British carmaker Morgan has revived its Plus 8 nameplate with a limited-edition model called the GTR – the most powerful road car in the company’s 112-year history.

Only nine examples of the Plus 8 GTR will be produced, with the remaining eight currently in production.

Despite looking similar to the current Plus 4 and Plus 6, this special-edition model isn’t based on Morgan’s new bonded aluminium underpinnings, which were designed to work with BMW’s latest four and six-cylinder engines. Rather, the Plus 8 GTR is powered by the same V8 used in the brand’s previous generation sports car.

The GTR explores design themes not seen on a traditional Morgan body for decades, such as its high shoulder line. Its five-spoke centre-lock wheels are also reminiscent, framed perfectly by subtly re-sculpted wheel arches.

Styling revisions over the original include a new rear end, front wings and front splitter, all of which are handcrafted using aluminium. It also features a hard-top and cockpit vents to “complete the race-inspired aesthetic.”

Performance upgrades in the Plus 8 GTR include a new engine tune and cannon-style twin-exit sports exhausts. Each car is fitted with a V8 engine that produces 375 BHP, the most of any Morgan road car.

Finished in striking Yas Marina Blue, the first GTR example pays particular homage to a  Plus 8 race car that competed in the GT series throughout the late nineties, more commonly known as ‘Big Blue.’ Big Blue served as the testbed for Morgan’s first bonded-aluminium chassis, which would go on to underpin the Aero 8 and ‘Aero-chassis’ Plus 8 models.

Steve Morris, Chair & CEO of Morgan Motor Company said: “We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year. The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018.

“Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming months.”

Source: Morgan Motor Company | Morgan Motor Company Completes First Plus 8 GTR – The Most Powerful Morgan Ever 

14 December 2021