Volkswagen Lover: Morgan Three-Wheeler Offered For U.S. Market Later This Year

2012年4月28日星期六

Morgan Three-Wheeler Offered For U.S. Market Later This Year

A tiny car with big personality, Morgan CEO Charles Morgan announced that the radical Three-wheeler will be offered in the U.S. through the distribution channel of three select U.S. dealerships.

Blurring the boundaries of car and motorcycle, the retro-style Three-wheeler was inspired by the three-wheel sports cars that Morgan originally produced between 1911 to 1953. Featuring a 2.0-liter V-twin engine that sits between the front wheels and ahead of the snout, power is transferred to the single rear wheel via a Mazda Miata 5-speed gearbox.

Although the V-twin motor only produces about 80-hp, the three-wheeler's minuscule dimensions and 1,155-pound curb weight allows the vehicle to rocket from 0-to-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

Seemingly simple and straightforward, the Morgan is actually handcrafted, featuring leather upholstery, an alloy steering wheel, wire wheels up front, polished exhausts down the side and aluminum aircraft-style toggle switches across the dash. In total, the Three-wheeler will set you back a steep $40,000.

Tailored for the more wealthy and whimsical buyer, Charles Morgan confirms that the Three-wheeler will be a low-volume affair. One of the three dealerships is confirmed to be located in Seattle while the remaining two dealers are expected to be located in California and somewhere on the East Coast.

To promote the Three-wheeler's U.S. debut, CEO Charles Morgan will drive the car in next month's 2012 Gumball 3000 rally. An infamous New York-to-Los Angeles road rally that accepts the entry of the most exotic of automobiles, the wealthy and adventuresome participants of the Gumball 3000 should possess just the right amount of extravagant folly for Morgan to find its perfect clientele.