Debuting at the 2008 Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, the Avocet combines an ultra-lightweight two-seater body with a Reynard-designed chassis.

The standard powertrain incorporates a Ford 2-litre Duratec engine, recalibrated by Roush to suit the installation – and develop 150 hp.  An uprated 225 hp version, developed by Roush’s Mountune performance division, will be available as a special order option. 

The Avocet uses selected Ford standard and performance parts, which will give the car a mature component inventory which is fully tested and proven in the market. 

Thanks to a total weight of 700 kilograms the Avocet has a 0-60 mph time under 5 seconds.

MMI has placed an order for a limited initial production run of the car, which now features a significantly restyled doorless moulded bodyshell and incorporates some of the latest lightweight composite materials.

The standard car features a steeply inclined windscreen, although a very attractive low-line wrap-around aero-screened ‘Spyder’ version is also planned.

Current plans include building around 50 cars in the first year – with both left and right-hand drive versions available as well as offering customers a high degree of customization.  The Avocet will be sold as a fully equipped, fully homologated road-going sportscar. 

Optional equipment includes a removable roof and exclusive detachable, fashion-styled travel luggage, which will clip into special cradles behind the cockpit. 

Concept

“The original ambition to develop and produce a small, lightweight British sportscar at an affordable price, has not changed. 

"The Avocet is an attractive looking car which uses core Ford componentry – all widely available off the shelf.  As a result, the car possesses mature product handling, excellent driveability – and awesome performance. 

"We believe that the Avocet will satisfy the gap in the market which has remained unoccupied for far too long – for an affordable performance sportscar with proven volume market reliability”, says MMI Founder and Managing Director, Martin Miles.

“The new production Avocet retains the original Reynard designed chassis, subsequently further developed by Ray Mallock and Chapman – and it has exceptional structural rigidity. 

"The redesigned one-piece body utilises composite materials to provide remarkable strength combined with low weight.  Add to that Roush’s experience of powertrain engineering, packaging and production – and we can be totally confident that this new car will fit the defined niche in the market for which our research has demonstrated that there is a significant demand”, says Miles.

About MM Industries

South Essex-based MM Industries, which now owns the former Strathcarron sportscar business, is a specialist automotive engineering and motorsport team.

It has recently acquired the business of Roush Technologies in the UK.

For additional information visit www.mmisportscars.co.uk.

(Source: MMI)