2011 Morgan Threewheeler

The Morgan Motor Company has decided to bring back the classic with the release of their 2011 Morgan Threewheeler. The car will be launched at the 2011 Geneva motor show, with UK sales expected in summer 2011. Prices will be announced at launch, but CAR understands around £30,000 is likely.

Around 30,000 examples of the original model were built between 1909 to 1953. But while the new version retains the old school looks, Morgan has thoroughly updated the design.

Power will be provided by an 1800cc Harley Davidson 'Screaming Eagle' engine with approximately 100 hp (75 kW / 101 PS). It will be paired to a Mazda-sourced five-speed manual transmission, which should allow the 500kg (1100 lb) trike to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h).

The interior is decked out in aircraft style with toggle switches, a "bomb release" style start button and black or tan leather seating, and the three wheels are gloss black wire, with gloss black wheel arches and lamps.

It's based on a tubular frame wrapped in aluminium superformed bodywork. The leather-padded cockpit will be protected by two rollover bars, but there is no hood available. Morgan claims a kerbweight of 500kg.

Buyers will be able to select one of eight exterior color choices, which are all complimented by black components in matte or gloss finish.

Source: Morgan




Press Release

The Morgan Threewheeler

The success of the Morgan Motor Company was founded on the manufacture of an icon, the Morgan Threewheeler. This brilliant but simple design by engineer Harry Morgan (HFS) became one of the most successful lightweight cars of the early days of motoring. From 1909 to 1953 around 30,000 Morgan Threewheelers were manufactured in Malvern and many more were made under license by Darmont Morgan in France. For many lucky owners it was their first experience of the freedom that car ownership could bring. Fast acceleration combined with a cruising range of over 50 miles to a gallon of petrol was an unbeatable combination in the day. On the race track the car became very successful, famously winning the French Grand Prix in 1913 and regularly lapping the banked Brooklands track at an average speed of over 100 mph. Stirling Moss who owned one is on record as saying "My Morgan was a great babe magnet".

Whilst the world is a very different place in 2011 the time is right to relaunch this exceptional design. Young people may not have experienced the same thrill as the early Threewheeler pilots and perhaps cult status is assured for a car with such an emphasis on simple honest functionality. The future of road transport in the 21st Century has two big issues, the conservation of precious resources and the protection of our beautiful natural environment. Downsizing and a philosophy of simplicity are ways of dealing with these problems.The Morgan Threewheeler is a proven answer to these problems. In 2011 the Morgan Motor Company is to expand its range and go back to its roots.

The 2011 Morgan Threewheeler is a fusion of modern technology into a classic design. By fitting the latest "Screaming Eagle" 1800 cc engine from Harley Davidson and a Mazda 5 speed gearbox the car provides 'get in and drive' simplicity and reliability. A sturdy tubular frame and two rollover bars surround the passenger compartment. An aerodynamic super formed 'bullet' hull protects the occupants from the weather. However the feeling of freedom and contact with the road through the front wheels will bring to mind the joy of driving cars from the 20's and 30's but with none of their fragility or temperament. A leather padded aircraft style cockpit indulges the feeling of 'flying through the air'. Refining the original design has produced a unique 21st century vehicle. A sub 500kgs overall weight and a slippery hull provides the ultimate in performance and fuel economy. The Morgan Three wheeler has unrivalled power to weight for its on the road price.

Specification
The specification ensures the driver and passenger have exactly what they need whilst encapsulating the original Morgan Threewheeler's DNA. The attractive themes apparent in the successful Sport range of traditional Morgans forms the basis of the specification of the cars. Eight Sport colours with black detailing and a choice of black or tan leather are offered.

Weight: 500kg (Est.)
Power: 100bhp (at wheel) (Est.)
Top Speed: 115mph (Est.)
0-60 : 4.5 seconds (Est.)
Engine: 1800cc 'V twin'
Gearbox: 5 speed + reverse
Super formed aluminium body
Motorcycle homologation
Choice of 8 sport colours
Gloss black wheel arches and lamps
Gloss black wire wheels
Matt black exhausts + gloss heat shield
Nickel colored cowl
Super formed aluminium body
Gloss black roll hoops
Twin flyscreens
Black or tan leather
Leather seats, dash and side pads
Exposed tubular black chassis
Leather steering wheel + alloy centre
Black anodized dash panel
Aluminium 'aircraft' toggle switches
Body Colored trim panels
'Bomb release' style start button
'Bespoke' specifications for the Morgan Threewheeler will be available, as with any Morgan, but at increased cost and following a run of standard cars off the production line.

Renault unveils Twingo Gordini R.S.

