providing space to incorporate a front splitter. The VW Beetle headlamps were spotted by Chris Lawrence who envisaged reversing them to give the perfect angle to meet the aerodynamic requirements, and thus the cross-eyed look was born. Around 210 Series 1 cars were made with many smaller changes being made to the car over this period internally and externally. Aero 8 GTN (2004) This limited edition run-out model of the Series 1 was a nod to the successful Aero GT racing car and included the 4.6L Alpina BMW engine used on Alpina B10 and on BMW X5 4.6iS – 4619cc, 330 bhp (246 kW) and a top speed of 165 mph (266 km/h). This version had slightly different and stiffened suspension plus semi-slick AO48's fitted as standard. Eleven were produced, all of them in a two tone color scheme of blue/grey. It was the first model to be offered with an optional hardtop alongside the soft top roof. Along with a carbon fibre dashboard, unique gloss black wooden trim, a custom Mota-Lita steering wheel and side exhausts the car had blistering performance as demonstrated on Top Gear by Richard Hammond (Season 5 Episodes 5) who later went on to own several Morgans. Aero 8 Series 2 (2004–2005) Series 2 of the Aero 8 was launched at the 2004 Los Angeles Motor Show. This was the first Aero that was made for sale in North America. It was called the Aero Series 2 or Aero America as a result. The back of the car was changed in a number of ways. The petrol tank was repositioned to comply with US rear impact regulations. The boot lid was raised to improve aero-dynamics and storage. The previous folding roof was changed for a pram style changing the shape from the previous low "gangster" style roof of the Series 1. Now using the BMW V8 4.4L engine N62B44 333 bhp (248 kW) at 6,100 rpm and 331 lb-ft (450Nm) at 3,600 rpm using VarioCam on the inlet manifold. The factory offered single side exit exhausts as an option with the exit just in front of the rear wheels on each side. The new V8 provided a top speed of 160 mph with 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds. Further revisions included a conversion to standard 5 stud wheels, uprated gearbox, brakes and other elements of the running gear. The car retained the