Introduced in 2001, the Aero 8->ke1067 was notable for several reasons. First, it was the first new Morgan->ke60 design since 1948. Second, it was also the first Morgan to employ an aluminum chassis and frame as opposed to the wooden body tub and steel chassis in previous models. It was also criticized for its "crosseyed" headlamps, which Morgan fixed in 2007. Replaced by the Aero SuperSports and Aero Coupe, the Aero 8 just made a comeback at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. as Morgan's range-topping roadster model.

Obviously based on the current Aero Coupe, the Aero 8 features similar exterior styling, an almost identical cockpit, and a BMW-->ke178sourced V-8 engine. Of course, the Aero 8 comes with a few unique features of its own and plenty of options buyers can use to customize their roadster into a one-of-a-kind rig. The new Aero 8 will hit showrooms as a limited-edition model for the 2016 model year, when Morgan celebrates 15 years since launching the nameplate, but don't get your hopes up on seeing it in the U.S. any time soon.

Updated 03/03/2015: Morgan unveiled the 2015 Aero 8 at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and announced it will enter production in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Morgan Aero 8.

Exterior

Not surprising, the new Aero 8 is heavily based on the Aero Coupe/Supersports series. The roadster sports the company's current design language, which is built around retro-inspired fenders, large headlamps flanking the horseshoe front grille, a long engine hood and slim, horizontal taillights out back. It's like the Aero 8 was never discontinued and received a facelift for the 2016 model year.

That's not to say the Aero 8 is just an Aero Coupe with the roof chopped off. The roadster received a slightly revised front bumper with a reshaped intake underneath the trademark grille, while the rear fascia gained a diffuser-like piece and a pair of round exhaust outlets. The presence of the latter is a bit surprising, as the teaser photos suggested the Aero 8 will feature a side-mounted exhaust.

Also new is the rear-opening clam-shell boot, which is used to hide the soft- or the hard-top. The metal roof is available as an option and transforms the Aero 8 into a coupe in a matter of seconds. As with most Morgans, the Aero 8 will go on sale with infinite combinations of exterior paints and a laundry list of options that will turn each unit into a one-off.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

Similarities to the Aero Coupe continue on the inside. The dashboard features the same classy design with conventional instrument gauges and several buttons and switches on the center stack. There's wood covering the top of the dash and door panels, as well as the center console, where both the gear-shift and hand-brake levers have chrome surrounds. The seats and the door panels come wrapped in fine leather that can be ordered in a wide array of colors and finishes.

A new air conditioning system makes the Aero 8 more usable in warmer climates, while the optional touchscreen media system brings the retro-styled roadster into the 21st century. Other options include low-slung carbon seats and bespoke detailing packs.

Drivetrain

Morgan has yet to release drivetrain info as of 03/03/2015, but it’s very likely the Aero 8 will also receive a BMW-sourced V-8 powerplant. The biggest mystery here is whether the Brits will continue to use the current 4.8-liter unit or borrow BMW’s more recent, twin-turbo, 4.4-liter mill. The former cranks out 367 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque in the Aero Coupe, enabling it to charge from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Top speed is 170 mph, while fuel economy is estimated at 32 mpg highway and 16 mpg city on the British cycle.

I expect these numbers to see some improvement regardless of the V-8 engine Morgan chooses to drop between the front wheels. Both the manual and automatic transmissions are likely to continue with minor updates.

Despite not having any engine details to go by, Morgan did say the aluminum chassis under the Aero 8 benefits from improved torsional stiffness, a revised front end, new suspension, anti-roll bars, and a limited-slip differential sourced from BMW. All these updates will make the Aero 8 a more responsive and better handling sports car. ABS, power steering, and cruise control come standard.

Drivetrain Specifications

Prices

It's way too early to talk about pricing with the Aero 8 scheduled to enter production in the fourth-quarter of 2015, but expect a sticker that's higher than the Aero Coupe's, which starts from £99,950 (about $154,400 as of 02/27/2015). Morgan says the Aero 8 will become available in limited numbers, which should also contribute to a hefty sticker compared to the Aero Coupe.

Competition

David Brown Automotive Speedback GT

When it comes to modern cars with retro styling and V-8 power, there are very few choices to consider. One of them is David Brown’s Speedback GT, a rebodied Jaguar XKR with Aston Martin DB5-inspired cues and enough luxury features to compete with the big boys of the industry. Motivating the Speedback GT is the XKR’s supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8. The 503 ponies and 461 pound-feet of torque travel to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic and enable the coupe to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is limited at 155 mph.

The Speedback GT doesn't come cheap though, as it retails from a whopping £495,000 before taxes and options, which converts to around $765,000 as of 12/24/2014. Ouch!

Jensen GT

Also hailing from Britain, the GT is set to break cover at the Geneva Motor Show as Jensen's first production model in 13 years. Although the specifics are still being kept under wraps, the manufacturer revealed the GT will mix parts used by previous company models, including the iconic Interceptor, and a GM-sourced, 6.4-liter V-8 engine. Judging by that, the GT should be more powerful than the Aero 8 with at least 500 horsepower at its disposal.

Also, this neo-retro styled grand tourer is also likely to cost more than the Morgan, but I don't expect it to fetch more than the highly exclusive David Brown Speedback GT.

Conclusion

As the company's first new design since 1948, it's not surprising the Aero 8 was selected to celebrate the platform's 15th anniversary. The updated chassis and the new features inside and out should keep Morgan enthusiasts happy and bring more customers into the company's small shop. The drivetrain of the Aero 8 is still a mystery, but at least we know for sure there's a turbocharged V-8 churning at least 367 horsepower under that sculpted hood.