Jalopnik: Aero

Morgan Aero 8

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:20:00 EDT

Perhaps now you understand the troubles we go through to select the lineup of the first 50 cars to fill the stalls of the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage. We presented to you theCaparo T1, warts and all, for consideration of the garage without the benefit of flowery prose or over the top hyperbole — the car itself is hyperbole enough. We wanted to see how a game-changing supercar would stand up to the harsh scrutiny of an unsoftened voting block because frankly, we're tired of everything getting in so easily. This is about whittling things down to a sharpened point, debating the merits and pitfalls of some of the greatest mechanical symphonies ever built, this should be a knock down drag out fight to get into the garage — that is unless we're talking about the Morgan Aero 8.

Morgan is one of those companies you have to love. For all practical purposes they are the last of a dying breed, a company which weighs profit motive and passion on equal terms — craftsman as well as enthusiasts. When the whole world went crazy and abandoned everything traditional, Morgan soldiered on, producing their delightful, ash framed Morgan Plus 8, a legendary car in its own right, lauded for its lively handling and hairy knuckled driving personality. But while half-century old designs are quaint and draw a certain customer, everyone gets the urge to brave new paths, and Morgan set out to remake its image with the Aero 8.

The story of the Aero 8 is very much a story of traditionalists finding new ways, getting out of their baked in mindset and reconsidering what they could do with what they know how to do. Much like every other car company started doing two decades ago, Morgan began using computers. Not only did they use computers, but they did it well. The frame would be constructed of bonded and riveted aluminum extrusions mated with kiln dried Belgian ash, and covered in an aluminum skin. As long time engine supplier Rover fell into a death rattle, a new engine was needed for this much higher performance car. There is a blind quote attributed to a BMW engineer who, upon seeing the prototype for the first time, remarked "At last, here's a car worthy of my engine" and so it was. The heart of the Aero 8 is a BMW supplied 4.4L V8 which develops a stout 325 HP, and considering the car weighs in at 2500 lbs. the power is positively stupendous. That power is harnessed by a suspension which resembles a racing car more than a road car, it is fully independent with inboard mounted springs and dampers all around.

We could go on about how this car goes round the track fast enough to beat most others at or above its price range, how it bites on corners like a teething pit bull puppy, or how the interior is swaddled in cow and machine-turned steel... but that's not the 800 lb gorilla in the room now is it? All of those things are certainly reason for admiration, but the glaring fact is the glaring fact - its eyes were crossed. One would think the British motoring press would have been swinging from the chandeliers when the new car debuted at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show, but they raked it over the coals. London's Daily Telegraph called it "stupendously ugly". We couldn't agree and disagree more. The Aero 8 is ugly, but ugly badass — it wears its sheet metal with a certain braggadocio only a stupendously ugly car with stupendously amazing heritage and stupendously impressive performance can. The world is a boring place when everything looks like a Porsche or a Ferrari. Drive one of these and you know you're not following the crowd. Not only does this car fly in the face of the modern styling aesthetic, it quashes notions of what a sports car should be.

The Morgan Aero 8 is a modern interpretation of all that is good an pure about motoring. It is a fourteen foot long testament to the idea that cars do not have to make sense or be beautiful to be spectacular. A velvet hammer designed on its own terms, without bothering to glance at those who would claim to be its competition. The Aero 8 is the only car you can still buy new which makes us want to wear driving goggles when the top is down, and for that we want it in our fantasy garage.

sources: USAAutoparts, Morgan Cars; photo credit to chimpaction

Faster Than A Veyron, And Yours At Half The Price!

Murilee Martin — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Not only can you buy rusted-out hulks on eBay Motors, you can score yourself a brand new SSC Aero, with a Buy It Now price of a way-cheaper-than-Veyron $585,899. As we all know, this thing is the fastest production car in the world, which should be good for bragging rights next time your Veyron-driving buddies are feeling too cocky. We have a few questions about the pricing, though. First, when you're looking at well over a half-mil, do you suppose it might be possible to skip the K-Mart-style $899 at the end? Price the damn thing at $586K or $585K and be done with it! Then there's the starting bid of just one dollar below the Buy It Now... with the reserve not met. What's the point? [eBay Motors]

Way-Out Willys Gave 'em All a Treat In Hyannis, MA

Murilee Martin — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:00:01 EST

A day without a Johnny Otis reference is like a day without sunshine. And, speaking of days without sunshine, how about Hyannis, Massachusetts, in the wintertime? That's where sharp-eyed reader UDMan spotted these two seriously cool Willys machines. After checking out the gallery, make the jump to hear what UDMan has to say about these cars.

These are some unique vehicles that I took pictures of when I was signing up a new dealer in Hyannis Mass.
The Dark Red Car is a 1950 or 51 Willys Jeepster, 2 Wheel Drive, Hurricane 4 Cylinder Engine, and has been totally restored.
The Aqua Car is a 1953-54 Willys Aero Sedan, and was supposed to be a competitor to the Nash Rambler, Henry J, and Hudson Jet during this period. They were all well ahead of their time, and were smaller than the standard Ford, Chevy or Plymouth at that time.

GM Makes With the Polaroids: Saab 9-7X Aero Gallery

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:59:16 EDT

We did say when we got them, you'd get them. And whether or not you spent the weekend pining away for official shots of the Saab 9-7X Aero~~smith Edition~~, they arrived across the wire earlier today. Again, this is the LS2 V8-powered version of the Swedish-but-just SUV we reported on last week. We're kind of past the obvious joke on this one, and have moved on to "potential for ironic desire." We'll keep you posted.

