Any reviews of the new Aero 8??
Discussion
Hi there.
I'm not running the latest version of the Aero - but being a small volume hand built car it is inevitably configured to the purchaser so all cars are individual one way or the other. i.e. if you're going to buy one drive it, and drive several as they will all feel slightly different.
Reliability wise Aeros are very good - BMW underpinnings mean reasonable parts prices, and good availability.
Factory support to dealers in general is very good in terms of parts as well. (e.g. I buckled a wheel in the south of France this summer - a call to my dealer at home and I had a replacement wheel waiting for me in hotel reception 36 hours later - thats good service!).
Bear in mind though that body panels can be an issue given the low volume of the car - if you get caught in a position where the factory are waiting for a fresh consignment of spares there can be waits but these are rare.
Servicing so far for my S1 is around about 250-400 a time. The only part failure I have experienced was the power steering pump drive connector - this is a common failure on S1 cars like mine and I've had mine updated - covered in most part by the warranty I have. LAter cars do not suffer from this issue.
Handling is excellent - but being very powerful and light it of course needs respect in the wet. The latest car has ABS / Traction control though to give that confidence factor if the weather is poor. Having said, even without traction / abs, I've had very few occasions where I've felt the need to dial in lock I wasn't expecting to.
On the road I've never felt 'out of control' - though a few exuberant moments at VMAX left me facing the wrong way dpown the track, I suspect thats far more my lack of ability as a driver than anything to do with the car!
It's certainly far more confidence inspiring than my previous Maserati (and that had T/C, EBD, stability control etc).
The main driving characteristics are the imense grip, and the incredible soundtrack (fit a sports exhaust - it's a must!).
Aurally, there are few cars that sound better through a tunnel. Visually there are few cars that can turn heads like an Aero either - so if you get one be prepared for plenty of punters asking what it is etc. All the comments out on the road have been positive, and I've lost count of the number of times the camera phone / video camera gets pointed in our direction when we're out and about.
All in all the pace of the car in accellerative terms is fantastic. Running mine head to head with a 360 from a rolling start it happily kept neck and neck to around 110mph. Over that the superior aerodynamics of other cars will mean you're not going to compete so effectively. In cornering though you have got most things whipped because the grip levels and low weight mean you can carry a lot of speed through a bend.
This stuff is all common to all Aeros. The latest versio offers a wider more confort orientated cabin. THe Air con really works and does so well even on my S1. You do get some heat soak fromt he engine, but it's not really an issue in the summer with the air con on, and in the winter warm feet are a good thing anyway!
Boot space is pretty good - especially on the latest car which has a redesigned boot thats a little higher and therefore more capacious. 2 golf bags, or a decent sized bag for 2 people is easily accommodated. Mrs T and I managed 2 weeks touring in France in our car without having to make serious compromise.
Fuel consumption is around 20-25mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is. Oil consumption is near zero. In fact the only consumable item I can think of is the main headlight bulbs that have a tendedncy to go pop on my car - think thats specific to my car rather than a general fault, and having lost only 2 in 18 months it's not really that concerning.
Only drawback to latest cars is the plastic rear screen. It gets you much better visibility (larger area to see thorough) but the original roof as on mine with the heated rear glass is great in poor weather.
Build quality - very good. It may be handbuilt but its leagues ahead of anything I've seen from any other manufacturer makign sports cars by hand e.g, TVR, old Marcos's etc. The only thing on my car that is looking tatty now are the door seals in that the rubber is beginning to peel off - easy to rectify.
edited to add some more
The ride is firm but well controlled - in fact I'd rate it as pretty smooth over a reasonable surface. Heavily pockmarked british asphalt is no problem either, speedbumps / larger ridges will send s jolt thorugh the suspension (it's not an S-Class!) but it's very comfy for long distance touring.
I'm not running the latest version of the Aero - but being a small volume hand built car it is inevitably configured to the purchaser so all cars are individual one way or the other. i.e. if you're going to buy one drive it, and drive several as they will all feel slightly different.
Reliability wise Aeros are very good - BMW underpinnings mean reasonable parts prices, and good availability.
Factory support to dealers in general is very good in terms of parts as well. (e.g. I buckled a wheel in the south of France this summer - a call to my dealer at home and I had a replacement wheel waiting for me in hotel reception 36 hours later - thats good service!).
Bear in mind though that body panels can be an issue given the low volume of the car - if you get caught in a position where the factory are waiting for a fresh consignment of spares there can be waits but these are rare.
