A 402-horsepower sports car just launched with a BMW engine under the hood, and not a single roundel in sight. The company behind it has been hand-building cars since before World War I, and its latest creation might be the most compelling argument against buying a Porsche Cayman in 2026.
At a glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | BMW B58 twin-scroll turbo 3.0L inline-6 |
| Power | 402 hp |
| 0-62 mph | 3.6 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Platform | CXV-Generation bonded aluminum |
| Starting price | £112,965 / ~$152,475 |
| Wild detail | 3 tiny windshield wipers, no infotainment screen |
Why a 115-year-old company just built its fastest car ever
Morgan Motor Company has been doing things its own way since 1910. While every other automaker chases screens, software updates, and electrification targets, this small British outfit still builds cars by hand on an aluminum chassis with optional ash wood structural elements. The Supersport 400 is the first production Morgan to crack the 400-hp barrier, and it does it with borrowed German muscle.
That engine is the BMW B58 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, widely regarded as one of the best powerplants in production today. It sits under a hood that looks like it belongs in 1955, connected to a modern 8-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a car that hits 62 mph in 3.6 seconds while looking like something your grandfather would have dreamed about owning.
Porsche charges $74,000 for less character — think about that
I find the value proposition here fascinating. A base Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 delivers 394 hp and costs around $96,000 in 2026. The Morgan asks for $152,475, which sounds steep until you realize every single car is built to commission. Buyers choose from satin-finish paints like Forged Grey, Silk Silver, Sail Silver, and Horizon Blue. They pick their Alcantara or leather upholstery, their wood trim, even a dark-gray anodized aluminum gear shift.
The chassis rides on Nitron dampers with 24 clicks of adjustment, so owners can dial in exactly the ride they want. A set of 19-inch Sportlite wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires handle the grip, and an optional limited-slip differential sharpens the rear end further. There is also an Active Performance Exhaust System for those who want the B58 to sing louder. This is not a mass-produced sports car. It is a tailored suit with 402 hp.
What Morgan is not saying about US availability
Here is the catch. Morgan currently sells only 2 models in the United States: the 3-wheeled Super 3 and the turbocharged 4-cylinder Plus Four at $92,995. The company is not discussing American availability for the Supersport 400. First deliveries begin in May 2026, but those appear limited to UK and European buyers for now.
That silence speaks volumes. Federalizing a low-volume hand-built car for the US market is expensive and complicated. Morgan may eventually bring the Supersport 400 stateside, but I would not hold my breath for a 2026 arrival. If you want one and live in the US, the path likely runs through a specialist importer and a long wait.
The one detail that separates this from everything else on the road
There is no infotainment screen. Let that sink in for a moment. In 2026, when even base-model economy cars ship with 10-inch touchscreens, Morgan put a digital instrument display, large analog gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, and a clock on the dashboard. That is it. Managing director Matthew Hole described the design philosophy as “sharper and more deliberate,” and the interior proves he meant it.
The exterior tells the same story. A blocky front fascia with rectangular inlets contrasts against curved hood lines and round headlights. Three tiny wipers sit on the windshield. Sweeping flanks and a low beltline carry over from decades of Morgan design language. The steeply raked rear deck is not practical, but it is stunning. A fixed removable roof comes as an option in several colors, while a folding fabric top is standard. Every line on this car exists because Morgan wanted it there, not because a wind tunnel or focus group demanded it.
How it stacks up
| Model | Power | 0-62 mph | Starting price | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Supersport 400 | 402 hp | 3.6 sec | $152,475 | Hand-built, fully bespoke |
| Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 | 394 hp | 3.9 sec | ~$96,000 | Wider dealer network |
| BMW M2 | 473 hp | 3.9 sec | ~$65,000 | More power, lower price |
| Lotus Emira V6 | 400 hp | 4.2 sec | ~$104,000 | Mid-engine layout |
Why this matters
- Proves niche hand-built automakers can match supercar acceleration numbers
- BMW’s B58 engine now powers rivals that outshine BMW’s own lineup
- Commission-only sales model challenges mass-market sports car pricing logic
The verdict
The Supersport 400 is Morgan’s clearest statement yet that speed and soul are not mutually exclusive. Anyone tired of identikit sports cars loaded with screens and driver assists should pay attention. This car proves a 115-year-old recipe still works when you add the right modern ingredients. If Morgan figures out US sales, Porsche and Lotus will feel the pressure in the boutique sports car space where exclusivity matters more than lap times.
If the Supersport 400 speaks to you, I would recommend reaching out to Morgan directly through their configurator and getting your name on the build list early. Commission-only models from low-volume manufacturers tend to carry long wait times, and early orders get priority on delivery slots. Do not wait for a US announcement — start the conversation now and explore your options.
