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2015 Morgan Aero 8 shows a host of upgrades to the Swiss crowds [w/video]

With over 1,250 units made, the Morgan Aero model line has been in production for 15 years – just a blink of an eye for the Morgan Motor Company. The automaker has been in business for over a century and has had a tendency to keep its vehicles in production for decades with frequent upgrades keeping them modern. At the Geneva Motor Show, the company is shaking up the range with a thorough revision for the 2015 Aero 8. Hidden beneath the vintage styling is an improved aluminum chassis with better torsional rigidity and an improved suspension setup. Power comes exclusively from a 4.8-liter V8 from BMW making 367 horsepower, and the Bavarian brand also supplies a new limited-slip differential to get power down at the rear. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic gearbox. At first glance, the latest Aero 8 bares all the hallmarks of Morgan's classic style with a long hood, prominent shoulders and short rear. The new version is exclusively available as a convertible, although, as these photos show, an optional hardtop is available. The aluminum body is also slightly altered with better aerodynamics up front, and the most obvious change comes at the rear where there's now a clamshell design. The interior also received a new, though still retro-looking dashboard design, and Morgan is touting its improved air conditioning system that reportedly works better in hot weather. Buyers wanting to eschew some of the supple leather inside can opt for a set of carbon seats, instead. With the introduction of the latest Aero 8, Morgan is ending production of both the Aero SuperSports and Coupe in April. Production of the new model then commences in the fourth quarter. Check it out on the Swiss show floor in the gallery above, and see the convertible in motion on some snowy British roads below. Introducing the new Morgan Aero 8 Over 1250 Aero platform cars delivered since 1st generation launch in 2000. New Aero 8 signifies return to soft top motoring within the current Aero range. Significant changes to the aluminium chassis, suspension and vehicle aerodynamics. Powered by a 4.8 litre V8 BMW engine producing 367bhp. Available with 6 speed manual or automatic transmission (with paddle shift). New Hand sculpted aluminium body and revised interior styling. Largest options list of any Morgan sports car to date. The Aero SuperSports and Coupe cease production in April 2015. Production begins during quarter 4 of this year.

Mini JCW Paceman vs. BMW M135i in family faceoff

Over the last year, we've had the chance to drive two of the most exciting hatchbacks in the BMW family - the BMW M135i and the Mini Paceman John Cooper Works - but Autocar has managed to get the two corporate cousins together for a head-to-head comparison. Just like our initial impressions of the Paceman JCW, Autocar has little to complain about this new 215-horsepower hatchback... until it begins to factor in the faster, better-mannered and similarly priced M135i.
Despite laying down an extra 100 hp and delivering a 0-60 time that is almost two seconds quicker, the M135i carries the same price tag of 29,535 pounds in the UK; US pricing for the Paceman starts at $36,200, while it still isn't even clear if the US will be getting the M135i. Even more surprising is the fact that the Paceman falls short of the M135i in regards to rear seat and cargo volume, and just barely squeaks out a win in the fuel economy department. Scroll down to watch the BMW versus Mini hot hatch battle.

American motorcycle brands most satisfying, Japanese most reliable, says Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports started tracking motorcycle reliability last year through its regular reader survey, just like the magazine's well-known auto guide. For the 2015 edition, CR now has data on over 12,300 bikes, compared to 4,680 in 2014, and the extra info means it can include more brands, like Suzuki, Triumph and Can-Am, to the list. However, the final results remain largely the same. As with last year, Japanese bikes are the best choice for buyers who prioritize reliability. Yamaha comes out on top yet again and is followed by Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda. Victory and Harley-Davidson hold the middle of the list, and the European cycles from Triumph, Ducati and BMW sit at the bottom. The major outlier in this regional distinction is the Can-Am Spyder from Canada's Bombardier Recreational Products that comes in dead last in the dependability survey. Still, even the most dependable model is occasionally going to break, and the average repair bill across all brands is $342, according to CR's readers. Kawasakis are the cheapest to keep on the road at a median of $269 for fixes, versus BMW as the most expensive at $455. Through all of the companies, electrical gremlins are the most common issue, causing 24 percent of problems, but faults with the cooling system, pistons or transmission are the smallest concerns at 4 percent each. While Japanese cycles might be the easiest to keep on the road, they aren't the most beloved by riders. In CR's gauge of satisfaction, the Americans reign supreme. Victory owners love their bikes the most with 80 percent reporting that they would buy another. Harley riders are known for having a close bond to the company's models, and the brand comes in second with 72 percent. Finally, Honda rounds out the top three at 70 percent. Head over to Consumer Reports to see more results. News Source: Consumer ReportsImage Credit: Toby Brusseau / AP Photo BMW Honda Suzuki Motorcycle Ducati bike victory