Servicing so far for my S1 is around about 250-400 a time. The only part failure I have experienced was the power steering pump drive connector - this is a common failure on S1 cars like mine and I've had mine updated - covered in most part by the warranty I have. LAter cars do not suffer from this issue.
Handling is excellent - but being very powerful and light it of course needs respect in the wet. The latest car has ABS / Traction control though to give that confidence factor if the weather is poor. Having said, even without traction / abs, I've had very few occasions where I've felt the need to dial in lock I wasn't expecting to.
On the road I've never felt 'out of control' - though a few exuberant moments at VMAX left me facing the wrong way dpown the track, I suspect thats far more my lack of ability as a driver than anything to do with the car!
It's certainly far more confidence inspiring than my previous Maserati (and that had T/C, EBD, stability control etc).
The main driving characteristics are the imense grip, and the incredible soundtrack (fit a sports exhaust - it's a must!).
Aurally, there are few cars that sound better through a tunnel. Visually there are few cars that can turn heads like an Aero either - so if you get one be prepared for plenty of punters asking what it is etc. All the comments out on the road have been positive, and I've lost count of the number of times the camera phone / video camera gets pointed in our direction when we're out and about.
All in all the pace of the car in accellerative terms is fantastic. Running mine head to head with a 360 from a rolling start it happily kept neck and neck to around 110mph. Over that the superior aerodynamics of other cars will mean you're not going to compete so effectively. In cornering though you have got most things whipped because the grip levels and low weight mean you can carry a lot of speed through a bend.
This stuff is all common to all Aeros. The latest versio offers a wider more confort orientated cabin. THe Air con really works and does so well even on my S1. You do get some heat soak fromt he engine, but it's not really an issue in the summer with the air con on, and in the winter warm feet are a good thing anyway!
Boot space is pretty good - especially on the latest car which has a redesigned boot thats a little higher and therefore more capacious. 2 golf bags, or a decent sized bag for 2 people is easily accommodated. Mrs T and I managed 2 weeks touring in France in our car without having to make serious compromise.
Fuel consumption is around 20-25mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is. Oil consumption is near zero. In fact the only consumable item I can think of is the main headlight bulbs that have a tendedncy to go pop on my car - think thats specific to my car rather than a general fault, and having lost only 2 in 18 months it's not really that concerning.
Only drawback to latest cars is the plastic rear screen. It gets you much better visibility (larger area to see thorough) but the original roof as on mine with the heated rear glass is great in poor weather.
Build quality - very good. It may be handbuilt but its leagues ahead of anything I've seen from any other manufacturer makign sports cars by hand e.g, TVR, old Marcos's etc. The only thing on my car that is looking tatty now are the door seals in that the rubber is beginning to peel off - easy to rectify.
edited to add some more
The ride is firm but well controlled - in fact I'd rate it as pretty smooth over a reasonable surface. Heavily pockmarked british asphalt is no problem either, speedbumps / larger ridges will send s jolt thorugh the suspension (it's not an S-Class!) but it's very comfy for long distance touring.
Edited by mr_tony on Monday 16th October 14:24
Edited by mr_tony on Monday 16th October 14:27
Edited by mr_tony on Tuesday 17th October 09:26
As Boshly mentions, the trip to St. Tropez was excellent and to see the assembled Series I, II and III's and the original prototype as well was mind-blowing.
Go to: www.morgan-motor.co.uk/home.html and click on Club Morgan Aero 8. Enjoy...
Aeroman
P.S. Do buy an Aero, they're great cars!
Go to: www.morgan-motor.co.uk/home.html and click on Club Morgan Aero 8. Enjoy...
Aeroman
P.S. Do buy an Aero, they're great cars!
Edited by Aeroman on Monday 16th October 11:28
Great review mr_tony!
I agree with everything you've said. The performance is great, build quality good, residuals and insurance make running costs low, and the best thing is the public appreciation of it - everyone looks at it. Grannies are reminded of something back in the old days, and toddlers think its some cartoon car - never had as many waves etc in a car before.
Mine seems pretty reliable - the only problems have been a faulty brake switch and a shattered side window. The window was expensive to replace - £500 plus labour plus VAT, but it is a specialist part and is heated - there are 4 different windows for the series 1 alone. Had the biggest service so far - the car has done 9k miles and it cost about £600. Before this, like mr_tony I had a maserati 3200GT, and the running costs and reliabilty are miles better (still miss that moment when the turbos start spinning though).
The other problem that comes to mind is that because of the shape of the front end stone chips can be annoying. I've just had mine resprayed and colllected it last weekend after a month in the garage - smiled all the way home though!
I've done a few track days in mine, and the handling and grip are great - little can keep up as it is; fast down the straights, has huge brakes for its weight so can brake very late, and can carry speeds like a caterham through the corners.
