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Morgan Super 3 2022: Morgan three-wheeler replacement ditches V-twin engine for three-pot power

 

New Ford three-cylinder donor engine gives more power and torque than previous three-wheeled variants of the model


After much speculation about what the new Morgan three-wheeler would be powered with, finally we have an answer. 

Much to the surprise of Morgan lovers, the V-twin S&S motor has been replaced by a Ford unit – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated three-cylinder engine previously seen in that brand’s base-model Focus Ambiente in Australia. 

Priced from GBP 41,995 (A$78,361), the new Morgan Super 3 replaces the three-wheeler which was on sale for ten years between 2011 and 2021. 

Morgan Super 3 silver on beach
While we wouldn’t recommend taking the Morgan on the beach, you can do it!

What is different on the new Super 3?

One of the biggest changes is the Morgan’s engine, which has gone from a V layout to a inline-three layout but remains naturally aspirated. 

This new powertrain produces 87kW of power at 6500rpm and maximum torque of 150Nm at 4500rpm

This will allow the Morgan Super 3 to accelerate to 100km/h in seven seconds and onto a top speed of 209km/h. 

The Morgan weighs just 635kg dry and uses a five speed manual gearbox sourced from the current Mazda MX-5

Morgan Super 3 front 3/4 view
The new Morgan Super 3 looks very different to the last three-wheeler

Morgan says that extensive development has gone into tuning the engine’s acoustic character to enhance its distinctive three-cylinder charm. 

The exhaust has been rerouted for the first time under the car to prevent drivers from burning their legs when getting out of the Super 3. 

What else is new?

Morgan Super 3 silver side image
The Morgan is now powered by a Ford three-cylinder engine and is naturally-aspirated

Most of the design is brand new for the Morgan Super 3 which is the first clean sheet design since the launch of the Aero 8 back in 2000 according to the company. It is also the biggest visual departure since the 1962 Plus Four Plus.

The Super 3 has a new face, along with ‘side blade’ diffuser plates which manage inbound and exhaustive airflow through the radiators. 

But these side blades aren’t just helpful for airflow: they also allow numerous different configurations thanks to universal fixings on the side blades which can fit panniers and exo racks. 

What about the interior?

Morgan Super 3 red interior shot
Digital instruments is a big step up for the brand, while MX-5 gearbox remains

The interior has been designed with durability and resilience in mind. The interior itself is rated at a IP64 ingress protection level which means both the cabin is dust tight and protected from water splashing. This is effective even in the integrated USB sockets. 

For the first time, the Morgan Super 3 features all digital dials, while the start stop button retains its ‘missile release’ style button as featured on the last model.