Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Thoughts on the S3 - from an S1 owner

At the meet yesterday I was lucky enough to sit in Aeromans fantastic new S3, and it made me think somewhat in terms of how things have moved on in the short space of time that the Aero has been on our roads.

I figured it might be interesting to a few others here to hear my thoughts on the latest model ahving managed to get up close and personal.

OK - lets set the scene so people can see where I'm coming from.
I'm relatively young for an Aero owner (<35) and I've had my S1 for 2.5 years now.

Key differences stepping from the S1 into the S3 become apparrent immediately.

1. Space - there is much more in the S3 - and Aeromans car gets this feelig across effortlessly - the light interior I feel has a big part to play here, as sitting in demonstrators previously I didn't really feel it to be as pronounced.

2. Surfaces - the S3 dash is so much better resolved - you feel you're in a production car, rather than the 'track special' feel of the S1 with it's bare aluminium in the footwells etc. The materials are high quality and feel luxurious. Carpet is perhaps a little too deep pile for my tastes - but thats personal choice, and I have to say it was very comfortable. (Better than the S1 seats certainly).

3. Visibility - so much better. Although the rear screen is plastic (which I do not approve of and it's something that rankles a bit) the visiblity is excellent, and the extra light it affords adds to the feel of space.

4. Doors - the most obvious place where the car feels like a new generation is in the doors. The S1 door is thin and makes a 'clack' when you close it. Suggesting little more than tin foil over a wire shell. The S3 door makes a solid sounding clunk, has a flat fascia, is better trimmed than the S1 (considerably) and the classy black piano wood Aeroman has chosed adds a subtle air of class.

The door also has the added benefet of providing a psychological boost - making you feel immediately safe and protected. I'm sure at the same time the wind noise (serious in the s1) from the doors is much reduced.

5. General feeling of airtightness in the S3 is much more pronounced - it feels airy, but snug, whereas the S1 feels 'compact' and 'breezy' by comparisson. Don't get me wrong, I love the S1 and it's character - it's got a lot going for it, but refinement and creating a firm seal between you and the outside in inclement weather isn't it's strong suit.

6. From the outside - have to say the shape is still strong and I love the look of the S3. The new headlights are growing on me, and the wings at the side do not suffer any erosion it seems with the wider cockpit. (is the S3 wider than the S1?)

Only issue I ahve with the S3 as an S1 owner is the height - and in particular rather than the physical stature of the car (whichi I don't mind) - it's more the perception that it's floating - particularly from the rear - without rear pipes it looks a bit odd. Hopefully the diffuser will see to this. Certainly seems to work on the SII that Andrew brought along yesterday

7. Wheels. I like the lightweight racing magnesium wheels of the S1 - the bigger assumedly steel wheels of the newer cars doing really do it for me. I would figure that it might perhaps pay to talk to OZ about a specific wheel type - thinking of spyker here.

More later - be interested in other feedback.

Overall the S3 is fantastic , will have to go test drive one, buying might have to wait though as looks like I'll be moving house in the short term...

An interesting expose Richard, and I very much agree with the majority of the points that you have made.

The carpets in my car are in fact lambs-wool overmats, by the people who do the Bentley ones, the Morgan carpets are in fact a bit low-rent and much much thinner. Unfortunately, the mats had 'ridden up' somewhat to the pedals thus making you think they were thicker than they are, but whilst Marion likes them for their cosiness in the winter, they also isolate some of the road-noise from the cabin.

I am travelling tomorrow so my car will go into storage until March, but when I am back you are more than welcome to drive it as long as your own insurance covers you, as we have a named driver policy. I think you would find it interesting to compare and contrast it with your beautiful looking Series I.

BR Brian

Some interesting points made Rich.

Space - Brian's light coloured interior does help; however, the biggest difference will be from the extra 6 inches width over the S1 cabin. When I drove an S1 I found it on the cramped side (I'm 6'3", 15-stone and have broad shoulders).

Surfaces - the grass is always greener - I really love the individual feel of the S1 dash and hope MMC will find a way to improve aspects of the Aero 8 dash when the car gets a proper face-lift (no pun). For instance, the stock stereo doesn't suit the bespoke nature of the car and the dash clock that the driver can't see always seemed pointless to me.

