| New Sportscar | Autosport International Show | MMI Avocet |

You may not have heard of the MMI Avocet, but this new British sports car should be familiar to those with good memories. The Avocet rekindles the former Strathcarron roadster, but it has been completely revised to be lighter and handle better.

The Avocet ditches the Strathcarron's motorcycle engine power for a Ford 2.0-litre engine with 150bhp as standard and there's the option of a 225bhp power upgrade. With an all-up weight of just 700kg, the Avocet promises incredible performance and the company says the standard car will go from 0-60mph in less than five seconds.

MMI plans to build around 50 cars per year and buyers will have the opportunity to make their car unique with a wide range of options. These include a removable roof, fitted luggage and even a carbon ceramic brake disc option. There's also a Spyder version of the car planned that will ditch the windscreen in favour of a wraparound aero-screen.

Prices for the Avocet have yet to be confirmed but are expected to start at £26,000.

Alisdair Suttie - 10 Jan 2008