A Modern Morgan: EvaGT Revealed

Morgan Motor Cars is one of the small, independent manufacturers out there that keeps on chugging along. It has done quite well for itself sticking to a pretty similar formula - its cars have looked similar for years.

That changed to a certain degree with the Aer0 8, sold here in the United States. Now, Morgan is branching out even further with the EvaGT.

Does the EvaGt Look like any Morgan you have ever seen? No, it didn't to us either. Signifying a big change in approach, Morgan also debuted the vehicle on U.S shores, unusual for the British automaker.

Morgan and fuel efficiency may have not always been conjured up in the same sentence - the company's designs aren't exactly aerodynamic. The EvaGT changes all that, and it starts with the aluminum bodywork.

The classic Morgan look is replaced by a curvaceous, sleeker and more aerodynamic design. It retains core Morgan cues though such as long hood and upright grille, but remixes them in a whole new way for 2010.

The larger design also affords more space (unusual for a Morgan) enabling room for four seats, with the rear seats suitable for children or small adults.

Under the hood, Morgan retains an engine from its favorite powertrain supplier, BMW. This time, however, instead of V-8 utilizes BMW's N54 twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six, making 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

It is expected to achieve 33.6 mpg, and hit 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. Impressive figures to say the least! They are part of a concerted effort by Morgan to offer "greener" vehicles. A large part of the ability to reach that mpg level is the use of lightweight materials, with the EvaGT checking in at 2,760 pounds.

The EvaGT is slated to make its debut in 2012, and Morgan is already taking deposits. The EvaGT is part of a commitment made by the development team at Morgan to bring out a new car every two years.

As Morgan said itself, that is a revolution for a company known for making the same vehicle for 50 years. The new models are slated to include an electric sports car and a "fun weekend vehicle."

The EvaGT is set to arrive in 2012 with an initial run of 100 vehicles, but they are already taking deposits to secure a place in line. Morgan bills the EvaGT as something aimed at "young families."

Somehow we don't think that will be the car's largest market. Know any young families ready to put a £5000 ($7800 USD at current exchange rates) deposit down on what will likely be a car in the 200K range?