I'm glad Brian jumped in and confirmed his shag pile carpets aren't OEM! I was ribbing him when he ordered them about the amount of dirt and muck that is going to get stuck in the pile . The stock carpets are excellent and work well imho (leave the 70's shag for Austin Powers AKA Aeroman )

Visibility - It is good with top down (although I still used to crane my neck over the dropped hood to change lanes) and top up not too bad; however, I to wish the rear window was glass. Plastic feels cheap and scratches/creases far too easily.

Doors - imho, after seeing the Aeromax, the best change ever - in terms of making the Aero 8 feel like a top quality product - will be the flush fit, Superform, doors. Precision, quality and style all with one change.

From the Outside - Yes, the S3 is 6 inches wider in the cabin, so this means the front wings are reduced in over-hang at the cabin edge over the S1.

I have gone on record to say that had the Aeromax front end not been put on the S3 Aero 8, I doubt I would have ever bought one because I didn't like the cross-eyed look; however, since owning the S3, the S1 has really grown on me. Now I actually love the S1 styling - although I do acknowledge that it is love or loathe design - and find myself torn between the purity of the S1 and the improvements in usability of the S3 (including the design).

Wheels - the most recent wheels are my least favourite, the Gen 1 S3's (and S2s) being my favourite (followed by the function before fashion S1 magnesiums). As wheels are such a matter of personal taste, I hope MMC decide to offer 2-3 options in the future.

Thanks again for the excellent run-down Rich on your opinion of S1 vs S3

Interesting comments about the wheels. For me, I am not keen on the 6 spoke wheel design used on the Series 1 and the current series 3. I much prefer the 15 spoke design. It seems that the exact wheel is no longer available but found a couple of companies at the Autosports show that make the exact same style 15 spoke wheel.

I will be making enquiries nearer the build time on my new one about alternative wheels for sure.

Simon, what have you heard about time frame for the superform flush fit doors? I'm looking at a build date of Jan/Feb 2009 on mine.

Rich, I know of a series 3 close to home that will be coming up for sale in about 11-12 months time

Ian, nothing has been confirmed; however, it would be prudent to believe that once the technology has been perfected on the Aeromax production it will be moved on to the Aero 8.

It is my understanding that the idea is to also use the Superform technology on the trad cars as well. When I visited MMC they were convinced that this is the best route for ease of production, quality of end result and the added benefit of making damage repairs much easier (due to uniformity of product).

As they are investing in this technology, it would make financial sense to see maximum return from it.

...and another one in the first quarter of 2009, once I know the position on Superform doors and whether they will be doing any 'special' or anniversary model Aero's in 2009.

Wouldn't it be silly not to make a special flagship Aero 8 to celebrate the 100 years of Morgan? I hope Morgan do decide to make on.

suprised they don't suggest a special run of 100 cars - x 4/4, x Aero, x 4 seater and even a few 'extra' Aeromaxes - give them a specific paint job and a plaque and job's a good un....

Great thread, although could end up costing me lots of money!

So Rich, are you a some what deflated S1 owner now?

On the wheel theme, anyone know the reasons for changing, for what appeared to be a short period of time, from the mag 6 spoke to the 5 spoke style wheels I have?

I have a letter from Chris Lawrence regarding my car & its past owner ect, in this he comments that X643 CNP (my car) has “The latest bolt on wheels, which are far superior to the original arrangement” ? Just curious…….

Not at all. I love the s1 - the external Aesthetics for me are still the best as the design has a form following function (to an extent) approach - the lights are like that not to look good (though I think these days that they do!) but becuase they kept the CD as low as possible.

Secondly, I'm not a ffan of the 'stackable' roof on the later models. HAving to 'do a meercat' in the aero to see over the rear deck is for me a pain in the backside. The S1 doesn't suffer this - the rear view mirror shows me what is behind - and thats a major benefit during continental touring when [being in a RHD car] all round visibility is even more important.

Regarding the wheels the early magnesium alloys are prone to cracking / bending (I've done both in normal driving) - being a lgihtweight alloy they are 'soft'. Same as used on the first generation Audi RS4 I believe (at least in terms of material).

Also the centre lock is inconvenient for many (can't take it off at home easily!) - and the wheels can fuse on to the hubs if copper grease isn't applied to them regularly (each service it's worth getting the centre locks taken of and refitted to stop this).

so for many a later wheel package, though adding significantly to unsprung weight is less hassle - for me I prefer the purity of the original racing design too much to swap to other wheels for now. Might do in the long run, but happy for now.