...Forgot the noise! If you get one with sports exhausts...wow! If it doesn't - get some fitted - I've never been in a better sounding car with a huge V8 roar.
When I was buying mine, the only reviews I could find said it was a good car, but slated the appearance. Photos seem to make them look very ugly, but in real life they are remarkable looking things.
All in all I love mine, and have no intention of getting rid for a while. With what's just happened to TVR, it might be a safeish investment as people try to find a British sports car to replace their Tuscan. They will certainly appreciate the dealers, the build quality and reliabilty I've got used to without losing the performance, noise and agression you get in a TVR.
I agree with everything you've said. The performance is great, build quality good, residuals and insurance make running costs low, and the best thing is the public appreciation of it - everyone looks at it. Grannies are reminded of something back in the old days, and toddlers think its some cartoon car - never had as many waves etc in a car before.
Mine seems pretty reliable - the only problems have been a faulty brake switch and a shattered side window. The window was expensive to replace - £500 plus labour plus VAT, but it is a specialist part and is heated - there are 4 different windows for the series 1 alone. Had the biggest service so far - the car has done 9k miles and it cost about £600. Before this, like mr_tony I had a maserati 3200GT, and the running costs and reliabilty are miles better (still miss that moment when the turbos start spinning though).
The other problem that comes to mind is that because of the shape of the front end stone chips can be annoying. I've just had mine resprayed and colllected it last weekend after a month in the garage - smiled all the way home though!
I've done a few track days in mine, and the handling and grip are great - little can keep up as it is; fast down the straights, has huge brakes for its weight so can brake very late, and can carry speeds like a caterham through the corners.
...Forgot the noise! If you get one with sports exhausts...wow! If it doesn't - get some fitted - I've never been in a better sounding car with a huge V8 roar.
When I was buying mine, the only reviews I could find said it was a good car, but slated the appearance. Photos seem to make them look very ugly, but in real life they are remarkable looking things.
All in all I love mine, and have no intention of getting rid for a while. With what's just happened to TVR, it might be a safeish investment as people try to find a British sports car to replace their Tuscan. They will certainly appreciate the dealers, the build quality and reliabilty I've got used to without losing the performance, noise and agression you get in a TVR.
mr_tony said:
The latest car has ABS / Traction control though to give that confidence factor if the weather is poor.
Favourite bug bear of mine. The new cars (series 2 & 3 - virtually identical except for front headlights changed on series 3) DO NOT have traction control. They have a system (DTC: Drag Torque Control) that matches engine revs to road speed on downshift if you get it wrong. Apparently one of the earlier problems was that, as the car is so light, if a driver downshifted without heel & toeing or blipping the throttle rear wheels could lock and car could spin. The series 2/3 cars DO have ABS & EBD.
mr_tony said:
Fuel consumption is around 20-25mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is.
Wish I could agree on that
less than 200 miles touring range on just under 10 gallons a fillup. Methinks you is driving softly 
but having seen you drive I know that is not the case. Me thinks rose tinted specs are on 
mr_tony said:
Only drawback to latest cars is the plastic rear screen. It gets you much better visibility (larger area to see thorough) but the original roof as on mine with the heated rear glass is great in poor weather.
Agree that plastic screen will eventually reduce rear visibility; it is fine now on my 18 month old car, and my side de-misting vents in the doors help tremendously. Had to mention them as it would seem that no other car has them
eh Brian ) Also hood mechanism on series 2/3 is sooooo much easier than the older versions. A doddle. I can/did pull over reach back pull up and fix the hood (without getting out the car) in about 5 or 6 seconds.
mr_tony said:
The ride is firm but well controlled - in fact I'd rate it as pretty smooth over a reasonable surface. Heavily pockmarked british asphalt is no problem either, speedbumps / larger ridges will send s jolt thorugh the suspension (it's not an S-Class!) but it's very comfy for long distance touring.
The ride on British Motorways (not the best) at 70mph is MUCH better than my previous 996 Carrera 4. Wind buffeting is far better too. Does crash on bigger holes/slower speeds but scuttle shake whilst worse than the 996 is no worse than say my previous Z3M Roadster. After over 2000 miles in 5 days I honestly never once felt stiff, tired or aching and as OrthoDoc kindly pointed out to me
at Le Luc I am a 'spas' with my dodgy hips. I honestly find the driving position and efforts really comfortable. Less stress as well, as car is appreciated, respected and can get out of situations so easily with a slight depression of the right foot. Oodles of torque.
