New Morgans usually come around with the frequency of Halley's Comet, but the plucky British firm has pulled off a surprise unveil of a new coupé called EvaGT. Revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, the EvaGT looks to mix the best of the past and the future. The past is evident in its swooping bodywork, which retains Morgan's classic proportions but it's all thoroughly modern underneath.

The body and its structure are made of aluminium, allowing the EvaGT weigh just 1,250kg. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder BMW engine with 306bhp and 295lb.ft of torque. That's enough to propel the lightweight EvaGT to 62mph in just 4.5 seconds and onto a top speed of 170mph. Drive is to the rear wheels, via either a manual or automatic six-speed transmission.

The combination of BMW's turbocharged engine and a lightweight body allows Morgan to claim some fairly spectacular economy and emissions figures. The EvaGT is quoted at 40mpg and 200g/km of CO2, though Morgan hasn't actually stated whether that 40mpg figure is on the combined or extra-urban cycle.

A 2+2 in layout, the rear seats are said to be suitable for children or occasional adult use, while the EvaGT also has a decently sized boot. BMW not only provided the engine but also access to its test facilities for Morgan to develop it. More modern than any Morgan before it the Eva GT will offer multi-stage airbags, traction control and xenon headlamps among its specification.

Prices are yet to be confirmed, but around £75,000-90,000 is likely, with Morgan taking deposits of £5,000 for an initial limited production run of 100 cars. The first cars are due to roll out of Morgan's factory in 2012.

Kyle Fortune - 16 Aug 2010