Why not? The A-train is a modular design, so it can be adapted to a variety of needs without too much grief, including, as you point out, different bodyshell lengths.
The first Hitachi tilt train order for Taiwan was for a grand total of six eight-car trains. The current order is for two more sets, so small orders don't appear to be an issue for Hitachi and they presumably made/are making a profit on both these orders. If the Class 800 bodyshell can be adapted to fit the UK tilt envelope without too much work then Hitachi may well be in with a shout for the 12 trains.
Having delved a bit deeper into the subject Hitachi has so far built more than 530 3ft 6in gauge tilt trains for Japan and Australia, often in small batches, including the Series 885 A-train which has a rather familiar look to its front end, though the bodyshells are much wider than a Class 800 thanks to the Japanese loading gauge despite the narrower track. Couple of pictures and a video of one in action here:
http://trainoftheweek.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/jr-kyushu-series-885.html
Hitachi page about its tilt system and a link to list of orders for tilt stock:
http://www.hitachi-rail.com/products/rolling_stock/tilting/
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
But still no sign of a firm order for any Pendolinos although it is now almost eight months since ORR approved the GNWR Blackpool plan and these trains are also supposed to be operational in 2018. Don't forget this image that emerged from the Alliance stable in the past..
http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/GNER-IEP.jpg
Last edited:
A very minor point compared to the good news of a largely new train fleet bringing greatly increased capacity and improved on board facilities, mind, and even that pales into insignificance compared to the news mentioned above that the new Transpennine franchise will now offer proper beer and pork pies! 
