Morgan launched the Aero 8 in March of 2000 at the Geneva Motor Show.

Version 1 -

Complete with a bespoke aluminium chassis, all independent suspension and powered by a 4.4 litre MBW V8 engine producing 286 bhp at 5.500 rpm this was a radical departure from the traditionally build Morgans. Performance was 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 151 mph.




Version 2 -

Version 2 of the Aero 8 was launched at the 2004 Los Angeles Motor Show. Now using the latest BMW M62 V8 engine the price, inclusive of VAT, was 62,000 GBP. Further revisions included (but were not limited to): suspension improvements, a wider cockpit for more interior room (an increase of 6 inches in width), larger trunk and an optional removable hardtop. The new V8 provided, a 4.4-liter, 330 horsepower and a top speed of 160 mph with 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds.





Version 3 -

Version 3 of the Morgan Aero 8 kept all of the engineering modifications of Version 2; however, also received the new front end treatment from the Morgan Aeromax coupe. The restyled front wings, lights and grill resolved the slight squint (inward facing lights) of the S1 and S2 versions.





Version 4 -

Version 4 of the Morgan Aero 8 has seen the 2nd new engine in the life of the vehicle; the BMW 4.4 V8 Valvetronic has been replaced with the BMW 4.8 V8 with 367bhp and 370 lb/ft of torque. This 13% power increase over the previous Aero gives the new Series 4 Aero 8 a power to weight ratio of 315bhp per tonne.

A first for the Aero 8 also comes in the form of an optional automatic transmission; Morgan state: - "ZF’s latest 6 HP26 six speed gives even better performance than a manual gearbox due to its special lock up clutch, low power loss design and instant change characteristic. The automatic is useable either as a full automatic for more relaxed driving or in sport manual mode when the bespoke gear lever will hold the engine revs up to the maximum in each gear, increase change speed and ‘blip’ the throttle to smooth down changes."

In addition to these technical changes, a repositioned fuel tank (to improve the weight distribution), revised instrumentation (from cream dials with blue numerals to black with white), an increase in luggage space, revised air vents, a move to a conventional handbrake leaver and air intakes and exits on the front wings distinguish the Series 4 Aero 8 from previous models.






(With thanks to SpeedMog for the Aero 8 4.8 photos)

The Series I had a Getrag gearbox and 4-pot front brakes, whereas the Series II onwards has a ZF gearbox (smoother change) and 6-pot brakes. Also, the rear suspension has been changed in the Series II to reduce the amount of drive-line shunt.

The Series II is generally known at the 'works' as the Federalised Aero 8, as it was developed for the American market and some 21 cars were written off in crash-testing.

Cheers
Brian

Hi brian
I have been offered a used series 3 but I noticed when road testing that it had noticable chatter / slack from the gearbox, would this be the drive-line shunt you refer too and is there a fix or even partial fix for it.

thanks

Michael

Hi Michael,

I'm afraid it's a feature of the cars it's even mentioned in the handbook for the Series I (and I think the II), but as I am overseas I can't quote it to you. No doubt a Series I owner can give you chapter and verse.

For the Series II, they altered the way the diff was mounted and allowed some compliance into the system through the use of rubber bushes. Certainly, when I drive my car I do not notice it at all, but it may feel a bit dare I say it 'under-engineered' if you've come from a Porker.

However, for most of us it's just a design feature and part of the indelible character of the car. You'll quickly get used to it, so please don't let it put you off buying a great drive.

Happy Morganeering

Brian

The guy I brought my Aero off (a Series 1) told me that this was something that BMW recommended to be done. Something to do with the Aero being much lighter than the normal Beemas they put the engine in.

Here's a link to some side by side comparison photo's of a Mk1 and 2 Mk2's showing side, front, rear and interior comparrisons.. Anyhow they were taken at Brooklands Morgan day whree Aeroman, Andy and myself met up in Windsor and convoyed down to be the only 3 Aero's amongst 60 classic's.

http://rides.webshots.com/album/554654553sLUVRW

The series 1 could only fit one set of golf clubs in - im not a golfer but i understand sometimes you go with a friend and therefore 2 sets are required. simple as that

by the way officialy there is no such thing as series 3 - it is series 2 facelift. honest

True, but the Series II was called the 'Federalised Car' in the works, not the Series II. That tag came later, after the market called them the Series II.

Hey! What do you say to that Lovemog! Huh!

I raise you two series II's and see your 'federalised mog'

Now wot ya got

BtG