I was the only soul arriving at BHM without the hood, but the demo car, which had been collected from the factory the day before, remained hooded throughout the day. First impressions are that the car is much wider than a trad +8. All of the normal curves are there , but just more of them. It almost feels square as the front wings are so wide. There is a nice looking undertray with brake cooling vents, which is reminiscent of the 1960s +4 racers, but the vents are not connected and there is a solid panel directly behind. The back panel is now the usual "Sport" type with no spare wheel opening. In fact there is no spare at all, only an aerosol of sealant. Good luck trying to get a new tyre in the midst of nowhere!
There is room for both IMHO remember you are comparing a stretched +4 chassis in original Maurice Owen model +8's. One of which I ran for 4 years in 3.9 Ltr engine format and thoroughly enjoyed.
The new 8 is an Aero chassis and essentially an Aero in albeit modified Traditional clothing, it appears to me aesthetically pleasing (trad +8 on steroids) but I'm a lifelong fan of the marque so probably not very objective.
So would would I kick a new 8 out of bed ? Definately no, to me this developement of the +8 is a far more exciting and emotive avenue than the M3W. I have yet to try out a new 8 but it must be rawer than a rare steak, stainless shovels and excrement spring to mind.
If you hanker for the narrow bodied/Moss box here is a nice one complete with FIA papers and about 20 big ones less compared to a new 8 ! http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C354496
Wishing you all a Happy New Year
2009 4/4 Sport Henrietta 1999 Indigo Blue +8 2009 4/4 Sport Green prev 1993 Con Green +8 prev
You know it makes sense! 
