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2005-2006 Morgan Aero 8

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Time moves refreshingly slowly at Morgan, one of England's many specialty sports car manufacturers. From 1909-1936, Morgans only had three wheels. The last new Morgan design in the 20th century was the Plus 8, conceived in 1968. Perhaps the biggest news from the Morgan factory in the 1990's was the introduction of airbags that were, no doubt, begrudgingly installed in their new cars at the behest of the U.S. government.

Hence, whenever Morgan comes out an all-new model, it is Big News.

The Aero 8 takes Morgan into the 20th Century (along with the Plus 8, which is still produced) with its integrated bumpers and wind-cheating curves. Yet its lines are unmistakingly Morgan. Witness the sweeping low fenders over each of the wheels and large radiator grill that arches arches at the top.

Underneath the skin is a mix of new and old. The chassis is constructed from aluminum alloy -- a first for Morgan. Yet, this chassis is -- as Morgan tradition dictates -- still bonded to wood! Its dashboard also still features beautiful straight-grain ash, and sumptuous English cowhide wraps much of the rest of the interior.

Also in accordance to tradition, the engine is not manufactured by Morgan. Propulsion for the Aero 8 is provided by a thoroughly modern BMW 4.4L V-8 (also used in Bimmer's 5-series) pumping out a healthy 325 horsepower. The Moggie, however, runs circles around the Bimmer due to weighing a featherweight 2500 pounds vs. 5-series' 3800. Sixty miles per hour is reached from a standstill in a mind-boggling 4.5 seconds or so!

Yet, as measured by the EPA, the Aero 8 gets 16.31 mpg in town and 29.77 mpg on the highway. The former number is respectable for a supercar, and the latter, downright amazing. The car (at $110,000 in 2005) is expensive, but with only a few dozen currently in the country, they don't get more exclusive than this. You can get this Hot Green Machine for yourself by contacting Morgan and putting your name on its waiting list.