Morgan Threewheeler

The Morgan Threewheeler is returning to the roads, 58 years after production of the original version ceased.


Due to go on sale in 2011, the new car will be powered by a 1,800 cc Harley-Davidson V-twin with around 100 bhp (74 kW / 101 PS), connected to a Mazda five-speed transmission. That should be enough to accelerate the 500 kg lightweight from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, before taking it onto a top speed of a windy 115 mph (185 km/h) - flying goggles might be a good idea.

The Threewheeler is constructed from super formed aluminium bodywork over a tubular steel chassis frame. Additional protection is provided by individual rollover hoops behind the driver and passenger seats, but there’s no hood to keep the weather off.


Aviation clearly provided the inspiration for the design of the cockpit, which features a black anodised dash panel, aluminium 'aircraft' toggle switches and a 'bomb release' style starter button.

In the UK at least, the Morgan Threewheeler will be homologated as a motorcycle. That means anyone who holds a bike licence will be able to drive it.


Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Morgan is saying that the first batch of cars will be built to a ‘standard’ specification. These will be available in a choice of eight paint colours, together with black or tan leather for the interior. After that, customers will be able to order more bespoke versions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Honda WSB team launch

Image
Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.
Read more