Geneva

Morgan EV3 electrifies the 3-Wheeler

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Morgan pulled the veil off its new EV3 this morning in Geneva. And we can hardly recall an electric vehicle we've wanted to drive so much in our lives.

The EV3 is an electrified version of the company's Three-Wheeler. Giving it an electric powertrain, then, is as glorious an example of "old meets new" as we've ever seen, and promises to take the oldest of the old school into the modern age. At its heart is a liquid-cooled electric motor good for 46 kilowatts (62 horsepower), paired to a 20-kWh lithium battery. That's not a whole heck of a lot of muscle, but is said to be enough to propel the EV3 up to 62 miles per hour in under nine seconds and on to a top speed in excess of 90 mph, and will travel for 150 miles on a single charge – assuming you don't bury the throttle too hastily. In a vehicle this small and with little to shield driver and passenger from the air rushing by, we don't doubt it feels even faster.

A big part of that comes down to the EV3's light weight. Another Morgan first is the carbon-fiber bodywork which – like the rest of the aluminum panels – is hand formed over a wood frame, which helps offset the weight of the batteries and keep curb weight under 1,100 pounds. As you can see, Morgan also redesigned the front end now that there's no V-Twin hanging off of it, with a delicious-looking array of brass fins to cool the batteries and an off-center headlight to give it that extra touch of personality.

The best part of it all is that the EV3 isn't going to remain a concept for long. Bolstered by government funding and aided by a consortium of backers, Morgan intends to put it into production by the end of this year, with pricing said to be comparable to the gasoline-powered Three-Wheeler. Oh, and lest you start thinking that Morgan has lost touch with its roots in pursuing electric motivation, it has also brought with it a special edition 4/4 to the Geneva Motor Show this year as well, marking an astonishing 80 years that the model has now been in production. Scope out both in the videos and press releases below as well as the accompanying image galleries. Then pull those goggles and string-back driving gloves out of storage and call your bank manager, because the prospect of driving a Morgan – old or new – has never looked quite so enticing.
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Morgan Launches EV3

• The Morgan EV3 will be the first production EV to be built by the company
• Production to start in Q4 of 2016
• Pricing and performance figures will be comparable to the petrol 3 Wheeler
• Operational range of 150 miles
• Launch coincides with the announcement that a consortium led by Morgan will receive government funding towards advanced propulsion

The Morgan EV3 today makes its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The EV3 looks at the world of zero emissions motoring from an entirely different perspective, what if an all-electric vehicle was bespoke, hand crafted and exhilarating to drive? The EV3 embraces new technology, delivers responsible driving excitement and continues to celebrate traditional British craftsmanship.

Following a soft launch of the Phase 1 concept EV3 in 2015, Morgan is excited to showcase the final "pre-production phase" car which reveals the restyled body and interior. Weighing less than 500kg, the all-electric 3 Wheeler has a range of 150 miles.

Lightweight agility is complemented by performance figures that challenge those of the petrol 3 Wheeler. 0-62mph takes less than 9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90mph. Encased within the tubular space frame chassis is a 20KWh Lithium Battery and a liquid cooled 46kW motor driving the rear wheel.

The EV3 is the first Morgan vehicle to utilise composite carbon panels in its body construction. The carbon bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods are made in the UK, and much like the remaining aluminium panels, are hand worked over an ash wood frame. Taking inspiration from 1930's aeroengine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950's fantasy automatons, the face of the EV3 is designed to function. Brass conductive cooling fins encase the batteries and an off-centre tri-bar headlight adds to the overall asymmetry of the design.

The dramatic tail lift once seen on 1930's Morgan 3 Wheeler race cars, has been re-introduced, subsequently creating a visually forward stance. This is enhanced with low slung running lights that carry through the cylindrical form of the side pods. An entirely new dashboard arrangement features a classic 'magneto' switch for drive selection, a digital screen, wood, brass and polished aluminium.

The EV3 will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2016 and will be priced comparably to the petrol 3 Wheeler. This launch coincides with an announcement that the Morgan Motor Company will receive government funding towards a £6m consortium based project developing future hybrid and full EV Morgan vehicles.

"The EV3 is an exciting opportunity for our customers to enjoy the unique Morgan driving experience and the joy of tailored manufacture whilst remaining conscientious towards the future of our planet."
- Steve Morris, Managing Director, Morgan Technologies Ltd.

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Morgan launch special edition to celebrate 80 years of 4/4

• 2016 marks 80 years of the Morgan 4/4
• The Morgan 4/4 is the longest running production car in the world
• The Morgan 4/4 was first launched in 1936 at exhibitions in London and Paris
• The 4/4 80th Special Edition has been introduced to celebrate this landmark
• Just 80 examples of the 4/4 80th will be built
• The 4/4 80th is available in 3 colours reminiscent of those offered on the first cars and showcases a multitude of new styling features

Conceived in 1935, the introduction of the 4/4 signalled Morgan's move to 4 wheeled vehicles and the beginning of the next chapter in Morgan history. On the 15th of October 1936, the eagerly anticipated 4/4 debuted at the London Motor Show, held at Olympia. The modest 4/4 was a lightweight, affordable runabout that had been proven in local trials with great success across the UK. This model has been a stalwart of the Morgan model range since its inception 80 years ago, and despite a short break during WWII, has been in continuous production ever since.

2016 marks 80 years of this automotive icon, a British success story and the longest running production car in the world. To celebrate the Morgan Motor Company is proud to announce a limited edition 80th anniversary 4/4. Just 80 examples will be produced, each entirely hand crafted and featuring a multitude of new features inspired by the first edition cars.

These features include solid wheels with brass centre locks, brass exterior accents and unique limited edition metal foil graphics beneath the body lacquer. The 4/4 80th is offered in 3 colour ways; two tone with dark and Almond green, Saxe Blue and Dark Red. A discreet side exit sports exhaust offers subtle performance improvements and a highly distinguished exhaust note. Further details include a quad bonnet strap, brass grille mesh, a mohair roof and part tonneau cover offering a simplified roof-down aesthetic.

Customers can personalise the interior of their 80th 4/4 from a carefully selected range of leather and box weave carpet colour combinations. Period Smiths dials with cream faces and brass embellishers are a jewel-like detail against the matte lacquered walnut dashboard. Extended leather door tops, leather door pull handles and an array of new trim details complete the look. A numbered plaque reminds each owner that their car is 1 of 80 of these highly detailed limited edition vehicles.

The 4/4 80th anniversary uses a 1.6 litre Ford Sigma engine, is available from one of many dealers in homologated markets and is offered as right or left hand drive. Prices start at £33,330.00 Excluding taxes.

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