Watch: Morgan releases Plus Four CX-T with overlanding focus

For a company which recently celebrated its 112th birthday, it might be surprising to hear Morgan is still keeping up with modern demands and trends – revealing its new Plus Four CX-T.

A big departure from its usual two-seater roadster, the CX-T has been built for overlanding, the pursuit of travelling across vast areas off the beaten track – similar to the Safari rallies of yesteryear but at a more acceptable pace.

Based on the CX architecture which underpins the standard road-going Plus Four, Morgan has added beefed-up Dakar-spec suspension, all-terrain tyres and an exoskeleton roll-cage to the CX-T, also mounting four large spotlights to the top of the cage for maximum visibility at night.

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Ground clearance is now up to 230mm with the aid of wishbones from Morgan's Plus Six roadster, providing a wider track and longer travel, while the removal of the Plus Four's front and rear bumper allows higher approach and departure angles to be achieved.

Given the standard car's relative lack of storage space, Morgan has had to create a solution to allow owners to keep days or weeks worth of supplies in the CX-T.

The result is the inclusion of an equipment rack in the rear, as well as side compartments which can hold; two waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool and storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel and tyre assemblies.

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The exoskeleton isn't just there for occupant protection, it doubles as external storage for leisure items such as bikes and surfboards, while the side screens can also be removed from the doors – mounting to specific points on the cage to keep secure while going flat out across the landscape.

Despite the harsh exterior, the interior of the CX-T is still a mix of comfort and luxury, with the seats and dash appointed in leather while a Ram phone and gadget mount is now fixed to the passenger's side of the cabin.

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Although Morgan hasn't officially announced what engine is under the CX-T, it's likely to be the BMW B48 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo which powers the Plus Four, mated to a six-speed gearbox and sending power to the rear wheels through BMW's X-Drive electronic differential, adjustable from fully open to locked with the flick of a switch.

Of course, a car such as this isn't going to be mass produced with only eight CX-Ts slated to be built, setting buyers back £170,000 (AU$320,000) before on-road costs.

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