Morgan, the British manufacturer of retro-styled sports cars, has unveiled the Plus Four CX-T – a rugged version of its Plus Four model and which the company says has been developed for all-terrain and ‘overland adventure’ use.

Built on the company’s CX-Generation platform – which also underpins the production-model Plus Four (and Plus Six) – the CX-T was designed and engineered in partnership with Rally Raid UK, a creator of Dakar race cars.

Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 ($AU320,260) plus local taxes and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T.

While it shares the BMW 2-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with its road-going sibling, the exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments.

Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack.

The rack houses two waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel/tyre assemblies. Additionally, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car.

The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle.

The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready and uses modified Plus Six wishbones. EXE-TC coilover assemblies with internal bump stops are also used. In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which increase durability.

An underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, mid-section shield and rear undertray – helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage. The car is also fitted with an exhaust system with rear side-exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230mm of ground clearance.

The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied. Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘All-Terrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential. The two All-Terrain modes are designed to be used when tackling rough surfaces and low-traction conditions.

Inside the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T features have been added to improve occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is built into to the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder have also been integrated.

Cabin stowage includes the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats.

The cabin is enclosed within a composite hard top.

VIDEO: MORGAN PLUS FOUR CX-T [LAUNCH FILM]

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (September 2021)

23 Sept 2021