- morgan has created an off-road version of the plus four called the cx-t.
- it has a lifted suspension, an external roll cage, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.
- morgan says it will build eight examples of the cx-t for around $240,000.
morgan is the most eccentric of england’s many eccentric sports-car makers. but although americans cannot currently buy any of the company’s models in the u.s. (plans continue to advance to bring both the plus four and plus six back here under replica car rules), we’re hoping somebody can fudge the paperwork to get the newly unveiled plus four cx-t brought into the ‘states.
described as a car “designed for overland adventure,” it is basically an off-road version of the plus four, featuring a substantial external roll cage and various other modifications to help it to cut it in the wilderness. it doesn't have all-wheel drive, though. like the regular plus four the cx-t sends power exclusively to the rear axle.
its wilderness ability comes from maxxis all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, and the fitment of a new bmw-sourced electronically controlled limited-slip differential with various modes for different conditions including "all terrain" and "extreme," the latter of which locks the differential. as with the standard plus four, power comes from bmw’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.
the roll cage is described by the company as protective exoskeleton, with the integration of a fixed roof meaning this is technically the first coupe morgan has produced since the aeromax in 2009. the cage incorporates mountings for rally lights, an aluminum tool box, bespoke luggage, two spare wheels, and what the official release says is “recovery equipment”—presumably winches and traction pads to help it escape when stuck. additional mountings on the roof will accommodate bicycles or even surfboards.
the cx-t’s suspension is similar to the larger plus six's and has new coilover dampers that have been developed by motorsport preparations specialists rally raid uk, which regularly works on dakar rally challengers. ground clearance has been increased to 9.0 inches, with that figure helped by a redesigned side-exit exhaust system. that isn’t much by the standards of tougher off-roaders, but a set of bash guards will give additional underbody protection if obstacles do get too close.
morgan says it is planning to build up to eight of the cx-t, with each one costing the equivalent of $240,000 before local taxes. that’s more than twice as much as british buyers have to pay for the standard plus four, but the cx-t does look as if it could be more than twice as much fun.