I wonder if any of the magazines will do a road test comparing the new Plus Six, the new Toyota Supra and the new BMW Z4: same engine, transmission.

Will MMC be able to match the German/Japanese products in the eyes of the market?

Possible the first time in living history that MMC has a car that, on paper, matches two of the best.

That'd be an interesting comparison Peter , let's hope one of the magazines think so too .

Hugh

Are you looking at picking up said Press Demonstrator at a bargain price Peter?

No, no plan to change. I like the fact that the Plus Eight has no turbos.

Neither the Toyota nor the BMW got test reports that would qualify them as "two of the best" , and thats when they are new models which invariably get puffed up. So lets hope the Morgan is better.

That said they are in totally different markets. The wife / girlfriend / pa / whatever that fancies a Z4 likely wont even know that the Morgan exists let alone fancy something that looks "old fashioned". Morgans are for enthusiastic petrolheads not just convertible buyers.

And then there is the build quality and reliability

In short I dont see the two as competing at all. I mean,when did you see a Z4 driver, soft top down in mid winter and wearing a sheepskin flying jacket and maybe a deerstalker hat.

I'd say the markets overlap. A Supra petrolhead might consider a Plus 6.

As you say, the magazine journalists are not blown over by wither the Z4 or the Supra.

As you say, can MMC step up to the plate with at least US Quality standards?
The Plus 6 is light, which will help its corner. I've not calculated bhp/kilo for the three.

Still not seen a review of the plus 6 !

Yep, it’s odd they haven’t got a journalist in one of the two show cars, unless they weren’t setup suspension wise or finished yet.

I'm afraid I can't help but worry about the lack of ABS/Switchable traction control though..

They have ABS...

So when you overcook it and lose traction just jump on the brakes and it will all be fine in the end.

I didn't say that.

Besides, sooner or later the laws of physics will take over from the electronic "safety systems" if the car is driven stupidly enough...

I'm glad to hear that Graham as the sort of performance levels that are being bandied about this will be essential I would think.

The Supra is £53k and fairly well loaded. I don't think they will be confused enough to make that hop up to the Plus6.

Henry Catchpole on Carfection today whilst discussing the Z4 and Supra brought up a point about Malvern, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him reviewing a Plus 6 as he was the one to talk the initial reveal.

It helps that he has a soft spot for Morgans.

Interesting article in Miscellany about the new Plus 6. It is a big change for MMC, the next edition of Miscellany is expected to include a road test. So I guess the journalists will get their hands on one during late June.

I'm amazed that MMC could develop and build a new chassis and install a completely new power train all within 4 years and less than £6m.

Toyota had to share a platform with BMW to produce the new Supra. And at what cost?

We have a Z4, Supra and Plus Six all sharing a common powertrain. BMW and Toyota share a platform, MMC went their own way. There has to be a group test somewhere before long. Both seem to be priced in the £50 to £60k region.
A well specified Plus Six is going to cost over £90k.

Will people pay almost twice for a hand built car that is a bit quicker but mechanically the same?
How much is exclusivity worth?

And don't forget reliability, warranty issues and a local dealership, I can't see a bmw or Toyota customer buying into Morgan, Morgan is a lifestyle and a niche car.

While one has to say Toyota and BMW have great reliability as a serial Morgan owner I have not had a reliability issue. I think for petrol heads it is not the biggest issue IMH. Otherwise who would buy an Alfa? I did and I as of the road 1 day every week of ownership! I still needed to own (lease) and Alfa.

You are a lucky man Crunchie. As long as you drive them to make up for you you remain willing to put up with some foibles to get the results.

I've had 2 Morgans, no reliability issues.

As for the "Germans" I'm less convinced. Weeks old, the M140i needed a new rear can, the powered valve had failed. The C43 has had both the rear screen replaced ( failure of 3 elements) and the drivers seat squab replaced, (leather cracking after 2 years).
The A35 had, at 2 weeks old, a complete MBUX software re-boot after crashing.

Yes, Morgans are a niche car, with limited dealer support, but for some BMW and Toyota supporters the chance to have something mechanically similar, but visually different and the ability to customise extensively, will be attractive.
If just 1% of those considering a Z4 or Supra make the jump then MMC will be VERY happy.