OK? hope that enlightens you a bit further. As I said before:
BUY ONE You wont regret it
Andy
mr_tony said:
Fuel consumption is around 20-25mpg depending on how heavy your right foot is.
boshly said:
Wish I could agree on that less than 200 miles touring range on just under 10 gallons a fillup. Methinks you is driving softly but having seen you drive I know that is not the case. Me thinks rose tinted specs are on
less than 200 miles touring range on just under 10 gallons a fillup. Methinks you is driving softly but having seen you drive I know that is not the case. Me thinks rose tinted specs are on To be honest the only time I've measured it is in France this year - I'd see around 200 -230 miles out of a full tank being around 55 litres. (i'd read each 1/4 of the tank as a 50mile range)
Having said that much of the driving in France was cruising along in 6th at a steady 80mph - of course when you start atacking the twisties it drops to around 17-18.
Oddly I think the sports exhaust has improved the economy a little - although having to floor it through every tunnel these days means that I proably don't make any mileage out of it!
Edited by mr_tony on Thursday 19th October 14:37
mdrc said:
Many thanks folks - all very helpful indeed - persuaded!! Having test drive next week and hoping to strike part-ex deal!!
Great - hopefully another convert!
It has to be said that the Aero is a real bargain - all that hand built britishness for less than the cost of a 911 has to be worth it.
mdrc said:
OK folks - getting closer! What's the verdict on the best colour combos for the Aero 8?For me, its got to be just the right balance between style and impact!! (probably not yellow!!)
Well for my (biased) opinion Black with a deep tan interior. See the one with Mango interior and make it a bit more sensible. Personally I think the black goes well with the chrome interior touches and otherwise you can get too many contratsts.
failing that I really liked the deep gunmetal Grey car with the tan leather that belonged to Andrew who was the photographer on the weekend. (see my photos) or lastly I really liked the 'olivey green' (renault colour I believe) of AeroFrogs car.
Hey AeroFrog how about a photo of it if you are still reading PH? Lastly (I lied about the last comment being 'lastly') there is a great Peugeot colour I believe which is 'smoky' lightish metallic blue. You would know it imedaitely if you saw it! I think it would make a great Aero colour
Lastly how about Yellow?
Andy
Very happy with the colour of mine - Rolls Royce LArkspur Blue.
However the ferrari grigio alloy with red leather would probably look pretty special. (I've always rather liked the merc 300SL you see!)
Dark Blue with tan is always a solid resale combination, but I'd also potentially look at a deep metallic red - I think that could really suit the car perhaps... (can someone do a photoshop).
Maybe not yellow - but how above Orancio Atlas - Lambo orange with black leather and orange stitching?
However the ferrari grigio alloy with red leather would probably look pretty special. (I've always rather liked the merc 300SL you see!)
Dark Blue with tan is always a solid resale combination, but I'd also potentially look at a deep metallic red - I think that could really suit the car perhaps... (can someone do a photoshop).
Maybe not yellow - but how above Orancio Atlas - Lambo orange with black leather and orange stitching?
My fathers Aero in Ferrari Grigario Titano is quite a striking color on a Mk1....
If I was looking at a new Aero I'd like to see one in White Metallic Perl (with a slight blue perl rather than green) with either grey or black interior. Especially if you had Anthracite wheels!!
When I had my Cerb... MrMop's white Metallic Perl looked stunning in the flesh!!
If I was looking at a new Aero I'd like to see one in White Metallic Perl (with a slight blue perl rather than green) with either grey or black interior. Especially if you had Anthracite wheels!!
When I had my Cerb... MrMop's white Metallic Perl looked stunning in the flesh!!
cerealsurfer said:
My fathers Aero in Ferrari Grigario Titano is quite a striking color on a Mk1....
If I was looking at a new Aero I'd like to see one in White Metallic Perl (with a slight blue perl rather than green) with either grey or black interior. Especially if you had Anthracite wheels!!
When I had my Cerb... MrMop's white Metallic Perl looked stunning in the flesh!!
If I was looking at a new Aero I'd like to see one in White Metallic Perl (with a slight blue perl rather than green) with either grey or black interior. Especially if you had Anthracite wheels!!
When I had my Cerb... MrMop's white Metallic Perl looked stunning in the flesh!!
That my man is a delicious colour combo!! Anthracite wheels also sound very nice.
AA
boshly said:
Lastly (I lied about the last comment being 'lastly') there is a great Peugeot colour I believe which is 'smoky' lightish metallic blue. You would know it imedaitely if you saw it! I think it would make a great Aero colour
Andy, do you mean like this
www.talkmorgan.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=730&Main=730#Post730?
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