Morgan's new 'Classic' Plus 8  07 | 03 | 2012

MORGAN TURNED THE clock back when, after a gap of almost 10 years, the Morgan Plus 8 reappeared as a new and fully-fledged model at the Geneva Motor Show.

The iconic English company displayed two versions of the new ‘classic’ Morgan. In addition to the production version, powered by BMW’s 4.8-litre normally aspirated V8, there was also 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.

Young Scot Elliot ready to go racing

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.

Morgan chief designer Matt Humphries confirmed the Plus-e electric sportscar is 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.”

Morgan goes electric

Three wheels on my Morgan!

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Jim McGill