I am assuming that there is a business model in place that has projections for MMC turnover/profit that would have been produced for varying options of volume, costs, profit.
These could vary from breakeven to fantastic profit. A lot of the calculations will be made with input from marketing, accountancy, predictions of company strategy and where they want to be. There could be other influences as well.
Their decisions on pricing, volume targets, long term plans are interlinked and can vary as circumstances change.
I think the showcase car (Plus6) has generated a good image and passing down the chassis to smaller engined versions is the volume key.
I am watching for details of these smaller engined versions. Ride quality should be good but the drivability due to power/torque are very important too. I hope the sales price drops to within my range. A test drive would be the ultimate test though. To move from the current Rover Plus8 would need the right engine output. I liked my old 4/4 with 1.6l engine so somewhere 150bhp+ with the right torque range would clinch it.

Just look at the BMW 220i MSport Coupe as an example - 184 bhp with a massive flat torque curve which should make it feel a little like the V8 grunt when driving. O if you are naughty there is the 340 bhp M140 engine, lighter than a Plus Six and it will be interesting to see the performance given the power (usable) to weight benefit over a Plus Four. However BMW show both with flappy paddle boxes.

I'll just leave this here....

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-japanesecars/toyota-confirms-2-0-litre-supra-for-europe/41648

Pity about the autobox though.. we were hoping for a manual on the four pot CX..

Hi Alistair,

thanks for the info - the weight saving between a 3.0 ltr Supra and 2.0 ltr - quoted as 100Kg - cannot just be the difference in engine weights though? Admitted a 3.0 ltr is going to weight slighty more but 100Kg is over 15 stones (in old money)...that cannot be right.

I would have thought around 15Kg would be about right between the actual engine weight differences?

BMW Z4 is also available with a 197 hp 2.0 liter engine coupled to a six speed manual. This is the probable engine for the new Plus Four.

Harald

To me this would be the most logical as it is far enough removed from the more powerful PlusSix. Also available in 8 speed Steptronic with paddle shift. The 20i has maximum torque of 320 Nm available from 1450 rpm. That should be more than enough to keep things exciting.

The 2 litre 258 hp version, the 30i, is only available in automatic.