Morgan’s continues to update its Plus models, this time with an overhauled braking system, but the brand remains off-limits to Australia.
The Morgan Plus Four and Plus Six have been given a range of updates for 2023, with both models picking up significant changes to their chassis’, technology and safety systems. The updates will apply to models built from January 2023-onwards, with final specifications and pricing to be finalised closer to the new year.
These changes begin under the skin, where the suspension on both models has been modified with new dampers and bushes. The new dampers, which are still passive, promise improved compliance at low speeds and better control at high speeds. These are paired with new bushes that increase low-frequency refinement, making both the Plus Four and Plus Six more compliant and therefore more composed over rough roads.
The braking systems have also been completely redesigned, with new hardware developed in collaboration with AP Racing and fresh ABS and ESP systems from Continental. The new ESP system is a first for Morgan, and is variable in calibration depending on the selected drive mode. The ESP system has also been calibrated specifically for each powertrain variant, be that the four-cylinder in six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic forms, or the auto-only straight-six. Morgan’s also added new passive safety features, incorporating front driver and passenger airbags for the first time.
Power figures for both powertrain options are the same as before, giving the smaller Plus Four figures of 190kW and 350Nm of torque delivered from BMW’s modular B48 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The more powerful Plus Six produces 250kW and 500Nm from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six. Both automatic models feature Sport and Sport+ modes for the transmission which have new calibrations for the 2023 model year.
Alongside these technical upgrades, Morgan has also introduced a range of new styling elements inside the cabin, including a new superformed aluminium dashboard that incorporates a larger and more useful digital display. This is mounted in front of the driver, and supplements the redesigned analogue dials.
The centre console has also been redesigned, and is now available in a new selection of veneers with metallic inlays, while tactile elements like the interior door handles and new fabric trim options give the whole interior a more hand-crafted feel. This lift in interior ambiance is reinforced by a new high-spec Sennheiser sound system on the options list, which combined with new seats and higher quality interior trim aimed to make the Plus Four and Plus Six a more luxurious daily driver.
This increased focus on craftsmanship is reflected by the added personalisation options, with buyers able to specify one of six specification ‘themes’, or go completely bespoke with their own interior and exterior designs.
With a renewed focus on comfort and tactility, Morgan’s Plus models look set to continue their rise in popularity, joining the recently revealed Super 3 in creating a unique and distinctive range that’s doing extremely well both here and abroad.
Morgan remains off the table for Australia since it sold its last cars here in 2020. “Supply and importation of new Morgan cars to the Australian market, with our unique Australian Design Rule technical requirements (ADRs), is currently not possible,” says Morgan Cars Australia – although enthusiasts can contact Morgan about the CX models available in Europe.
Jordan Katsianis