Hi, with the benefit of 14 months ownership of a Plus 8 and a lot of research my personal understanding of the evolution of the Aero chassis is as follows.
1. The basic alloy tub and front and rear suspension are unchanged since the S2 Aero 8 up to the introduction of the 2016 S5 Aero 8.
2. The tub, behind the mountings for the rear suspension cassette has been changed to reflect the different rear end structures. The Plus 8 is significantly shortened.
3. The spring rates and shock absorber units have evolved and been modified to optimise responses, but the basic layout has not changed, until the S5 and 2016 Plus 8.
I agree with Neil, the cars ride amazingly well and on modern, smooth roads are simply sublime. My point of reference is a 2008 Mercedes SLK 300 Sport: in comparison the Merc is harsh, noisy and never restful.
I’ve also driven a S2 Aero 8 and an S4 Coupe and they have a slightly different ride and drive experience to the Plus 8.
For 2016 cars Morgan made significant changes to the front and rear suspension. They have done this, it seems to me, for 3 reasons:
1. To make the car ride better: whilst there is nothing wrong with the ride the handling was influenced by the wish to take the Aeros racing. The 2016 Aeros have been optimised for ride quality and predictable handling.
2. To reduce cost: Morgan wanted to reduce the costs of making and assembling the rolling tub. It is rumoured that this has been achieved.
3. To future proof the tub. Morgan has about 120 of the last batch of 500 BMW N62 V8s left: they are Euro 6 compliant but when they are gone, probably in 2017, it is very unlikely that they will buy another batch. The Engine dates from 2005 and is a bit of a delightful dinosaur.
The changes to the front suspension free up nearly 40cm: my personal belief is that we will see a version of the N55 or BMW B58 motors, probably the new B58 as this can use an air to water intercooler which would be much easier to fit. With about the same power and torque as the venerable V8 it would suite the Aero perfectly.
Of course if the B58 engine fits then the BMW inline B48 4 cylinder motor would be possible, opening up many markets where the car tax on a larger motor makes the V8 virtually unsaleable.
An even more heretical thought: the B58 has a sister diesel, as does the related B48.
The present Aero8/Plus 8 is great, the 2016 ones may be better. But if you want a Morgan with a V8 the clock is ticking.
Cheers,
Peter
