British car-maker Morgan has announced a series of updates to its Plus series - that's the Plus Four and Plus Six models - for 2023. Although the changes are primarily visual and mainly confined to the interior, the upgraded models will also see the addition of a new braking system by AP and the inclusion for the first time on a Morgan of Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Interior changes
The biggest among the interior changes is the new aluminium dashboard and instrument panel, which can be specified in silver, matte black or matched to the external body colour. The faces on the dials and clocks are new (inspired by premium timepieces, says Morgan) and are designed to be uncluttered and not to impede too much on Morgan's traditionalist aesthetic.
Not quite as traditionalist as the dials is the new and improved digital driver's instrument cluster. The screen is larger than before with better graphics, but the company insists that its subtlety and display of strictly-necessary information is still in keeping with the firm's philosophy of gradually introducing modernity to its vehicles.
The centre console and column are finished in a new range of wooden marquetry veneers, and, for the first time on a Morgan Plus model, there's now a glovebox, finished in leather in this instance, and housing USB charging sockets.
In another first for a four-wheeled Morgan, there's now an integrated cupholder, though, for buyers who think that's a step too far, it's still only an option and a detachable one at that.
The doors have seen a revamp, too, with new two-tone door cards and a new "bolt-action" interior door handle aimed at giving the driver and passenger a more mechanical feel when exiting the vehicle.
Again, subtlety was the key when integrating the audio system developed between Morgan and Sennheiser with four conventional speakers in the door and rear panel, four invisible speakers - of which three are behind the dashboard - and one in the lower compartment panel for more resonant bass.
Dynamic improvements
The new braking system and introduction of Electronic Stability Control was a collaboration between Morgan, AP Racing and Continental. Its operation is mode-dependent and tuned for each model and gearbox variant. The level of assistance offered by the ESC system varies depending on the adjustable driving mode meaning that if a driver wants less assistance, they can have it.
The calibration of the automatic gearboxes in both the Plus Four and Plus Six models was like the audio, ESC and braking systems, a collaboration, this time between Morgan and BMW, the company that supplies Morgan's engines and gearboxes these days. Three driving modes are available: Normal, Sport and Sport+, providing, in ascending order, a sportier, more engaged drive with greater willingness to kick down to the benefit of more rapid acceleration.
A hill detection feature employs an accelerometer to automatically select a lower gear for steep inclines, which ultimately means that the new gearbox calibrations have a part to play in the overall efficiency of the updated models.
New suspension dampers and bushes complete the dynamic enhancements to Morgan's Plus range. While buyers will hopefully be able to feel the difference made by the uprated brakes, ESC and suspension, one thing they hopefully won't experience is the airbags which are now standard.
"Continual evolution"
"The introduction of new dynamic features to our latest Plus models reflects Morgan's philosophy of continual evolution," said Matt Hole, Morgan's Chief Technical Officer.
"Above all, Morgan sports cars should be fun to drive, providing occupants with a unique and memorable experience. Our latest introductions celebrate these qualities, whilst also increasing the level of safety, and future-proofing our models against ever-changing legislative requirements."
While the bulk of the changes for 2023 takes place either inside or under the skin, the exterior hasn't been forgotten; there'll be 12 new graphic packs (including roundels, bonnet stripes and strikethrough numbers) with all graphics available in white, black and clear vinyl, reflecting Morgan's clubman racing heritage.
The updated models will be built from January 2023, with orders for the new models open now.