As Peter says, if MMC can find 1% they'll be very happy

That 1% will be the ones that want something different. These new owners will expect that the car always starts, goes and stops. They'll probably expect it to be wind and waterproof. They'll love the smiles and waves that come as standard. And the factory will hope that they buy into the ownership experience, and accept that with being hand-built comes a bit of fettling and post-sale development by owners.

My current list being a front suspension bush, blistering paint on the wing mirrors, the passenger air vent fell out, and a mis-build on the nearside rear wheel. None of which the dealer or factory is in any rush to fix. & nor am I, so long as they get done someday.

If there's 700 or so more people like us out there on the planet, MMC & their investors will be minted.

Will

Those rose-tinted specs.

Indeed.. but no worse than the Germans, I contend.

1. The O/S calliper issue, I later discovered, was down to a minor accident caused by a Journalist. The factory were out of the correct Callipers so fitted one from a S2 Aero.... and forgot to re-fit the correct one!

2. Dash lights..forgot about that. It seems these should be considered wear items!

3. Cap on Vac pipe: hasn't happened again.

4. Yellow engine light .. sorted. A new engine map and advice NOT to use supermarket fuel. Makes no sense, but each time I fill up with supermarket fuel the light comes on. If I stick to Branded fuel all is well.

a problem with Mercedes or Toyota, no problem book it in to your local dealer, fixed and returned same day, my gdi ecu took a year, and was still not fixed, many others have their cars off the road for long periods, ok if it's a toy but not so good if it's in regular use, as has been said many times on here Morgan need to sort out the customer service and at the prices they are now asking (50% more than the BMW or Toyota) most people won't accept it, the prices have risen so high a Morgan is now even further out of reach.

This car WILL attract a small number of buyers (who want to have something "different"), as Peter says..a small number will be enough for Morgan.

IF the car is reliable then - it might really take off and demand might out strip demand?

We don't know...yet.

The price will go up.

Cynic!

Who? Howard? Cynical, shirley shome mishtake.

Surprised there hasn’t been a road test published yet as the first production cars have now been completed..

Maybe the first 'road test' ended up as an 'off road (through the hedge) test!...

Aye it seems to be a surprising long wait....

See here, not a road test but some photo's of a complete working First edition.

My dealer had one of the Geneva cars on display last weekend, I was surprised how 'different' it looked.

My current Plus 4 is regularly mistaken for a 'real' classic (old) car. I doubt this will be the case with the Plus Six. Wheels, bonnet with air intakes, door handles all look a bit modern. The gearlever does not really suit the car, but steering wheel and paddels looked ok to me. Classic with a modern twist.
I found the seats less comfortable than my current seats in the Plus 4 but it was a pre-production example, so maybe these were not representative for the production models.
But... I could be really tempted and will certainly try one when a testcar is available.

I love the BMW gearbox in my daily driver and the engine is super smooth in a BMW. It must be great to drive.

An enjoyable and positive review from one of the most credible UK automotive journalists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iowEQiLjqw

Yes, Henry seems to "get" cars like the Morgan, a good review. Though one could be forgiven for thinking it was an electric vehicle!

Yes a good honest & watchable review from Henry

This reads like they've not quite spent enough time sorting the suspension
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/morgan/plus-six/first-drives/morgan-plus-six-2019-review

The Top Gear report comes out well. More understanding of the niche the car lives in. Also some nice words when mentioning the Supra and Z4 alongside it! Did they have the same car as they think the exhaust was good!

https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/morgan/plus-six/verdict

Apparently there is an upgrade available for the six cylinder engine that's in the Plus 6 and other BMW taking it to 500bhp

https://www.g-power.com/news-de/#news302

G-POWER offers a total of 4 power levels up to max. 500 hp

So who wants to have more power, can either adjust to an uncertain waiting time, or rather go straight to G-POWER. As usual, the performance specialists with over 35 years of experience are once again among the first to recognize the potential of this racy two-seater and offer just a few weeks after the launch no less than four different performance variants up to a maximum of 500 hp (368 kW) / 700 Nm. So many horses will not even have the BMW Z4 M under the elongated hood. If he comes because ...