In 2010, Renault has decided to revive the colors of Gordini, a well known préprateur 60s, through two sports models: the Clio and Twingo. Our Gordini Twingo is based on a Twingo, but immediately recognized by the two white stripes legendary. Two colors are available: a black lacquered or as here, the Blue Malta.

Currently, the Renault Twingo RS Gordini only with the souped-up 133 hp 1.6 16V petrol engine. There is soon a second choice, the 1.2 TCE 100 petrol engine. The twaalfhonderdje must have a turbo and produces less horsepower while, but relatively early traction that is available. Moreover, the new addition is also more economical than eenpuntzes. In combination with the RS looks Gordini is simultaneously a sportier alternative to the GT model with the same engine. Prices are not yet known.

Inside, the Gordini treatment adds special blue and black leather throughout the interior, sports seats, blue rev-counter housing with white background and bezel, aluminum pedals, black lacquer-finish centre console and dark-charcoal leather-trimmed dashboard cowl with visible stitching.

The Twingo Gordini R.S. Will be sold in most European markets with prices starting at €14,800 in France.




Press Release

RENAULT EXTENDS ITS GORDINI LINE-UP

• The appeal of Twingo Gordini R.S. and Clio Gordini R.S. to a younger, but also more feminine market has seen sales of Renault Sport models grow. To build on this success, Renault has decided to extend its catalogue of 'French Touch' cars with the introduction of Twingo Gordini which slots into the Twingo range instead of the GT version.

• Twingo Gordini targets motorists who are looking for a combination of French style and great dynamics. In addition to its Gordini cues, the newcomer boasts a particularly well-appointed interior.

• Twingo Gordini marks the availability of unprecedented equipment for the Twingo range, including new sports seats with additional lateral support and 15-inch diamond-effect wheels (depending on market). The options list also includes Gordini-badged blue and black leather* upholstery.

• Twingo Gordini will be marketed across most of Europe. Order books for the TCe 100hp version are already open in France, with prices starting from €14,800.

A NEW ADDITION TO THE SUCCESSFUL GORDINI LINE-UP

The Gordini range is Renault's modern take on Gordini's world which is appealing to an increasing
number of motorists who want a car with a truly exclusive temperament. In a matter of months,
Renault has successfully applied its French Touch hallmark to its sporty R.S. versions.

• The French Touch hallmark has boosted sales of Renault Sport models:
  • With a market share of almost 25 percent of the five main European countries (up five points), Twingo RS is the second best-selling hot hatch, while Clio R.S. is second in its class thanks to a market share of 20.1 percent (up four points).
  • This success is due to the new Gordini versions which account for around two-thirds of Twingo R.S. sales and one-third of Clio R.S. sales in Europe.

* Bovine leather seat fronts, cushions, backs and head rests; other parts upholstered in coated fabric.

• Emergence of a community: Gordini's bespoke Facebook page already has more than 28,000 fans, while the iPhone® application has been downloaded more than 115,000 times. The Facebook community's profile differs from that of the conventional R.S. models, in that it is more feminine (twice as many lady fans) and is an average 15 years younger.

• French Touch appeal: nine customers in ten choose the blue livery, while only one percent of buyers order the car without its white stripes. These statistics point to the draw of the Gordini versions' livery and the timeless appeal of their looks. The Gordini line-up has enabled Renault to extend its reach to a younger, more feminine audience, with Twingo R.S.'s market share up by five percentage points in the 30/40 age group and by two points with regard to lady buyers.

Renault has decided to extend the range with the launch of Twingo Gordini which is poised to
reinforce the image of the brand's small city car. The new French Touch version replaces Twingo
GT and targets customers looking for a dynamic vehicle with sporty looks. It also provides Twingo
buyers looking for chic, sporty styling with a chance to profit from the Gordini name.

TIMELESS STYLING CUES

• Exterior Gordini features:
  • A Malte Blue metallic finish incorporating the two legendary white Gordini stripes plus matching white styling details and accessories (foglamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings, rear spoiler). Pearlescent Black and Glacier White versions are also available. In the case of the latter, the styling details and accessories are picked out in Cold Metal Grey.

• Interior Gordini features:
  • Mixed leather*/fabric upholstery with embroidered Gordini badging and visible white stitching.
  • Blue leather* door trim inserts with visible white stitching.
  • Blue leather-trimmed** steering wheel with visible stitching and two white stripes to indicate the straight ahead position.
  • Blue metal 'Gordini' gear lever knob and blue leather** gear lever bellows.
  • Leather*-trimmed dashboard cowl with visible stitching.
  • Black lacquer-finish centre console.Blue rev-counter with white background and bezel.
  • Aluminium pedal pads.

