Tight Euro IV emissions...
Tight Euro IV emissions laws are behind the move, and it looks as though the curtains will finally be closed on the old 122bhp 2.5-litre Td5 powerplant. Instead, the Solihull-based manufacturer is almost certainly planning to adopt a fresh diesel unit, possibly from parent company Ford"s commercial vehicle line-up.
The Worcestershire specialist...
The Worcestershire specialist, famed for carving its chassis out of wood, has updated the nose of its flagship. And the result bears a strong resemblance to the Aeromax, a one-off, fixed-roof car made for a wealthy customer and seen at last year"s Geneva Motor Show.
At the front, rounded indicators feature instead of narrow ones and there"s a smaller air intake. A light, removable roof is offered as an option.
Mechanically the aluminium roadster is unchanged, with its 4.4-litre BMW engine linked to a six-speed manual gearbox. Travelling from 0-62mph takes 4.5 seconds en route to a 160mph top speed, but buyers will find prices have risen. The Aero 8 now costs ÷£62,500, an increase of ÷£4,000.
The unusual two-seater was first launched in 2000 and facelifted last year. More than 400 have been sold worldwide since its introduction.