Morgan Plus Four CX-T is a mad off-road sports car that costs £170,000

British car manufacturer Morgan has unveiled its latest model that will allow sports car fanatics to tackle the harshest landscapes – granted they can afford one of the eight examples being built.

The Plus Four CX-T is like no other road-legal Morgan seen before. With off-road tyres, hardcore suspension and a protective exoskeleton, it’s be co-created with Rally Raid UK – renowned for building race cars to take on the Dakar Rally – to deal with the toughest terrains a driver could throw at it.

And it won’t come cheap. The limited run of eight cars will cost a whopping £204,000 each.

Morgan’s mad new off-roader: This is the iconic British brand’s new retro model – a hardcore rally raid machine designed to take on the toughest terrains imaginable

Morgan says its new Plus Four CX-T is ‘a car with adventure at its core’ and one with ‘capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car’.

While it is like nothing we’ve seen in a Morgan sales brochure before, it does hark back to Morgan’s history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials going back more than a century. 

As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in off-road competitions.

Called the CX-T, it is a modified version of the Morgan Plus Four that's had a full make over to ensure it can tackle the harshest routes

Called the CX-T, it is a modified version of the Morgan Plus Four that’s had a full make over to ensure it can tackle the harshest routes

Just 8 examples of the Plus Four CX-T are going to be built by the Worcestershire car maker, each with a staggering purchase price

Just 8 examples of the Plus Four CX-T are going to be built by the Worcestershire car maker, each with a staggering purchase price

Before taxes, each example will cost £170,000. Add VAT for UK customers and that sends the price to £204,000 - easily stepping into Ferrari and Lamborghini supercar territory

Before taxes, each example will cost £170,000. Add VAT for UK customers and that sends the price to £204,000 – easily stepping into Ferrari and Lamborghini supercar territory

According to the Worcestershire specialist car maker, its ‘more adventurous’ customers have been calling for a modern-era version to take away from the tarmac for years.

Prices will start from £170,000, though with the addition of VAT in the UK means the total outlay is £204,000 – that’s easily stepping into Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren supercar territory and around four times the price of a standard Morgan Plus Four. 

Buyers of the eight cars will be invited to the brand’s factory in Malvern to specify their own CX-T. Once built, it be sent to Rally Raid UK’s workshop in Huddersfield for final preparation and setup before being unleashed on rock-riddled routes.  

Morgan says its new Plus Four CX-T is 'a car with adventure at its core' and one with 'capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car'

Morgan says its new Plus Four CX-T is ‘a car with adventure at its core’ and one with ‘capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car’

If you want one of the 8 cars being built, you can order it now. Morgan says all examples will be produced and ready to deliver before the end of the year

If you want one of the 8 cars being built, you can order it now. Morgan says all examples will be produced and ready to deliver before the end of the year

'The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle,' says head of design, Jonathan Wells

‘The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle,’ says head of design, Jonathan Wells

The Plus Four CX-T is on sale now, with all eight vehicles due to be built before the end of 2021.  

Jonathan Wells, head of design, Morgan Motor Company, said: ‘The Morgan design team has been conceptualising modern day trialling vehicles for many years. Around 18 months ago, our investors and CEO, Steve Morris, were in the studio and remarked how incredible it would be to bring one of these drawings to life. 

‘The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle. 

‘The CX-T, like many recent Morgan vehicles, demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan design. For me, it’s a complete package: historical integrity, legitimate capability, and a brand-new adventure-lead aesthetic.’

Even when driving off-road, the CX-T should be good for a 0-62mph sprint in around 5 seconds

Even when driving off-road, the CX-T should be good for a 0-62mph sprint in around 5 seconds

The total power output is 255bhp and it will be sold with the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed ZF auto - both BMW compontents

The total power output is 255bhp and it will be sold with the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed ZF auto – both BMW compontents

The design team says its bonkers off-road version of the sports car has been designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments

The design team says its bonkers off-road version of the sports car has been designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments

Powering the car is the same 2.0-litre, single-turbo, four-cylinder BMW powerplant that already features in the conventional Plus Four sports car

Powering the car is the same 2.0-litre, single-turbo, four-cylinder BMW powerplant that already features in the conventional Plus Four sports car

Classic Morgan looks wrapped in a protective exoskeleton 

Under the side-hinged bonnet is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged BMW engine used in the conventional Plus Four. 

It produces a 255bhp, which should be enough to launch it to 62mph in under 5 seconds, though slightly longer if customers opt for a six-speed manual gearbox rather than an eight-speed ZF auto, which is also taken from the German marque.

