Morgan Eva GT unveiled with BMW power and aluminium chassis
Morgan has revealed the Eva GT, a four-seat grand tourer with a BMW-sourced straight-six and aluminium construction, targeting production for 2012 and a price from £70,000.
Morgan has released the first official images and details of the Eva GT, a new four-seat grand tourer scheduled to enter production in 2012. The Eva GT is aimed at buyers seeking a blend of classic British design, modern performance and everyday usability. This marks a significant step for the Malvern-based manufacturer, as the Eva GT is positioned to attract a broader audience looking for both style and practicality in a sports car.
Introduction to the Morgan Eva GT
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the Eva GT is BMW’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, producing 302hp. Buyers will have the option of a six-speed manual or a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox, giving flexibility for enthusiasts who prefer either traditional or modern driving experiences. The combination of this powertrain and the car’s lightweight aluminium construction results in a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 170mph. These figures place the Eva GT among the fastest four-seaters Morgan has ever produced.
Morgan is also targeting CO2 emissions of 200g/km, though this figure remains provisional and subject to final homologation. This focus on emissions reflects a growing awareness of environmental considerations in the high-performance segment, even for a manufacturer with a strong heritage in traditional sports cars.
Lightweight Engineering and Chassis
The Eva GT builds on Morgan’s experience with aluminium construction, following models such as the Aero SuperSports and AeroMax. The chassis is a bonded aluminium structure, designed to provide both rigidity and lightness. Aluminium body panels further contribute to the car’s low kerb weight of 1,250kg (2,750lbs), which is key to its impressive acceleration and handling characteristics. This approach stands in contrast to Morgan’s traditional wood-framed vehicles, showing the company’s commitment to evolving its engineering while retaining its signature style.
Design and Practicality
The Eva GT’s four-seat layout is intended to make it more practical than Morgan’s typical two-seater sports cars. With a focus on long-distance touring, the car offers greater comfort and space for passengers, making it suitable for extended journeys. The exterior design remains true to Morgan’s classic aesthetic, with flowing lines and distinctive details that set it apart from more conventional grand tourers.
Ordering, Pricing and Production Plans
Morgan is inviting prospective customers to reserve an early build slot for the Eva GT with a £5,000 deposit. The company expects the final price to fall between £70,000 and £85,000, depending on specification and options chosen. Production is scheduled to begin in 2012 at Morgan’s Malvern factory. While the company has not disclosed projected production numbers, the early interest and deposit scheme suggest that the initial allocation may be limited, making the Eva GT a potentially exclusive offering.
Position in the Market and Rivals
The arrival of the Eva GT represents a rare move by Morgan into the grand tourer segment, expanding beyond its traditional line-up of two-seater sports cars. Its closest conceptual rivals include the Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte, both of which offer four-seat layouts and a blend of luxury and performance. However, the Eva GT’s emphasis on lightweight construction and sporting character positions it as a more niche alternative, appealing to buyers seeking exclusivity and a traditional driving experience combined with contemporary performance.
Morgan’s Upmarket Strategy
The Eva GT follows a series of new models from Morgan that blend classic styling with modern engineering. By introducing a four-seat grand tourer with advanced materials and a powerful BMW engine, Morgan is signalling its intention to move upmarket and attract a wider range of customers. The Eva GT is expected to appeal to enthusiasts who value both heritage and innovation, as well as those seeking a distinctive alternative to mainstream luxury grand tourers.
Summary and Outlook
The Morgan Eva GT is set to become an important addition to the company’s line-up, combining traditional British craftsmanship with modern engineering. With its blend of performance, practicality and exclusivity, the Eva GT could attract new customers to the Morgan brand while maintaining the company’s unique identity. As production approaches, further details on specifications and availability are expected to emerge.
| Engine | BMW 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six |
|---|---|
| Power output | 302hp |
| Gearbox | Six-speed manual or ZF automatic |
| Kerb weight | 1,250kg (2,750lbs) |
| 0-62mph | 4.5 seconds (claimed) |
| Top speed | 170mph (claimed) |
| CO2 emissions | 200g/km (target, provisional) |
| Production start | 2012 (planned) |
| Price | £70,000–£85,000 (expected) |
| Deposit required | £5,000 |
