24 April 2009 - 14:00
Top ton, chappies
See more Aero Supersports pics
Morgan is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, a century in which, arguably, its most significant technical development was adding a fourth wheel in 1932.
In celebration of reaching the ton, Morgan has created this, the Aero Supersports. Essentially the roadster version of the Aeromax coupe, it was unveiled at the Villa D'Esta Concourse d'Eleganza in Italy. Though technically referred to as a concept, the Supersports is a 95 per cent match for the production roadster, due to arrive next year, says Morgan.
Based on the same ash-frame construction as the Aeromax coupe, the roadster features a pair of removable aluminium roof panels that stow in the boot. It sits slightly lower on its springs than the coupe, while the car's overall profile is 4cm shorter.
Morgan says the car, with roof detatched (and we're quoting verbatim here, honestly) will bring 'fresh air and the aromas of the seasons to the driving experience'.
The Supersports is powered by the same BMW-sourced 4.8-litre V8 as the coupe, putting out around 370bhp. In a car weighing just 1,100kg, that's good for a 0-60mph time of around 4.5 seconds.
Morgan plans to build 200 Supersports - just 100 Aeromax coupes went into production - at a cost of £127,000 apiece. That's rather expensive.
Good news, though, for retro-inclined Americans: structural changes to the car's platform mean the Supersports will pass the 50mph rear impact test, allowing it to be sold Stateside.
Any Americans out there who've escaped from the TopGear.com US portal? Do you guys ‘get' the Morgan? Or is it one of those bewilderingly British things like real ale, proper swearing and sarcasm?
Talking of Morgans, read why Richard Hammond is making an effort to play dirty with his new Aeromax.
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I find it surprising that they would want to release this in America. Most Americans have never heard of Morgan and the second they learn that it has a wooden chassis, they'll be on their way to the Porsche dealership. Being an American who has 'escaped' the American portal, I can tell you that this is one of those British things that Americans just don't understand.
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Absolutely gorgous car, the best one I've seen this year...
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Being an American who knows what Morgan is, I'd gladly take one. If it wasn't so expensive, that is. I agree with slothsaver that most Americans just don't understand.
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It does look great, but I think the Aeromax looked better at the back. It looks comparatively squashed, and the Al panels in the boot make it seem just a little too busy. But otherwise, I like it. Plus the Aero 8 was always more modern than the average Morgan. Well done guys for doing what Woolworths couldn't - make your 100th year. Proof that specialist companies will always find business.
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I think (though not through any experience or massive knowledge) that some Americans, maybe Californians, will buy one to look posh. Or to look better than Blake next door with his run-of-the-mill Jaguar XKR Convertible.
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Now that's a real car!
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wait... so Audi and Morgan are the same age. don't why that's a big deal but shows to different paths, one's ultra modern and one...isn't. this car is strangely desirable though.
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I have managed to get away from the US portal and I think there are a number of Americans who get the car and the show! I bet it's a blast to drive and I would like to see one in my drive. I have to admit that when I saw the proposed cast for the US version of Top Gear I was disappointed and now its no worry. I am at least glad I can get the original on my IPhone and watch and laugh at my leisure.
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Im an american, and, i do get it, i just dont want one, its ugly as sin........... The American website is a sham, there's much more news here
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I think they would do ok in America. I live in Los Angeles and I'm sure some famous people would be looking for a stand out car.
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I never got attached to the US site, as I've always found this one more interesting. There will always be some of us here who have decent taste in cars...
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We do get Morgan's stateside, however, everyone that I have ever seen belonged to well aged men in tweed.
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It's a lovely thing, as all Morgan's are, but the rearmost part of the roof and the deck are just wrong. The Art-deco feel of the Aeromax in three quarter view was gorgeous, especially when you saw one with the hatches open showing those amazing hinges but this looks like the rear section has caved in.
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I actually think that looks pretty great! Better than the other ones. Nice work Morgan!
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It looks as if it could have come from the same bloodline as the Panoz Esperante; a forgettable 'supercar' that has the heart transplanted from a Ford Mustang Cobra and looks of the lovechild by a Shelby Series 1 and Aston Martin DB7. The lovechild ran off with a Caterham Superlight, and gave birth to the Morgan Aero sports wood special thing here. I actually like it. It would turn heads in L.A. and Indianapolis. About the wood thing... did you know the C5 Corvette actually has a subfloor made of balsa wood? Put that in your tail pipe and smoke it. Two thumbs up!
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Americans do "get" Morgan, its just that the people that do tend to build their own. I think if they sold them here with an American V8 instead of a Deutsch V8, they would be a bit more successful. We have an entire Hotrod/Ratrod community that is in love with the lightweight front engine RWD sports car of yesteryear, they just fancy their old ones.
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That being said, as a whole, I don't think Americans are exposed to enough of the automotive world to even notice Morgan, TVR, etc... If you search the car makers here, its damn impossible to get a 2 door hot hatch here, we don't even get a real 3 door Focus or Civic, we are the land of the 4 door sedan(saloon in britspeak) and SUV. Its a shame, I would love to see droves of Type R's, Scirrocco's, and Focus RS/ST's instead of what we have here, even seeing the 500 would be an improvement. If we don't seem to "get" a lot of things that you guys do, its more because we never see it, because even Ford keeps its fun and interesting cars overseas.
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Its a nice car and the Morgan guys really know what they are doing.
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The headlights are still horrific, this car would look good if t wasn't cross eyed.
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USAF1FAN, you indeed fail, and so does your vision. I know all day im looking at lambos but this, this is what a great looking car is. I think you might want to fix your eyes, cause all day you look at fords (WHAT IS THAT?!?!) and whatnot. You wouldnt know a good car if you saw one
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oh yeah and ugly as sin? That would be the HHR or the PT Cruiser. You know those right? gargantuine pieces of... im not gonna say it but you know what im gonna say.
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Yes, unfortunately most American's haven't heard of Morgan. Course if I ever make my money here, I'd sure buy one. Glad the Morgan made the stipulations for the U.S. safety standards.
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Hold on. I don't understand about the wooden chassis, but I still want one. So why wouldn't Americans? Well, actually... I'd rather have the Aeromax and dress up like Batman of course. Oh, for those rearwindows like butterfly wings... At the very least I'd start wearing a long black leather cape, or something.
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That looks really nice
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Ben27 commented on this article
24 April 2009
Am I wierd for really wanting one?
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