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Morgan and high tech don't normally go together but this new Aero 8, launched today at the Geneva Motor Show, is Morgan's most up-to-date car yet.
It still uses a modern, bonded-and-riveted aerospace-style aluminium chassis with a throwback 1930s body, and it keeps the 4.8-litre BMW V8 petrol engine but Morgan has had a good go at making the Aero 8 more sophisticated.
Out back, there is new styling, influenced by the recent Sportmax coupe, while the boot is a cool rear-hinged clamshell that also helps to tension the soft-top roof when it's up. Need more weather protection? You can have it with an optional 'Fighter Cockpit' hard top too.
Morgan has worked hard to make sure that the Aero 8 is more useable, so there's more space in the cabin, an optional automatic gearbox (with paddle shifters!) and even a touch-screen multi-media system. Wonders will never cease... Safety niceties such as airbags, ABS, EBD and cruise control are also included and the Aero 8 apparently has more options for personalising than any previous Morgan. Which is really saying something.
"Morgan cars are synonymous with open top motoring. We produce 2-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 "said Morgan Managing Director, Steve Morris.
"This project presented us with an opportunity to evaluate and capture exactly what defines Morgan as a class leader in hand-making luxury British sports cars. Over the last 15 years, the Aero Platform has successfully evolved both aesthetically and mechanically. Now on the 15th anniversary of the original iconic Aero Eight, it is incredibly exciting to have the chance to revisit the design with this knowledge in mind," said Morgan Head of Design, Jonathan Wells.