Here' s some info (extracted from Jan 8 Autocar)
All new bonded alloy VH platform
Front engined
Rear wheel drive
50:50 weight distribution
2 seater only
Hatch back (like Nissan 350Z)
Paddle shift, 6 speed manual, or 6 speed auto (as used by Jag) are options
4.3 litre V8 (modified Jag AJ-V8 unit, with new heads, manifolds, management system, etc)
Power to match or exceed 911, 350 bhp?
Weight sub 1500 kg
Price 60K-ish (guesstimate)
Volume around 3000 /year by 2007
Unique switchgear (no Jag, Ford or other parts bin bits)
Unique suspension parts (i.e. not Jag bits)
Designed by Henrik Fisker (head of AM design)
To get the engine size they lengthened the stroke to 92 mm since bore at 86mm is at the max. This over-square configuration makes for more torque but lower revving (maybe 6000 red line).
The hatch is wider at the bottom so you can get some golf clubs in.
The interior on the concept showed the seats in a mixture of leather and fabric, They claimed this " would appeal to younger buyers" (essential to their success) but I was underwhelmed by the photos. Mind you, it was in Orange leather.
Concept was too low for the road (it would not make it over a speed bump).
Cncept had speedo and rev counter needles going round in opposite directions (liek TVR).
The aim is " to match or exceed the strengths of the 911" .
I can' t find the article, but I thought I read that the techinical head of AM is the guy that failed to become technical director of Porsche. Maybe this explains why he wants to take on the 911.
It also mentioned that AM was too exclusive and that it needed to shift more metal, since if you are never seen no-one knows the name. Ford needs to get something for it' s investment.
The date for introduction was listed as 2005. I would guess they would launch in the US first.
The real challenge is to make handling, ride and steering as good as a 911 .
There is an XK8 replacement planned as well I think (although I have not seen any details), since it is getting on.
The issue for Ford/Jag/AM is to differentiate them.
Rgds, Stuart.