Morgan is back with a radically updated trike. Called the Super 3, it moves the 3 Wheeler on from the 1920s-inspired version we’ve become accustomed to over the last decade. Instead of spindly wire wheels and an exposed V-twin motorcycle engine slung across the nose, this one takes its styling cues from the early jet age, has disc-style wheels that evoke images of Porsche 935s, and gets its motive power form a three-cylinder Ford car engine.
Though pedestrian safety groups are
probably delighted to see the back of the old S&S V-twin, which wasn’t
capable of passing future emissions tests, for the rest of us that substitution
might seem like a bad thing. But Morgan points out that it made a similar
switch in the 1937 when it introduced the Morgan F-series. The difference is
that F-Type had less than 40 hp, and this one has 117 hp, along with 150 Nm of torque, which is sent to the single rear wheel via a
five-speed Mazda MX-5 transmission. And being a triple, it should have at least
some of the wumpa-wumpa-wumpa vibes that made the previous 115 hp bike-engine 3
Wheeler so characterful. Those numbers might not sound impressive, but don’t
forget the Super 3 only weighs 635 kg.
Morgan says zero to 62 mph should take
around 7 seconds and suggests a 209 km/h top speed, but given how
crazy the last version felt at half that speed, we can’t imagine many buyers
getting that far. The great thing about something like the Super 3 is that you
don’t even need to break the speed limit to feel like you’re risking serious
jail time. Style-wise, the newly exposed snout is reminiscent of the electric
EV3 concept’s, development of which Morgan killed off in 2018, while bodywork
that tapers from the waist gives the car a lighter, more modern (and also
weirdly aquatic) look. But the changes going on beneath that skin are even
bolder. Instead of a being built around a spaceframe chassis, the new trike
features a true monocoque where the outer panels contribute to the structural
strength of the Superformed aluminium platform.
The suspension is also entirely new,
having been redesigned to shorten the turning circle, leave space for air to
flow to the side mounted radiators, and reduce unsprung mass by bringing the
spring and damper units inboard. Even the skinny tires have been
custom-engineered, in this case by Avon, to provide just the right amount of
slip.
Inside the cabin, there are more jet-age
styling cues, particularly around the dual-gauge instrument pack that combines
digital technology with a cold-war look that’s topped off by the bank of toggle
switches below. One feature carried over from the outgoing car its the “missile
release” start-stop button, but there are some important new additions like a
quick-release adjustable pedal box, a reach- and rake-adjustable steering
column, and even a footwell heater to help you get comfortable and stay that
way. Weather protection isn’t the Super 3’s strong suit (you get a tonneau
cover for when you’re parked up, but no soft-top), but Morgan says everything
has been designed to survive nature’s hissy fits. Dashboard controls and even
the USB sockets are sealed from dust and water splashes, and the four
upholstery options have also been designed with resilience in mind. Buyers can
choose from vinyl, water-resistant leather, saddle leather and the really cool
technical fabric seen in the press images of the red car that is both water-
and UV-resistant.
Luggage can be stored under the lift-up
trunk panel, attached to the topside of it using an exo-skeleton luggage rack,
strapped to the side pods, or stashed in the lockable under-seat storage area.
Some of those options require a trip to the actual options list where you’ll
also find fixings for things like cupholders, phones, and two different
screens, which you choose depending on how badly you want your head battered by
bugs and the breeze. And, just as with the old car, customers will also be able
to choose from a variety of graphics packages.
The Super 3 is available to order in the
UK, Europe and the U.S. now. Morgan says prices are inline with the last of the
old bike-engine 3 Wheelers, and quotes a base price of £ 34,958.33 (US$ 47,541)
plus local taxes, which makes the UK price £ 41,995. U.S. prices are still TBC.
But even if you’re not buying, you can still design your perfect Super 3 using
the online configurator. H
