Morgan finally brings its agile Supersport roadster to the American market, but buyers lose the manual gearbox option that defines the model's pure-driving ethos.
The British lightweight specialist announced stateside availability of the Supersport, a stripped-down version that weighs roughly 1,900 pounds and prioritizes mechanical directness. The model rides a 10-foot wheelbase chassis and delivers responsive steering without power assistance. This is Morgan's answer to drivers who reject modern complexity.
Stateside customers will only get an automatic transmission. Morgan's traditional three-pedal setup remains standard in the United Kingdom and Europe, where enthusiasts prize the tactile connection between driver and machine. The omission stings because the manual represents the Supersport's core appeal. Pairing lightweight construction with a proper clutch pedal creates the analog driving experience that separates Morgan from competitors like Porsche and BMW. American emissions and safety regulations likely prompted the automatic-only policy, though Morgan hasn't explicitly confirmed the reason.
The Supersport undercuts exotic two-seaters on price while delivering genuine steering feedback and minimal electronic intervention. No power steering, no turbocharging, no nanny systems. Drivers control a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing around 190 horsepower through direct inputs and mechanical linkages.
Pricing and availability remain unclear, but expect a figure between 50,000 and 70,000 dollars. Morgan builds roughly 1,000 cars annually across all models, so U.S. allocation will be limited. The company operates at the opposite end of the automotive spectrum from Tesla and Ford, rejecting scale in favor of craftsmanship and driver involvement.
The American debut represents a calculated gamble. Morgan risks alienating its core customer base by removing the manual option, yet gains access to a market where hand-built roadsters command cult follow