The Morgan Aero 8 may look like the Morgans of old, but it is completely different, with a high-tech frame and modern V-8 engine producing 333 bhp. The result is a supercar that can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and go on to over 160 mph. The Aero 8 has been successful in racing in the USA, UK and Europe, so you can be sure it handles well.
In truth, the Morgan Aero 8 is a rather strange looking car, retaining separate fenders and running boards as on a sports car from the 1930s. At the front is a sloping version of the traditional Morgan grille, but below is an air dam and a wide, low air intake to get enough cool air into the engine compartment.
The curvaceous front fenders have built-in headlamps that appear to point inwards slightly. One concession to modernity is the turned up tail. Like most Morgans, the Aero 8 is a two-seater, and that tail does provide some luggage space. Clearly, this is a car for the individualist – traditionalists can still buy the Morgan Roadster V-6 but that is a very different animal.
BMW V-8 power train
To get the performance it wanted, Morgan went to BMW who supply the 4.4 liter V-8. Itr is tuned to produce 333 bhp at 6,200 rpm, with maximum torque of 331 lb ft (450 Nm) at 3,600 rpm, giving the car plenty of performance in any gear at almost any speed. The engine is coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. To maintain traction, a limited-slip differential is installed, but there is neither electronic traction control nor stability control. Control is down to you.
Of course, the car meets all current emission ratios and there is a version equipped for the US market.
Aluminum semi-monocoque
When it came to the frame, Morgan abandoned the flexible frame and stiff suspension of the older models, but did not follow its competitors. Instead, it developed an aluminum semi-monocoque built mainly from sheet, but reinforced by extrusions for cross members and longitudinal members. This is rather different from the frames made from extrusions and castings used by Lamborghini and Ferrari, and has the advantage of low tooling costs.
Nevertheless, the frame is very stiff, the panels and extrusions being joined together by adhesive bonding and Bolhoff self-piercing rivets. The Alcan sheet used for the panels are supplied with a special coating designed to ensure good quality bonds. Morgan is the first company to use this material.
Mounted on the monocoque is an ash frame which carries the aluminum body panels – these are made from Superform aluminum, a material which can be formed to shape easily, and which is ideal for low-volume manufacture.
Cantilever front suspension
At the front, cantilever wishbone suspension is used. The lever arms actuate the vertical spring/damper units mounted near the middle of the car – this is similar to the suspension of one of the highly-successful Lotus Grand Prix cars. At the rear, wide based wishbone suspension is used, again with coil spring/damper units.
The Aero 8 is equipped with 8.5 x 18 inch forged aluminum wheels, carrying 225/40 section front, and 245/40 section rear tires.
Yes, the Morgan Aero 8 looks unusual, but here is a sports car and supercar designed to be driven fast and far. The performance is better than you might expect because the car weighs only 2,520 lb (1,145 kg) which is much lighter than most cars with this much power, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 290 bhp per tonne.
The brand-new Audi R8 mid-engined coupe with aluminum frame weighs 3,435 lb (1,560 kg), the Porsche 911 Carrera S 3,072 lb (1,395 kg). The AC MkV comes close at 2,643 lb (1,200 kg). The Morgan is at least 500 lb (230 kg) lighter than most competitors.
This light weight, with the race-developed suspension and a lusty V-8 make the Morgan Aero 8 a true supercar with stunning performance, on the straight and round the bends.
