is significantly more expensive than a four cylinder BMW Z4, the two cars target completely different buyers. The Morgan focuses on handcrafted construction, heritage, exclusivity, and an old school driving experience that few modern sports cars can match.
Should You Buy the US Morgan Supersport?
The missing six cylinder engine will certainly disappoint many enthusiasts, especially considering the impressive performance available in Europe.
Still, the U.S. version keeps everything that makes a Morgan special:
- Handmade construction
- Lightweight design
- Classic styling
- Improved handling
- Extensive customisation
For buyers looking for a distinctive sports car rather than outright performance numbers, the Morgan Supersport remains one of the most unique options on sale today.
Final Thoughts
The arrival of the Morgan Supersport expands Morgan’s U.S. lineup alongside the Super 3 and Plus Four. Although American buyers miss out on the more powerful six cylinder engine, the lightweight four cylinder version still promises an engaging driving experience backed by traditional craftsmanship.
It may not be the exact Supersport enthusiasts were hoping for, but it still offers something few modern sports cars can: genuine character, handcrafted quality, and timeless design.
Sources & References
Official Sources
1. Morgan Motor Company USA (Official US Supersport Page)
Morgan Supersport USA
Official specifications, pricing, features, performance figures, and U.S. availability.
2. Morgan Motor Company (Official Announcement)
Morgan Supersport Now Available in the United States
Official announcement confirming U.S. launch, FAST Act approval, and model details.
3. Morgan Motor Company Newsroom
Morgan Newsroom
Description: Official press releases and company news about current Morgan models.
4. Morgan Motor Company USA
Morgan USA Official Website
Official U.S. website covering the brand, dealer network, and model lineup.
Trusted Automotive Sources
5. duPont REGISTRY
Morgan Brings the New Supersport to the United States
Luxury automotive publication covering the U.S. arrival and key specifications.
6. Yahoo Autos (Robb Report)
The Morgan Supersport Is Coming to the U.S. With Less Power
Explains why the U.S. model uses the four cylinder engine instead of the inline six.
7. Car and Driver
Morgan Supersport 400 Revealed
Covers the six cylinder Supersport 400 sold outside the U.S. market.
Morgan Supersport FAQ
Is the Morgan Supersport coming to the United States?
Yes. Morgan has confirmed that the Supersport will be sold in the United States, joining the Super 3 and Plus Four in the company's American lineup.
Why does the US Morgan Supersport not get the six cylinder engine?
The U.S. version is offered under the FAST Act regulations for low volume manufacturers. Because of certification requirements, Morgan is introducing the Supersport with the BMW sourced 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine instead of the 3.0 litre turbocharged inline six available in Europe.
What engine does the US Morgan Supersport use?
The American model is powered by a BMW sourced 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower.
How much power does the European Morgan Supersport produce?
The European version uses a BMW 3.0 litre turbocharged inline six that produces 340 horsepower, while higher performance versions can deliver up to 400 horsepower.
What makes the Morgan Supersport different from the Plus Four?
The Supersport features a 14 percent quicker steering rack, firmer suspension tuning, improved aerodynamics, optional adjustable dampers, lightweight wheels, and an optional carbon fibre bonnet, making it the sharpest handling Morgan currently on sale.
What is the starting price of the Morgan Supersport in the United States?
The Morgan Supersport starts at $119,995 before optional extras and customisation.
What materials are used to build the Morgan Supersport?
The Supersport combines an all aluminium chassis with a traditional ash wood body frame and hand formed aluminium body panels. Every car is handcrafted using techniques that blend classic coachbuilding with modern engineering.
Can buyers customise the Morgan Supersport?
Yes. Buyers can choose from numerous options, including a composite roof, walnut interior trim, different exterior finishes, multiple wheel designs, and a wide range of handcrafted interior materials.
Is the Morgan Supersport still a lightweight sports car?
Yes. Even with the four cylinder engine, the Morgan Supersport weighs just over 2,500 pounds, helping deliver strong performance and agile handling.
Who should consider buying the Morgan Supersport?
The Morgan Supersport is ideal for buyers looking for a handcrafted British sports car with timeless styling, lightweight construction, engaging driving dynamics, and extensive personalisation rather than outright performance numbers.
