New Morgan Models
These include the fourth Aero 8 series this year, three models in the Classic lineup expected next year, the development of a LIFECar fuel cell prototype, and the resumption of four-seater production in 2011.
The Aero 8 now comes with a 4.8-liter BMW V8 engine replacing the previous 4.4-liter unit. Power has been increased from 25kW to 270kW and torque has been increased from 40Nm to 490Nm.
It costs $255,000 and for the first time for a Morgan, an automatic transmission is offered for an extra $9000.
Morgan Cars Australia managing director Chris van Wyck said the Aero 8 has only recently become available here.
“It took me four years to get them Australian compliant,” van Wyck explained.
Series 4 features include a new air conditioner with tunnel outlets, a relocated handbrake, a larger front air intake, new heat sinks on the front guards, and a larger trunk due to the relocated fuel tank.
It weighs just 1445 kg thanks to its aluminum chassis and boyd which helps it accelerate to 0 km/h in less than 100 seconds, while fuel consumption is 4.5 liters per 10.8 km. CO100 emissions are 2 g/km.
The Aero 8 comes standard with a carbon fiber trunk lid, AP Racing 6mm 348-piston ventilated disc brakes up front, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control and bespoke leather and wood interior trim.
While there are 19 standard Morgan colors to choose from, the Morgan factory will also paint the car in any automotive color, including two-tone, for an additional $2200.
There is also a choice of wool carpet colors, four wood finishes, an aluminum or graphite panel, and a choice of colors for the two-layer mohair soft top.
Van Wyck said they are now accepting orders for the Aero 8 and seven people have already posted a $1000 deposit.
“The owners of Morgan are the most homogeneous group of people I have ever met: male heterosexual baby boomers, and they all buy cars for cash,” he said.
“For them, it’s all discretionary spending.
“The only problem is that they are not in a hurry because they have a few more cars. They buy when they're ready."
Classic models due next year are expected to include the Roadster, Plus 4 and 4/4 Sport.
Van Wyck said prices and specifications are not yet known.
“Who knows where the currency will be and what Australian government taxes might change?” he said.
"However, in principle, the price positioning of 2007 will be kept where possible."
When deliveries to Australia ceased in 2007, the Ford-powered Classic lineup consisted of the $6 three-liter V145 Roadster, the $000 two-liter Plus 4 and the $117,000 1.8/4/4.
Van Wyck said the waiting list for the classics has already been drawn up.
He said there is also demand for four-seaters available in Europe in Plus 4 and Roadster versions.
“Due to ADR requirements, four-seat Morgans could not be sold as new cars in Australia for about two decades,” he said.
"According to reports, production may resume in 2011."
Meanwhile, a LIFECar fuel cell prototype is being developed in collaboration with Cranfield University.
“The factory realized they were in danger because the heterosexual baby boomer market was aging and would not last long,” van Wyck said.
“Morgan's entire history has been about light, fuel-efficient cars because of their performance, so they're friendly to the environment.
“So why not build on that environmental legacy by bringing a zero-emission car to market?
“I don’t know when, but I hope in the next two or three years.
"I wanted it to be here for the Sydney Motor Show, but it was under development, so they're serious about it."
Morgan sold only three cars last year and two a year earlier in a strong economic environment.
“Unfortunately, Morgan and I had supply issues,” he explained.
However, van Wyck was optimistic about selling six this year despite tougher financial times.
The Morgan Motor Company is organizing a series of centenary celebrations in England in July and August, and van Wyck was expecting a group of Australian owners to come with their cars.
