4.0 4.5 5.0 Griffith 5.0 Cerbera 4.5 4.2 TVR Galery TVR History TVR Links |
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About TVR |
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TVRs are built
by hand in Blackpool, England to order with current production running
at around 1,500 cars per year, making TVR one of the largest wholly British
motor manufacturers remaining. The concept of TVR has remained unaltered
throughout production from 1958 to date. The aim is a lightweight car with
plenty of power and torque, combined with a front engined rear wheel drive
layout to give the maximum pleasure for the enthusiastic driver. The engine
is set as far back as possible in the front to give the car a near 50/50
weight distribution. Current models weigh about the same as a Ford Escort
1.4 (1040-1050 Kg) but with 3.5 to 5 times as much power dependent on model.
There is a choice of engines, the probably the most well known being a
highly tuned derivative of the Buick/Oldsmobile 215 V8 of 1961-1963, more
commonly known as the Rover V8 in production from 1968 to date. This engine
is currently available in 4.0 litre (240 bhp), 4.5 litre (285 bhp) and
5.0 litre (340 bhp) forms. The Cerbera uses TVR's own AJP8 engine, a flat-plane
alloy V8 with 2 valves per cylinder. In development are straight six and
750bhp V12 derivatives with 4 valves per cylinder. All TVR's engines are
built by a subsidiary, TVR Power in Coventry.
In the current models (Chimaera, Griffith and Cerbera) the chassis is derived directly from the 450 bhp Tuscan race cars, with double wishbone suspension all round. High performance disc brakes and wide low profile tyres render ABS unnecessary. Fuel consumption averages 20-22 mpg, current models using 98 RON Super Unleaded fuel to take advantage of the higher octane rating than regular Unleaded. Most models feature a walnut and leather interior in the style of the traditional British sports car, but the Cerbera breaks with tradition with a much acclaimed modern dashboard. All have convenience features such as electric windows and central locking so they are certainly not stripped out racers. The current 5.0 litre Griffith and Chimaera can reach 60 mph in as little as 4.2 seconds. The Cerbera accelerates from 0-100 mph in around 9 seconds. The Speed 12 looks set to top 220mph with its 750bhp V12 engine. |