Morgan EvaGT first photo

The company's newest sportscar, the EvaGT, will take its inspiration from British sports saloons of the early 1950s like the Bristol 400 and Frazer Nash BMW 328. But the four-seater coupe will be a modern sportscar, with a light-weight bonded aluminium chassis and BMW-sourced six cylinder engine.

As the teaser photo shows the coupe draws some inspiration from the long, low and sleek design of the Aero SuperSport. The newest Morgan gets its first airing at the famous Pebble Beach concours in California next month. An initial production run of 100 cars is planned with the first cars hitting the road in 2012.

Morgan Cars Australia managing director, Chris van Wyk has already fielded inquiries about the car. "I've already spoken to the Morgan club and we've got several serious buyers," he says. Van Wyk says the EvaGT is expected to cost "under $300,000" and broaden the appeal of the rare sportscars. He says it will provide a stepping stone from the Classic to the $375,000 Aero SuperSport.

"We've sold eight Aeros and I think because of the Eva's added versatility as a four-seater, we could double that number locally," he says. "It will be a far more useable day-to-day car."

Apart from the light aluminium structure the EvaGT uses a laminated internal safety cell and hand-finished aluminium body panels, which helps keep weight down to 1250kg. Combined with the BMW 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder the car promises strong performance.

The engine develops 288kW/400Nm and buyers will be able to choose a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox. The four-seater is expected to hit 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 273km/h. Morgan says fuel economy will be 7.0 litres/100km.

Van Wyk says the collaboration with BMW is providing a positive impact on the low-volume specialist carmaker. "The supply of the drivetrain has given us access to BMW's engineering and test facilities," he says. Van Wyk expects Australian deliveries to start at the end of 2012.

The car is the first of several new Morgans planned, including an electric car and 'a fun weekend' vehicle.