• With regard to equipment, Twingo Gordini delivers the best of the Twingo range, including manual or automatic climate control (depending on market), cruise control with speed limiter, 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback and Bluetooth® connectivity (hands-free calls, voice recognition, audio streaming) and independent sliding rear seats.

* coated fabric
** split leather

Twingo Gordini can also be ordered with features previously unavailable for Twingo GT, including Renault Sport-type seats with additional lateral support, mixed blue and black upholstery and even blue or black diamond-effect wheels (depending on market). Leather upholstery, which wasn't available for Twingo GT either, figures on the list of options, too.

PUNCHY ENGINES AND LOW CO2 EMISSIONS

Twingo Gordini is available with a choice of two feisty Euro5-compliant engines:

• With the punchy, responsive TCe 100 engine under the bonnet, Twingo Gordini delivers dynamic performance and is great fun to drive.

• The particulate filter-equipped dCi 85 diesel engine provides an exceptional compromise between driving enjoyment and affordable running costs. Thanks to CO2 emissions of just 100g/km, Twingo Gordini dCi 85 will qualify for the French state's €500 'eco' subsidy when order books for this version open on January 2, 2011.

Twingo Gordini combines chic and sporty styling, dynamic on-road performance and low CO2 emissions which permit it to qualify for the Renault eco2 signature.

Markets: France, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia.

AVAILABLE COLOURS

• Two metallic finishes: Malte Blue and Pearlescent Black.

• One non-metallic finish: Glacier White (delivered with Cold Metal Grey styling details and stripes).

PRICES AND ENGINES (French market)
Price list 2182 (November 2, 2010)

TCe 100, Renault eco

• Tax-paid price €14,800
• CO2 emissions 132g/km

dCi 85 Renault eco2

• Tax-paid price €16,550
• CO2 emissions 100g/km
• French state 'eco' subsidy - €500

Saving to the customer over the GT version: 3.7 percent.

EQUIPMENT LIST (French market)

Exterior:

• Glacier White finish with Cold Metal Grey 'Gordini stripes' (over bonnet, roof and tailgate)
• 15-inch black diamond-effect Turini alloy wheels
• Specific front and rear bumpers with black crossbar
• Cold Metal Grey foglamp surrounds, exterior mirror housings and sports spoiler
• Extra-tinted rear glass
• Gordini Series badging on the sides

Carefully-appointed, 'French Touch' interior:

• Blue and black Gordini-badged leather*/fabric upholstery
• Blue leather* door trim inserts with visible stitching
• Blue and black leather-trimmed** steering wheel, with two white stripes indicating the
• 'straight ahead' position
• Blue leather** gear lever bellows and Gordini-badged metal gear lever knob
• Blue rev-counter housing with white background and bezel
• Black lacquer-finish centre console
• Dark-charcoal leather-trimmed* dashboard cowl with specific visible stitching
• Aluminium pedal pads

Plus Twingo range-topping equipment:

• Specific new sports seats with additional lateral support
• New 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, steering wheel-mounted remote controls and Bluetooth® (hands-free calls, voice recognition, audio streaming) and RCA connectivity
• Manual climate control
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Independent sliding rear seats with head rests

* coated fabric
** split leather

OPTIONS (French market)
Price list 2182 (November 2, 2010)

• Blue and black Gordini leather* upholstery €850
• 15-inch blue diamond-effect Turini wheels €100
• Metallic paint €420
• Not equipped with 'Gordini stripes' No charge (stripes removed from bonnet, roof and tailgate)
• Glass panoramic opening sunroof** €590
• Automatic climate control €390
• 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, steering wheel-mounted remote control, €100 and Bluetooth® and Plug&Music connectivity
• Gordini-badged carpet mats €50
• ESC** €300
• Spare wheel €80

* Bovine leather seat fronts, cushions, backs and head rests; other parts upholstered in coated fabric.
** with TCe 100 version.

REMINDER OF COMPLETE TWINGO RANGE AND PRICES (French market)
Price list 2182 (November 2, 2010)
Access Authentique Expression Rip Curl Gordini Initiale
1.2 LEV 16V
€8,190 €10,350 €10,950 €12,650 €14,500
eco2 Euro5
1.2 16V
€13,350 €15,200
Quickshift*
Euro5
TCe 100 eco2
€14,800 €15,500
Euro5
dCi 75 eco2
€12,200 €12,800 €14,500
Euro5
dCi 85 eco2
€16,550** €17,250
Euro5
* robotised gearbox
** goes on sale on January 2, 2011