Two "Chiptuning variant" with 380 hp and 410 hp mark the entry

As usual, the Einstig takes over a classic chiptuning variant at G-POWER. Here we replace the standard programming of the engine control unit by the Performance Software V1 developed by G-POWER for the new Z4, which releases as much as 40 hp and 30 Nm. A slightly "sharper" tuned V1 S variant of the performance software pushed the maximum power output even to 410 hp (301 kW) / 580 Nm. A plus of 70 hp and 80 Nm. Everything purely electronic and without changes to the periphery of the straight-six.

These are only needed from the next stage. Here, G-POWER combines flow-optimized downpipes incl. Sports catalytic converters with a matching performance software version "2" and already measures the in-house high-tech four-wheel dynamometer rig 450 hp (331 kW) / 640 Nm.

Thanks to a modified turbocharger and larger charge air cooler, the M40i becomes a "real" Z4 M!

The G-POWER range for the BMW Z4 M40i is rounded off by the aforementioned variant with 500 hp (368 kW) / 700 Nm, with which G-POWER not only anticipates the Z4 M, but in all probability even outclasses it.

Of course, for such a high performance, extensive modifications to the exhaust system and the standard supercharging system are due. In addition to the downpipes from variant 2, a modified turbocharger with increased capacity is also used. The performance-enhancing cooling of the charge air is then taken care of by a G-POWER intercooler with greater cooling capacity thanks to its double water volume.

Top speed? Unlimited! Depending on the level up to well over 300 km / h

Can be combined with all power levels and absolutely recommendable is the G-POWER Vmax boost. With this option, the BMW Z4 M40i, optimized by G-POWER, can also convert its power unrestrainedly into propulsion, so that the speedometer needle can move to well above the 300 km / h mark on request and depending on the power level.

Development on the all-wheel dynamometer guarantees safe extra performance

The topic of safety is a top priority at G-POWER. It goes without saying that all standard diagnostic and motor protection functions remain untouched. To verify this, the G-POWER developers use the possibility of the G-POWER high-tech dynamometer. Equipped with an eddy current brake, individual load points can be specifically controlled and held. Thus, the reality on the road is simulated perfectly and under controllable conditions and compressed all relevant operating and load conditions of an engine compressed during a vehicle life in connection with a G-POWER performance increase. This allows G-POWER to get the most out of the engines without overstraining them. Everyday usability and reliability are just as much a matter of course at G-POWER as they are top management.

I have just driven it, our dealer had one for a day and I could drive it for about half an hour.
My experience with Morgans is limited to the demo Plus 4 I drove when buying mine and the 9000km in my own Plus 4, so can't comment on other models, but this was a completely different experience.

I was blown away by the performance. This thing would cost me my relationship and my driving licence


It felt very planted, as if it was a lot heavier than the Plus 4, yet steering was light and precise. And rather fast..

Needless to say I really, really liked it.
However, I can understand that to some it lacks some of the charm of the classic Morgans. It is a modern car, looking a lot like a classic Morgan. No-one will think it is an old car, when you fill up at a petrol station.

But what a car… This felt like a proper competitor to a lot of modern sports cars.
It is a far better car than my Plus4, and probably safer as well with ABS and a far better chassis and suspension, but I love my Plus 4 as well.

Something to think about during the next few weeks on holiday

I saw a new Z4 on the road for the first time today. I came up behind whilst driving the Coupe. Lets just say I think I had the prettier car.

It is not ugly but it is quite different from the previous model and much of the BM range. Quite adventurous. Not a Bangle moment but a definite step forwards of the surfacing and proportions. I still think the Plus Six is a massive amount prettier if it is similar to the Aero based Plus 8. Not in the same market in truth but fun to compare.

I think the Z4 was possibly on the same design page as the Fiat dressed MX5

To angular.

Someone just sent me a photo of the new Supra and it reminded me quite a bit in way of styling of the new TVR that isn’t going to happen

You make an interesting point, I can see some parallels around the Fiat Coupe

Hahahahaha

Made me laugh - and undoubtedly accurate.