Morgan Plus 8 at Geneva Motor Show

Morgan has just unveiled its brand new 390bhp Plus 8 at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, and it looks awesome in its less than traditional Bright Orange hue.

What is it?

You thought the Aero Coupé slightly bonkers? The new Plus 8 is on another level. Powered by the same BMW V8 and using the same aluminium platform but with the reduced weight of a roadster body created with 'aircraft industry' technology, it looks like the Aero's granddad but has a greater power to weight ratio.

What's hot?

Unladen weight is just 1,100kg - making the Plus 8 the lightest V8 passenger car in the world that's approved to European safety standards. It has such high tech features as 'wheel speed sensors' to ensure the best balance of traction and acceleration, and is apparently the most comfortable car Morgan has ever built.

What's not?

Have we mentioned the way it looks? Actually, we rather like it - the extra wide wheel arches and quad exhaust pipes give this Classic Morgan a real air of menace. It's dashing, but also a bit of a cad. Certainly a quirky choice, and don't expect fitting the roof to be the work of a moment.

How much and when?

No exact pricing yet, but again you'll be approaching Porsche 911 territory. Register interest now to join the inevitable Morgan waiting list.

Anything else I should know?

Like the Aero Coupé, the 2012 Plus 8 is offered with 367-390bhp and a choice of six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes (it's the only Classic Morgan with an auto option). Claimed fuel economy is 23-26mpg with 282-256g/km CO2 emissions. 0-62mph in as little as 4.2 seconds, top speed 155mph.

• On Bing: see pictures of the Morgan Plus 8
• Find a used Morgan Plus 8 on Auto Trader
• First Drive Review: Morgan 3 Wheeler (2011 onwards)