BRITISH sports car maker Morgan is hoping to return to the lucrative American market with its last version of the Plus Four.

The company has revealed it is currently working with the United States authorities to achieve homologation for the new Plus Four and while there is no timescale for entry it is confident it will meet all requirements.

It will be the first four-wheeled Morgan to achieve homologation in the United States since 2006.

The new Plus Four continues a legacy that began more than 70 years ago when the first models were introduced.

Like its predecessors, the new model will be built at the Morgan works in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern, in Worcestershire - the historic home of the marque.

Powered by a 2.0-litre BMW petrol engine, the new Plus Four has new lighting, wings, front splitter, rear diffuser and floating front and rear number plate plinths.

It brings the design - first seen in 1950 - up to date and the car features a new model badge which uses the company's own italicised typeface.

The engine develops 255bhp and is mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission with 0 to 62 times of 5.2 and 4.8 seconds respectively.

The new car also has received chassis tweaks to enhance handling and there is the option of a Dynamic Handling Pack.

As with all Morgans bespoke features are available and inside the car has a Sennheiser sound system and a new LCD display panel.

The new car is priced from £62,500 and Massimo Fumarola, Morgan's chief executive officer, said:"We are proud to continue Plus Four's incredible legacy - one that stretches back to 1950 - with this latest model, honouring the spirit of the original car yet reimagining it for today. The latest Plus Four is unmistakably a Morgan for today's discerning customer.

"The importance and responsibility when evolving this longstanding nameplate is not lost on the team at Pickersleigh Road. Whilst other models within our lineup offer greater opportunity for experimentation, Plus Four requires a more delicate approach. We believe that the new features and detail culminate to create a fitting evolution and an immediate impression of a more refined, usable, and quality sports car, yet one that remains playful and fun.

"The introduction of the latest Plus Four also brings a renewed approach to vehicle design, engineering, quality, and production at Morgan. Through greater internal collaboration we have been able to further champion the qualities that make Morgan special, whilst creating even more compelling sports cars for our global community of customers."