What's this then?

This is the new (well, thoroughly updated really) Morgan Aero 8, launched at the Geneva Motor Show yesterday. As with the previous model, this is a car that hides aerospace-standard aluminium construction beneath a body that harks back to the 1930s.

Power once again comes from a BMW V8, the 4.8-litre unit taken from the X5, producing 367hp. You can now have your Aero 8 with a six-speed automatic gearbox too, complete with paddle shifts.

Outside, there's revised styling that draws obviously on the recent Aeromax coupé, and a cool rear-hinged clamshell boot lid that not only looks awesome but also helps to tension the fabric hood when it's up. The Aero 8 can also be had with an optional 'Fighter Cockpit' hardtop.

The interior has been updated too, and apparently has more space than before, plus a more efficient air conditioning system. You can even order it with low-slung carbon fibre seats and, wait for it, a touch-screen infotainment system! In a Morgan!

There's no stability control but the Aero 8 does have anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and you can have cruise control and airbags too.

"Morgan cars are synonymous with open top motoring. We produce 2-seater sports cars that are lightweight and exhilarating to drive. The new Aero 8 signifies a return to this formula within our flagship range of vehicles. The Aero 8 offers the perfect marriage of fine craftsmanship and performance technology, one that we believe is so important in today's increasingly autonomous world "said Morgan Managing Director, Steve Morris.

"This project presented us with an opportunity to evaluate and capture exactly what defines Morgan as a class leader in hand-making luxury British sports cars. Over the last 15 years, the Aero Platform has successfully evolved both aesthetically and mechanically. Now on the 15th anniversary of the original iconic Aero Eight, it is incredibly exciting to have the chance to revisit the design with this knowledge in mind," said Morgan Head of Design, Jonathan Wells.