But it’s there that the similarities seemingly end. 

The design team says its bonkers off-road version of the sports car has been designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments. 

Your eye is first drawn to the exoskeleton roll cage that wraps around the cabin area and consists of an equipment rack at the rear of the vehicle.

Morgan has ensured the driver is fully protected with an exoskeletal roll cage that wraps around the classically-style panels

Morgan has ensured the driver is fully protected with an exoskeletal roll cage that wraps around the classically-style panels

The Plus Four CX-T's rack is there to provide all the necessary kit for a weekend of dune driving or serious off-roading

The Plus Four CX-T’s rack is there to provide all the necessary kit for a weekend of dune driving or serious off-roading

The rear deck holds two 'ruggedised' and waterproof luggage cases, an aluminium storage box for tools, two 11-litre fuel containers and a pair of spare wheels and a jack. The external frame also holds the rear brake lights

The rear deck holds two ‘ruggedised’ and waterproof luggage cases, an aluminium storage box for tools, two 11-litre fuel containers and a pair of spare wheels and a jack. The external frame also holds the rear brake lights

The underside of the car has also been fully protected, in case enthusiast owners clip a rock or boulder on their rally excursions

The underside of the car has also been fully protected, in case enthusiast owners clip a rock or boulder on their rally excursions

Underneath the crash protection are unique body panels designed to fit the external scaffolding but still retain the iconic classic four-seater Morgan look.

The Plus Four CX-T’s rack is there to provide all the necessary kit for a weekend of dune driving or serious off-roading. It holds two ‘ruggedised’ and waterproof luggage cases, an aluminium storage box for tools, two 11-litre fuel containers and a pair of spare wheels and a jack. The external frame also holds the rear brake lights.

If a driver does get unstuck off the beaten track, the car has winch points mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach, just in case you need the support of a Land Rover or similar 4X4 to pull you out of a tight spot.   

The protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to compliment the lifestyle activities of the owner, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle, allowing them to be carried in case of a change in weather conditions.

At the front, the crash bars can also house four high-powered spotlights for those late evenings blasting across deserts and other challenging landscapes and a rally-inspired number board for the authentic off-road look. 

If a driver does get unstuck off the beaten track, the car has winch points mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach, just in case you need the support of a Land Rover or similar 4X4 to pull you out of a tight spot

If a driver does get unstuck off the beaten track, the car has winch points mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach, just in case you need the support of a Land Rover or similar 4X4 to pull you out of a tight spot

At the front, the crash bars can also house four high-powered spotlights for those late evenings blasting across deserts and other challenging landscapes

At the front, the crash bars can also house four high-powered spotlights for those late evenings blasting across deserts and other challenging landscapes

Buyers can even opt for a rally-inspired number board fixed between the spotlights for the authentic off-road look

Buyers can even opt for a rally-inspired number board fixed between the spotlights for the authentic off-road look

The protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to compliment the lifestyle activities of the owner

The protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to compliment the lifestyle activities of the owner

The hardcore suspension means it can take on the toughest endurance rally event  

To ensure it can cope with the harshest of terrains, Rally Raid UK undertook a durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems of the standard Plus Four before recommending the adaptation that will turn it into an off-road weapon.

The suspension has been designed to be ‘expedition ready’. 

It features a ground clearance of 230mm – enough to scale a rock or two – and required a widened track (the distance across the width of the vehicle) so that adequate suspension components can be fitted.

While it uses existing Morgan wishbones, it has longer suspension arms, bespoke bushes and competition-ready coilovers and bumpstops.

The design team has even had to modify the wheel arches to make them deeper so the long-travel suspension can compress into the wheel well.  

‘The combined suspension package is optimised to undertake journeys never before attempted in a Morgan sports car, while ensuring composure and comfort during any excursion into the back country,’ according to the UK firm.

To ensure it can cope with the harshest of terrains, Rally Raid UK undertook a durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems of the standard Plus Four before recommending the adaptation that will turn it into an off-road weapon

To ensure it can cope with the harshest of terrains, Rally Raid UK undertook a durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems of the standard Plus Four before recommending the adaptation that will turn it into an off-road weapon

At all four corners - and the two spares - are lightweight allow wheels wrapped in performance off-road rubber that should help put all 255 horses down even on loose surfaces

At all four corners – and the two spares – are lightweight allow wheels wrapped in performance off-road rubber that should help put all 255 horses down even on loose surfaces

Huge Group B rally-like mudflaps should prevent following vehicles being pebble-dashed when the driver floors the throttle

Huge Group B rally-like mudflaps should prevent following vehicles being pebble-dashed when the driver floors the throttle

Protecting the underside of the vehicle is a five-piece underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, mid-section shield and rear undertray. An entirely new exhaust system has been developed with side-exit.

