The Enthralling Morgan Plus 8 GTR Is A Special-Edition V8
by AutoExpert | 29 November, 2021
For the first time, Morgan has displayed its Morgan Plus 8 GTR, a 9-vehicle special edition of a car that made its debut 3 years ago. Morgan describes the GTR as a "gloves off" version of the Plus 8, with the effort made feasible by the reacquisition of numerous chassis intended for an external project, rumored to be the Bristol automobiles rebirth.
The first completed car, which is going to a Danish buyer, was on show at Bicester Heritage's "Undercover Assembly" two days ago. The remaining 8 automobiles will be completed during the next 3 months. To be declared road legal, each will go through Individual Vehicle Approval testing.
The engine is a 4.8-liter BMW N62 V8, with Morgan speculating that power from the recommissioned units would be better than the 362 hp produced in their previous configuration. Six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, as well as left- and right-hand drive, will be available.
Morgan built the chassis before 2018, so they are completely untouched. Certain mechanical components have been improved for employment in the Plus 8 GTR, according to the firm.
For the GTR, Morgan's design and engineering staff were allowed to let their fantasies run freely, with inspiration drawn from the 1990s' 'Big Blue' GT series racer. Morgan exploited its car as a testbed for the bonded aluminum chassis technology that gradually replaced the standard steel chassis in 2004.
The GTR has redesigned doors with a prominent shoulder line, which hasn't been seen on a typical Morgan body. The five-spoke center-lock wheels are a homage to the Plus 8's racing background, and the wheel arches have been redesigned.
On the rear end, there's a bigger diffuser, updated front wings with vents for the first time, a massive front splitter, and a new hard-top that replaces the classic fabric one.
Every GTR will be constructed using conventional coachbuilding methods. However, manufacturing will occur at the Morgan Design and Engineering Centre (M-DEC) rather than the Pickersleigh Road facility, in a departure from tradition. Clients were offered the opportunity to design their own Morgan Plus 8 GTR with the aid of Morgan's design staff.
