Morgan Aero 8 Vesions [Changes from 2000]

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.

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

and I'll see your Graphite wheels BtG

shall we just call it series 3?? (have i just folded?)

Series 4 information and photos added.

With thanks to Phil (SpeedMog) for providing a suitable picture.

ususal question.
Does anyone know the total Series 1s, Series 2s, Series 3s made?

Try this: http://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=23984&page=1

Thank you Jappo - you will see it was in fact me who started the threat that you have pointed my too.

there is currently a debate regarding the total number of Aeros made. In the May copy of Octane Charles Morgan states "800" odd whilst on the Morgan web site says the figure is 650

Not as far apart these figures as you think Steve, 650+ Aero 8's to-date (or when the website was updated) and 100 AeroMax's by end-June or so, gives 750+. Maybe the now smallish difference is just due to Charles's penchant for rounding-up

Judging by the chassis number for my Aero 8 and adding on the 100 Aeromax's I suspect 800 is pretty much spot on.

Sorry mate, overenthusiasm as I go through the Aero buying process

I think that in fact you might be mistaken.
650 is quite a bit lower than my chassis number and my car was built middle of last year. That's before even considering AeroMax.
To be honest it doesn't matter to me what the answer is as I was simply providing what I thought was some useful information based upon my chassis number to add to the debate.

Robert

I think that about 100 chassis numbers weren't actually issued. I haven't heard of an Aero with a chassis number from 500 through to 599.

The Aeromaxs have a subdivision of the Morgan chassis numbers - this includes the word Aeromax and also clearly states the production number from 1-100.

I believe, iirc, the original idea was to cull a block of 100 numbers from the Aero 8 chassis number run to use for the Aeromaxs; however, they seem to have deviated from this idea with what I mentioned above.

I have to speak with the factory on Monday, so I'll ask the question.

That makes sense.

Can we bring this list of Aero chassis numbers up to date with the newest models purchased. As Shooter has said, I don't believe the 500-series of chassis numbers was used, and we certainly don't have a 5-series chassis on the TM list.

Looks like this one may need an answer from the factory. Can we resolve this for Simon

June issue of Octane states "Morgan expecting to build its 1000th example in the next few months."

Marketing license I wonder? If it is the case it does mean that one version of the aero will be far rarer than the others. Not sure which though.

No probelm Jappo - Our little banter has certainly started some thinking of the number of Aeros acturally made.

Dear friends,
You may know already that the production of the Aero is or about to be stopped very soon.

Does anybody know how many cars were produced ?

Looking forward to reading you on that subject.

Kindest regards

JP

Hello All

In the TM list there are also no Aeros in the 200s. Just coincidence?

Cheers

Anyone know where I can get the different car dimensions from...I have a seriously short garage and I think the S3 onwards might be a little bit longer after the front end re-design ?

Hi All,

My first post. Just thinking if I was to get a Morgan it would be and Aero of some type.

BUT, can you have then with a manual Beemer box or can an existing one easily be converted away from the (I think standard fit Beemer 6spd Auto). Not a fan of anything changing guy but me.

Jelly

Hi Jelly,

All Aero derivatives were available with manual boxes and it's only the later 4.8 l versions that were available with an optional auto box. So it's simply a question of looking.

Personally I prefer the manual but many prefer the auto. You need to get to see these things as you have a lot to learn! These pages will cover most topics if you search...

Cheers wiscos,

Just planning for my Lotto win. Aeromax is the plan.

Were they all Auto's or as you say could be either? As only 100, if one came up and was an Auto it would not be that hard to get it switch to the right Manual from when built a few years back, even if asked Morgan to do it.

I've raced against a lot of Mog's but not owned so far.

There were some manual Aeromaxes, but not very many and not many rhd ones either, so very limited availability indeed. Doubt you'll find one of these in a manual but they do exist...

Richard Hammond's 'Max was manual - I drove it when still in the UK and to me the combination of a manual box and steering that needs a lot of correction in fast driving just felt too busy for my skill level - hence I chose an auto. Try an auto with the shifter in 'sport' - you won't feel short-changed!

It's a GT car - not a sports car. Auto was the right choice for me too. Given the torque of the v8 it's not critical which gear you are in to make progress.

I would also caution against re-engineering a max - long term their values will depend on being original - messing with one will devalue it..

Have experience of an Aero S2 manual and a coupe with the 4.8 Auto.

Both are just wonderful. I like the tip-lever on the auto it makes it just as responsive as the manual in many ways. Lazy days are available in traffic and tip in country blats.

Don't muck around with box changes just buy the right one.

Cheers for the response chaps.

I would never worry about resale values. these things are for enjoyment not residuals. Most cars I by I never sell

Swapping LHD to right would not bother me either, but maybe I'd have to buy a nice place in S.France and leave LHD.

After driving both a manual and Auto I wanted an Auto. I found the S2 clutch difficult and the car quite hard to drive smoothly.

As Alistair says the auto box in sport mode is perfect and the Plus 8 is the first car that I've owned where the paddles are worth using. The change is fast and the throttle blip on down shifts makes me grin every time! Keep the revs over 2500 and the car comes alive.

Fuel consumption in sport mode is what I expected, but in standard mode high 20s are easy and low 30s not impossible.

Another bonus is that the gear ratios and throttle map when the auto box is in standard setting make the car lazy to drive, which helps in the cold and wet to keep the back end under control...

Aeromax #7 is now for sale in Switzerland

That's a crazy price Ken - how much of that is a 'tax' premium because the car is pre-imported and already registered in Switzerland?

Peanuts - import tax isn't much over here and VAT @ 8%

The last one sold for 199k inc sellers premium - I had the same dealer happy to take mine with my cut being 155k (Supersport).

Good news for owners.

Crikey - it's getting to a point where I will be scared to drive mine. Part of the original appeal was its (relative) affordability.

I'll gladly drive it for you

You have to pay extra for the scenery.

A similar specced car, but auto, was recently sold by one of the Southern Morgan agents for £165K, which depending on the exchange rate used is a similar sort of price. It looks like AeroMax prices are finally on the move - and to think that I sold mine some years ago for £100K!

Is it just my laptop or the (nice and helpful) pics in the first post are gone?

They are gone....!

Should we copy/paste the original post, and collaborate to update it?

It might take a few versions to add in the newer models, the Aero GT & +8 50th - but if we started now I'd expect we'd be ready for the new ones by the time Geneva swings around

Will

Sure, why not! I think it would be very beneficial for everybody. When you are done with the update, post it and ask SImon to copy paste it back to the first post.