GM Introduces Saab 9-7x Aero; Gets Bigger V8, Still Not Swedish

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 07:10:48 EDT

Say what you will about the Saab 9-7X, that it's an upmarket Chevy Trailblazer clone, that it's a cynical product that belies Saab's charter or that it's about as Swedish as In-N-Out Burger. Of course, it has a nice interior, and the ignition key is on the console, so it's not entirely without Saab appeal. But whatever you say about it, it's getting a horsepower infusion. GM's extending Saab's higher-performance Aero designation to include the SUV. No turbos on this Americanized Swede; it gets an upgrade to the same LS2 6.0-liter V8 as in the Trailblazer SS, producing 390 horsepower and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. That's a 90-horse increase over the currently offered 5.3-liter eight. Zero-to-60 happens in under six seconds, a respectable time for a flying brick. Slightly more swank than the blazer of trails, the 9-7X Aero starts at $45,690, nearly three grand more than the SS. We'll have to wait to see how this plays out.

Press Release:

Saab 9-7X Aero Takes Off

DETROIT — Saab takes SUV-performance to a new altitude as it announces the Aero performance version of the Saab 9-7X today. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will make its way to dealer showrooms early this autumn.

The Saab 9-7X brings unique Saab brand characteristics to the midsize SUV segment, including sophisticated styling inside and out, premium design features, and the sporty and spirited performance inherent to Saab vehicles. Since its debut two years ago, more than 12,000 have been sold in the U.S. and Canada. For 2008, Saab adds the Aero model - the symbol of serious Saab performance - to the 9-7X lineup. The limited edition 9-7X Aero takes Saab's interpretation on the midsize SUV to an entirely new level accelerating the performance aspect of the sophisticated vehicle with a 6.0L V-8, 20-inch wheels and tires, unique paint and custom interior accouterments.

"The 9-7X Aero is one great SUV to pilot," Shannon said. "We are excited to offer enthusiastic drivers an increased level of performance with the Aero, a symbol of Saab performance, in the midsize SUV segment."

The new 9-7X Aero features a powerful, 6.0L small-block V-8 delivering 390 horsepower (295 kW) and 395 lb.-ft. (542 Nm) of torque. With 0-60 mph acceleration under six seconds, the 9-7X Aero is a treat for those who are actively passionate about the driving experience.

The 9-7X Aero will be easy to spot as it wears a paint color all its own: Carbon Flash Metallic. The charcoal metallic paint nicely enhances the SUV's clean lines. Specific to the 9-7X Aero are 20-inch polished, aluminum wheels wrapped with P255/50R20 V-speed-rated performance tires that provide the optimum balance between ride and handling. Complementing the refined and driver-oriented cockpit-inspired interior are "Aero" embroidered leather seats and embossed floor mats.

Under the hood of the 9-7X Aero is the LS2 6.0L V-8 with a cold air induction package, rated at 390 horsepower (295 kW)* at 6,000 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm)* at 4,000 rpm. The LS2 6.0L is based on the small-block V-8 architecture and delivers excellent down-low torque for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine's cam-in-block design, which features large 4.00-inch-diameter (101,6 mm) bores and a 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle.

Unique to the 9-7X Aero's version of the engine is a composite intake manifold adapted to the LS2 engine to help produce balanced torque and horsepower. Maximum towing capacity on 9-7X Aero model is 6,600 pounds (2994 kg).

Like all Saabs, the new Saab 9-7X Aero is driver-focused, with a lowered chassis tuned and tested to deliver responsive, balanced handling. Corner control and body roll control are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter. Additional strength is provided by a heavy-duty rear axle with limited-slip differential.

With a four-wheel disc braking system enhanced with larger, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc rotors and iron twin-piston calipers, it's not difficult to put a stop to things in the more powerful 9-7X Aero. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high-pressure/high-heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. The brake pads use high-performance linings for strong fade resistance.

ABS and automatic all-wheel-drive are standard on all 9-7X models as well as the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that provides confident, sure-footed travel. The performance-oriented all-wheel-drive system delivers impressive on-road grip and enhanced "launch" feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed.

Like all 9-7X models, the Aero model represents a terrific value with a high-level of standard equipment. In fact, the 9-7X boasts the most standard features in its class while offering a very competitive starting price at $39,935. The limited edition 9-7X Aero will start at $45,690, which includes a $745 destination fee and will begin arriving at dealerships this fall.

Back to the Wind Tunnel: SSC Falls Short of Speed Record

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:30:25 EDT

Blame it on the weather. American supercar builder SSC fell 23 mph short of breaking the prouction-car speed record yesterday. The company's 1183-hp Ultimate Aero TT was clocked at 230 mph on a closed stretch of Nevada highway. The snafu was snow (damn you Nevada microclimates), which added a hint of treachery from mother nature. Driver Rick Doria made two passes, the first at 221 mph and on the second he said the off-the-mark reading came via 50% throttle. Expect another attempt within three months' time. – Mike Spinelli

US supercar misses Veyron's record [Autocar]

SSC Ultimate Aero TT Steals Ford Focus Headlights, Hearts

bwojdyla — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 09:53:21 EST

Bugatti Veyron, you're dead to me; 1001 supposed horsepower? 923 lb-ft of torque? Hobo numbers. Witness the SSC Ultimate Aero TT. Know it, love it, laugh at its Focus SVT headlights, but quiver in fear of its 387 cubic inch, twin-turbocharged joy-production unit. Why? How about 1,081 hp, 961 lb-ft of torque, and a ludicrous theoretical top speed of 273.75 mph. Forbes thought well enough to put it at the top of the 10 fastest American cars list because, um, it's wicked fast. Recently, SSC dropped a whole slew of new multimedia on its website, and it's giving me a warm, fuzzy feeling, like a puppy and a kitten napping in a Santa hat next to a koala cub. Dyno-run videos will do that. – Ben Wojdyla

SSC Autos