These adaptations help to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. 

Other additions include a BMW X-Drive electronic differential to modulate the power to the rear wheels, with three driving modes – Road, All-Terrain and All-Terrain Extreme.

The latter fully locks the rear differential, providing equal torque to both rear wheels. 

At all four corners – and the two spares – are lightweight allow wheels wrapped in performance off-road rubber that should help put all 255 horses down even on loose surfaces. Huge Group-B-like mudflaps should prevent following vehicles being pebble-dashed when the driver floors the throttle.

The CX-T features a ground clearance of 230mm - enough to scale a rock or two - and required a widened track (the distance across the width of the vehicle) so that adequate suspension components can be fitted

The CX-T features a ground clearance of 230mm – enough to scale a rock or two – and required a widened track (the distance across the width of the vehicle) so that adequate suspension components can be fitted

Inside, the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T has been redesigned so it doesn't rattle to pieces when being driven in remote environments

Inside, the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T has been redesigned so it doesn’t rattle to pieces when being driven in remote environments

It has a sliding track mounted into to the dashboard (seen here holding a mobile phone) to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices. There's also a flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder, just in case customers want to get the full rally raid experience

It has a sliding track mounted into to the dashboard (seen here holding a mobile phone) to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices. There’s also a flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder, just in case customers want to get the full rally raid experience

The side door panels are also fully detachable and there is fitments on the exoskeleton to carry them on the roof

The side door panels are also fully detachable and there is fitments on the exoskeleton to carry them on the roof

A cabin to cope with crashing over rutted routes 

Inside, the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T has been redesigned so it doesn’t rattle to pieces when being driven in remote environments. 

It has a sliding track mounted into to the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. There’s also a flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder, just in case customers want to get the full rally raid experience.

Cabin stowage has also been optimised with the addition of a removable map 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. 

While it is like nothing we've seen in a Morgan sales brochure before, it does hark back to Morgan's history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials going back more than a century

While it is like nothing we’ve seen in a Morgan sales brochure before, it does hark back to Morgan’s history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials going back more than a century

As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in off-road competitions

As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in off-road competitions

Lightweight, powerful and featuring capable suspension, Morgans were seen as the ideal weapon to take on tough rally routes

Lightweight, powerful and featuring capable suspension, Morgans were seen as the ideal weapon to take on tough rally routes

While Morgan has never produced an off-road focussed model to sell to customers, it says there has been huge demand for a car of this type from enthusiasts and collectors

While Morgan has never produced an off-road focussed model to sell to customers, it says there has been huge demand for a car of this type from enthusiasts and collectors

Just like the exterior equipment, every interior feature has been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, whether this is for use in remote conditions or a driver is circumnavigating the M25. 

The cabin is enclosed within a one-off composite hard top unique to the Plus Four CX-T, which is intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages.   

Commenting on the modifications made to the Morgan, Mike Jones from Rally Raid UK, said: ‘Applying my experience of 13 Dakar Rallies, 60 Dakar vehicle builds and a lifetime of overland adventuring to an unconventional sports car such as a Morgan has been an interesting and rewarding project. 

‘Having the opportunity to design a car for such a prestigious marque has been a responsibility that I never imagined I would have.  

‘Rally Raid UK and Morgan have engaged with industry-leading suppliers to source the highest quality components, as well as designing a range of bespoke parts that will remain unique to the model. 

‘The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is a genuine overland adventure vehicle and I look forward to seeing the incredible destinations that owners will find themselves in.’

Additional luggage space comes in the form of external satchels that strap onto the external crash bars

Additional luggage space comes in the form of external satchels that strap onto the external crash bars

Customers will be able to visit the Malvern factory to specify the exact details of the cars they order. Each of the 8 models will be signed off by Rally Raid UK, which has partnered with Morgan on the project. It is based on Huddersfield, making this a UK developed and built car

Customers will be able to visit the Malvern factory to specify the exact details of the cars they order. Each of the 8 models will be signed off by Rally Raid UK, which has partnered with Morgan on the project. It is based on Huddersfield, making this a UK developed and built car

This rear shot shows just how much extra kit can be stored in the rack. There are winch points front and back in case a Land Rover needs to pull the car out of a tight spot

This rear shot shows just how much extra kit can be stored in the rack. There are winch points front and back in case a Land Rover needs to pull the car out of a tight spot

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