Latest news with #PlusFour
Forbes
28-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Morgan Plus Four – 8/10
The iconic British brand has expanded its appeal abroad with dealers now in North America, Asia and ... More the Middle East In a world of SUVs and a diminishing amount of character, Morgan is a refreshing juxtaposition. Straight out of the 1950s, the Plus Four has been a constant in the brand's lineup for 75 years. Originally known as the Plus 4, in 2020 it moved to a new chassis and earned a lettered name instead. Discussing the latest iteration of the Plus Four which launched in 2024, Jonathan Wells, chief design officer at Morgan Motor Company said, 'To think of a Morgan is to picture the unmistakable silhouette of the Plus Four. During this exciting time in the company's history, whilst we look towards broader visual experimentation across our model range, the continuous evolution of Plus Four – our time-proven brand anchor – is rightly afforded a more delicate approach. The Plus Four has been sympathetically modernised over the years Wells continued, 'The changes we have made – as with any longstanding design-led product – consider the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. For the latest Plus Four, we are proud to present an extensive list of component design updates that come together to deliver an undeniably refreshing yet reputably authentic impression. 'The wings have been entirely reformed with a greater level of intelligent surfacing to control highlights and add poise. Our new headlights feature the latest illumination technology yet were born of a desire to address a more traditional and balanced frontal proportion. Our new mirrors are now formed of beautifully machined aluminium. Strategic design simplification has reduced visual distraction and celebrates enhanced quality at a component level throughout.' What is the 2025 Morgan Plus Four like to drive? Its sleek lines make it such a recognisable model There's a strangely romantic and wistful feeling behind the wheel of the Plus Four. Somehow the world around seems dangerously modern and you feel like you've time travelled to a place that's much more complicated and high tech than where this motor car hails from. Glancing down the louvers, you're acutely aware that this car is a piece of motoring history reincarnated with subtly modern touches. Under those beautiful hand formed louvers is a 2.0-litre twin-turbo, inline four-cylinder BMW engine. Capable of 255 bhp and 295 lb ft, in a car that weighs little more than one tonne, it's the perfect amount of power. Depending on your preference, it can be had with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It's incredible to see how Morgan has maintained its history While the Morgan Supersport feels targeted towards sports cars that border on supercars, the Plus Four creates the traditional sports car experience. Fitted with slightly chunkier tires than the Supersport to cushion the ride, you can imagine spending days touring Europe and never one complaining about your back. For more spirited driving, the Sport button highlights the Plus Four's performance credentials. What is the 2025 Morgan Plus Four like inside? The focus remains on high quality feeling materials and gorgeous leather colors It's almost unheard of now that a car doesn't have a huge iPad-like screen dominating the interior. I'm pleased to say, there's not a touchscreen in sight inside the Morgan Plus Four. Behind the steering wheel, there's a small digital display but it's unobtrusive and features minimal information so as not to be a distraction. Unlike most modern cars that have to fit an array of annoying safety features that continuously bing and bong, Morgan is able to side step these requirements as a low volume manufacturer. Although you're definitely better off with the airbag that's now integrated into the steering wheel, you can't help but daydream about an old style wooden wheel. There's something truly special about driving a modern Morgan Even though it's resolutely subtle about technology, it's easy to connect a phone and play music through the Bluetooth system, enhancing its everyday usability. All other controls are tactile buttons and dials and the cabin remains fairly minimal and relaxed. How much does the 2025 Morgan Plus Four cost? A Plus Four is a staple in many classic car lovers' collections The Plus Four is the entry point to Morgan's four wheeled range. Starting from around £70,000 ($94,500) for the manual version, a variety of optional aesthetic and functional extras can be added to tweak the specification to your liking. Part of the magic with Morgans is seeing each owner's personality gradually come to life as the vehicles make their way through the factory. The example I drove was fitted with around £15,000 ($20,200) worth of options from simple things like a special paint colour to exciting enhancements like an active sports exhaust. Both the touring and dynamic handling packs add just under £2,000 ($2,700) to the vehicle's price tag to include air conditioning and heated comfort plus seats. Morgan Plus Four Technical Specification Price as tested: £89,515 ($120,900) Engine: BMW 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo, inline four-cylinder Power: 255 bhp Torque: 295 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 4.8 secs Top speed: 149 mph
BBC News
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
US tariffs a 'significant shift' for Malvern car company
A car company boss says a new import tax of 25% on cars and car parts coming into the US would be a "significant shift" for the Motor Company in Malvern exports around 200 sports cars to the US every year, which makes up around a third of its overall revenue. US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the new tariff would come into effect on 2 director Matthew Hole said the move would have an impact on the company. "It's a big chunk of our business; we make a £55m turnover a year so, although it's too early to estimate, we can say it will cost a lot of money," he said. "At the moment, we have two [Morgan] models that we sell to the USA, the Plus Four and the Super 3, and that is about a third of vehicle turnover specifically, which is £48m annually."Despite the blow, Mr Hole said the 115-year-old company, which employs around 200 people to make the cars that sell for around £80k each, had been preparing for the "tariff war"."Because it's such a significant shift of our business, we have been working on plans for this over the last month or so, since this tariff war news has been escalating."We've been making sure that we have some kind of a contingency plan in place, which limits the affect on our customers and limits the damage to ourselves," he said.A company spokesperson added: "A rough cost for a Plus Four in the US is $100k. Customers will see an increase on this, but we are working to ensure that it isn't a direct 25% increase."President Trump said the tariff would lead to "tremendous growth" for the US car industry and promised it would spur jobs and investment.A number of countries have expressed anger at the move. Canada called it a "direct attack", while China accused the government of violating international trade rules. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
