As Graham and Tim has already said, fulfilling the future legislation is the key to sell cars...and then also make sure the outcome is spiced up in a nice shape and enjoyable performance.
My guess is that the new Plus 8 are showing the way into the future for the trads. I should not be to surprised if the bonded (and "chicken riveted") aluminum chassie also in a down scaled version will find its way into the 4/4, Plus 4 and Roadster range in a not to distant future. After checking out the Plus 8 platform from a very close distance at the factory visit (inkluding the suspension set-up) I have to say that i am a bit impressed. OK, safety and comfort might not be a trad-buyers first priority but if it was already built in into the construction I should find it as a bonus.
I am very happy too see the edge vehicle engineering knowledge you are building and developing in England at the moment
(in lots of companies). In Sweden we are unfortunately shutting down some creative engineer companies as SAAB for instance, a big and for the region crucial loss in knowledge and brain drain.
