- Powerful 4.8-litre BMW N62B48 V8 engine
- Light, agile chassis
- Impressive dynamics
- Poor ride quality
- Inconsistent steering response
- No traction or stability control
- Poor ergonomics
Overview
Released in June 2012, the Morgan Plus 8 was a two seat roadster with a convertible mohair roof. Manufactured in Worcestershire, England, the rear-wheel drive Plus 8 was powered by a 4.8-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed Getrag manual or automatic ZF transmission (the latter with selectable ‘Sport’ and ‘Auto’ modes).
Unlike the original Plus 8 which was produced from 1968 to 2004 (and Australian-delivered from 2002 to 2004), the post-2012 Plus 8 was based on the modern Aero 8 all-aluminium chassis which was specially treated and bonded with Gurrit Essex adhesive and riveted with Bollhoff rivets; the Plus 8’s drivetrain was also shared with the Series 4 Aero 8.
N62B48 engine
Manufactured by BMW, the 4.8-litre N62 B48 V8 petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, fracture-split forged connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (double VANOS), variable valve lift (Valvetronic) and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. As such, the Plus 8 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and had a top speed of 249 km/h.
Dimensions, suspension and steering
The Plus 8 was 4010 mm long, 1751 mm wide, 1220 mm tall and had a 2532 mm long wheelbase; dry weight was 1100 kg. Furthermore, the Plus 8 had cantilever front suspension with inboard springs and double wishbone rear suspension.
At the time of its release, the Plus 8 was the only Morgan model fitted with power-assisted steering as standard.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plus 8 | 2012-15 | 4.8-litre petrol V8 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
270 kW at 6300 rpm | 490 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Plus 8 included dual front airbags and ABS.
Features
Standard features for the Plus 8 included 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels (in Silver or Graphite finishes) with 225/40 ZR18 tyres, CD player, a radio and CD player, air conditioning, cruise control, contoured sports seats, leather upholstery (Saddle Brown or Black), reclining seats, a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, a trip computer and black carpets (with matching or contrast edging).
The Morgan Plus 8 was fitted with a limited slip differential was fitted as standard.
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