Geneva show: Morgan lobs Aero 8

MORGAN is consolidating its high-end performance Aero range with a new Aero 8 convertible sportscar that replaces the hard-top Coupe and targa-top SuperSports twins.

The new Aero 8 was unveiled at this week’s Geneva motor show where the British company announced the existing performance flagship pair would be discontinued.

The new fully convertible model has been confirmed for Australia at a more wallet-friendly price.

Exact pricing is yet to be announced, but Morgan Cars Australia spokesperson Chris van Wyk confirmed the new Aero 8 was expected to cost less than the $274,990 Aero Coupe and significantly less than the $339,990 topless SuperSports.

Mr van Wyk also said the new Aero 8 would sit above the current Plus 8 sportscar, which starts at $228,990, positioning the new model about the quarter of a million mark and alongside European sports models such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

United Kingdom production of the Coupe and SuperSports will wind up in April this year ahead of the first Aero 8 arrivals Down Under in early 2016.

The new model continues the bloodline of BMW 4.8-litre V8 power with an unchanged 270kW/490Nm output and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and, while Morgan is yet to announce performance figures, no change is expected.

Aero Coupe and SuperSports models do the 100km/h dash from standstill in 4.5 seconds and can crack a top speed of 273km/h.

Significant changes have been made to the styling of the new model, which now uses a rear-opening clam shell boot to stow its folding mohair roof, in place of the fixed roof of the coupe and the lift-out panel of the SuperSports.

The Aero 8's fabric roof is twin-skinned for comfort, but for the ultimate in foul-weather protection, a removable hard-top is available.

The company is also promising a more dynamically agile chassis with improved torsional rigidity for the new Aero 8 thanks to revised front-end suspension and the addition of anti-roll bars – an omission the car was criticised for in its original form.

Inside, the Aero 8 has a redesigned dashboard a new optional touchscreen information and entertainment system, while Australian owners will appreciate an enhanced and more efficient air-conditioning system.

The British-based company is also offering “the largest options list of any Morgan sportscar to date” with carbon-fibre seats, bespoke detailing packages, more fine leather upholstery colours and box-woven carpets to name a few.

Morgan says the extended list of paint, leather and details has resulted in “infinite combinations”, ensuring “every Aero built will be a one-off”.

Morgan managing director Steve Morris said the return of the Aero 8 adhered to its traditional sportscar formula.

“Morgan cars are synonymous with open top motoring,” he said. “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 the perfect marriage of fine craftsmanship and performance technology, one that we believe is so important in today’s increasingly autonomous world.”

Morgan introduced the first-generation Aero 8 in 2001 but Australia was not offered anything in the Aero range until the arrival of the Coupe and SuperSports in 2012.

Since the introduction of the flagship range, Morgan has sold 1250 Aero vehicles worldwide with just a handful of those finding Australian homes. The Geneva Aero 8 debut marks 15 years of the high-performance Morgan branch.