Skip advert
Advertisement

First Morgan Plus 8 GTR build complete

The first unit of Morgan's track-focused Plus 8 GTR has been completed, with eight more now to come

This is Morgan’s first of nine Plus 8 GTRs, with all other units now in assembly at its Malvern manufacturing facility. This extremely limited-run and track-only model was teased last year as a sign-off for the iconic Plus 8 model line, and is built from existing chassis’ sporting some engine updates and competition-derived components for Morgan’s most discerning customers. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

This first unit is finished in the same Yas Marina blue as the sketches released last year, contrasted with off-white wheels, a dark finish grille and gold detailing on the brakes and recovery hook poking out of the lower grille opening. All remaining units will be built to customer specification, with five of the nine cars heading overseas.

> Morgan 3 Wheeler P101 to mark end of production of eccentric sports car

The GTR itself takes inspiration from the ‘Big blue’ GT racer of the ‘90s, with a return to the iconic high shoulder line alongside swollen front and rear arches, bonnet louvres and motorsport-inspired front and rear aero. The covered spotlights, five-spoke centre lock wheels and the new hardtop are also new elements, also inciting that motorsport connection.

Like the previous Plus 8, the GTR is powered by a lightly modified version of BMW’s N62 naturally-aspirated 4.8-litre V8, paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed ZF automatic transmission. The previous road-legal Plus 8 had a peak power rated at 362bhp, but with changes to the ECU and a new side-exit exhaust system in the GTR, Morgan is projecting a subtle power increase.

At the time of the GTR’s announcement, Morgan head of design, Jonathan Wells, said: 'This project has allowed Morgan’s design and engineering teams to revisit some of their favourite elements of past Morgan models, as well as experiment with some features that we hope will appear on future Morgan cars.'

The GTR joins the Plus 4 CXT as a new type of Morgan special edition with an equally special price point. These limited-run models have proved to be popular with Morgan’s core clientele, so we expect more of the same in the future. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks
Lotus Emira Turbo SE
Reviews

Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks

Amidst all the current hullabaloo at Hethel, a faster, sharper Emira four‐cylinder has emerged. Could it be the new pick of the range?
11 Sep 2025