WE LIVE in a world where automobiles are learning to drive themselves, manual transmissions are an endangered species, and the question of whether dashboards support Apple or Google is a major consideration. At the same time, auto makers like Morgan Motor Company are still talking about 1960s’ styling and hand-built cars.
Founded in 1909 by Britisher Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan, Morgan Motor Company has changed little since then. Although the cars are thoroughly modern under the hood—the company favours BMW drivetrains—the exterior styling is retro. Even futuristic concepts like the hydrogen fuel cell LifeCar look like they came straight out of the 1930s.
Morgan sings a similar tune with the Aero 8, which made its debut recently at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Hidden beneath the vintage styling is an improved aluminum chassis with better torsional rigidity and an improved suspension setup. Power comes exclusively from a 4.8-litre V8 engine from BMW making 367 horsepower, and the Bavarian brand also supplies a new limited-slip differential to get power down at the rear. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
At first glance, the latest Aero 8 bears all the hallmarks of Morgan’s classic style with a long hood, prominent shoulders and short rear. The new version is exclusively available as a convertible, although, some photos show, an optional hardtop is available. The aluminum body is also slightly altered with better aerodynamics up front, and the most obvious change comes at the rear where there’s now a clamshell design.
The interior also receives a new, though still retro-looking, dashboard design, and Morgan is touting its improved air conditioning system that reportedly works better in hot weather. Buyers wanting to eschew some of the supple leather inside can opt for a set of carbon seats instead.
Morgan’s managing director Steve Morris told the media: “Morgan cars are synonymous with open-top motoring. We produce two-seater sports cars that are lightweight and exhilarating to drive. The new Aero 8 signifies a return to this formula within our flagship range of vehicles. The Aero 8 offers a marriage of expert craftsmanship and performance technology.”
The new Morgan Aero 8 will begin production from the fourth quarter this year in limited quantities, but the carmaker isn’t saying how many will be built. Priced from just under £80,000, the Aero 8 range will be sold in limited numbers towards the end of 2015.
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