2005 Morgan Aero 8 Preview

Although the car now features new safety equipment, larger wheels and tires and a bigger frame, all of which weigh more, Morgan

The updated Aero 8 will be powered by BMW's responsive 333-horsepower 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

has amazingly reduced the Aero 8's curb weight to 1,155 kg (2,541 lbs), down 25 kg (55 lbs) from 1,180 kg (2,596 lbs).

Inarguably, the biggest change made to the Aero 8 is under the hood. Unlike previous Morgans which relied on Rover and Ford power, the Aero 8 had previously been equipped with BMW's responsive 282-horsepower 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. For 2005 it will receive the next generation of this motor, codenamed N62, which features unique power-boosting Valvetronic and double-VANOS (variable valve timing) technologies.

There's no shortage of power here, as the thoroughbred engine produces 333

Under the eye of Charles Morgan, Morgan's production facilities are working at full capacity to ramp up production. (Photo: Morgan Motor Company)

horsepower, and 300 lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels through a new ZF six-speed manual gearbox with longer ratios. Top speed is rated at 258 km/h (160 mph).

In preparation for re-entry into the North American market, Morgan's production facilities are working at full capacity to ramp up production. The first vehicles are expected to arrive in North America this June, well ahead of the car's September debut for mainland Europe.