Morgan will turn back the clock when, after a gap of almost 10 years, the Morgan Plus 8 will reappear as a new and fully-fledged model at next month’s 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
The iconic English company will display two versions of the new ‘classic’ Morgan. In addition to the production version, powered by BMW’s 4.8-litre normally aspirated V8, there will be an all-electric alternative christened ‘Plus-e’.
Slotting into the current range between Morgan’s all-aluminium ‘Aero’-series flagship cars, and above the six-cylinder Morgan Roadster, the Plus 8 weighs just 1100kg without fluids.
The new model also uses a bonded and riveted aluminium chassis — as used in the more expensive Aero cars — rather than the galvanized steel ladder chassis of Morgan’s Roadster and Plus 4.
The new Plus 8, which Morgan describes as its ‘most comfortable classic model’, comes with air conditioning, a leather upholstered cockpit, a high quality audio system and a double-lined convertible roof as standard.
Power comes from a 390bhp V8, which can be mated to an optional six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Both manual and auto versions hit 62mph in just 4.5sec. Opt for the auto ‘box and you get slightly better fuel efficiency, 26mpg on the combined cycle.
No real details of the ‘Plus-e’ electric sports car have been released, though Morgan chief designer Matt Humphries confirmed it’s a prototype, and said: “We’re developing the idea for production as soon as possible. It’s a working car with a usable range. You just charge it up and go for a blast.”
About Jim McGill
Jim McGill is an award-winning motoring and motorsport journalist with more than 25 years' industry experience. He contributes to a number of newspapers and magazines, including The Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Scotsman, Sunday Herald and AA Magazine.
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