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30 August 2019 - Dear All, Can Silence be Golden?
It’s been a little while since the last update and we do know that silence is not always golden, but we have been off our feet.
Real progress has been made in the face of significant challenges – the wheels of government grind ever so slowly onwards, but onwards nonetheless, albeit sometimes in a slightly different direction than you may have been led to believe!
Of course we realise it’s been quiet, and never want to mislead any of our supporters. As ever we only bring you news when it’s news - not spin, but we understand that the silence often leads to frustrations. Luckily, the vast majority are willing to wait for a ‘great thing’…and we’re going to deliver it! Thanks to everybody who continues to be part of the history of TVR – you’re going to get a fantastic TVR-designed car, engineered by legendary Gordon Murray CBE, and powered by a mega V8 - what’s not worth waiting for??!
We’ve Always made plain Ebbw Vale is core to our strategy and, as we’ve mentioned previously,the factory is proceeding more slowly than we would like and whilst we are achieving forward momentum, sometimes bureaucratic processes that are designed to assist actually hamper. At last, we are very pleased to announce that we are appointing Jones Brothers (Henllan) in respect of our element of the factory refurbishment and fit-out plans for the site in Ebbw Vale!
Jones Brothers ( jbhl.co.uk ) have extensive and broad experience in the construction and civil engineering sector, as well as being local boys and leaders in their field for nearly 50 years. The range of projects they have worked on in the past is not limited to buildings either, with highway construction being part of their repertoire together with some great projects such as working on the Swansea City Training Academy amongst others. With their highways experience it raised a few suggestions in the canteen over what is done with the perimeter road around the factory for car ‘testing’ … thinking about that, now’s the time for some cool suggestions for things the factory should have – a set of Carlos Fandango wheels goes to the best idea submitted – 2 sets for second place!
Actually, Jones Bros. are a delight to work with and I have the utmost faith that they will produce a facility unlike that of any other sports car manufacturer. The handover of your car at the factory will be an experience, the like of which you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
We understand from Mr Jones that the refurbishment works, repairs to the building itself and fit-out are relatively straightforward, although I’m sure there’ll be some unexpected stuff along the way. We are now waiting to confirm the anticipated start of works on site and, ultimately, the project completion date which will give us (and you!) the necessary info to plan for Start of Production.
Returning to major matters of moment, we’ve always made plain that we have Global ambitions, this is where the long-term, bigger picture lies, not least given Brexit, and this is what has been occupying huge amounts of attention of our small but nimble team. Not to detract from Ebbw Vale, but nor let Ebbw Vale pull us back from our attentions in that direction.
To compete effectively on the worldwide stage on a standalone basis is not something you can do from Walliswood or indeed Ebbw Vale, you need a serious global partner. We have had a number of serious offers but I have to choose the right partner for all of us. TVR is not a brand that I want dissolving into another name. I feel a personal duty to keep the name alive, individual and unique. I look at some sports cars these days and get so confused as to the brand and model - I am determined that will not be TVR. As is often the case, we thought we were ‘there’ with two counterparties (this in fact was the ‘Big News’ we alluded to in a previous update) but for the reasons above, the deals and the counterparties weren’t right. We’re determined not to compromise, even if it means delay, as we’ve always said, and we aren’t going to back off or fail to deliver.
Please remember that all of the team at TVR have skin in the game – we put our own money into this, our own blood, sweat and tears – it’s not just business, it’s very personal for us. Of course, we have to make money to survive and grow and, for all the reasons previously explained, the cash requirement has grown. That means raising more than we had planned in order to grow our business in the way we need to. We’re doing that and now working on the best alternatives. We appreciate that our focus on getting it ‘right’ rather than ‘quick’ means there’s now a stretch between expectation when we were pressed to open the depositor book and current expectation, which we’ll minimise so far as we can while maintaining that focus on ‘rightness’
Actually, Silence is Golden
As a reward to our faithful early supporters who are such an important part of our journey - keeping the faith alongside us in the resurrection of this iconic marque and delivery of this awesome machine - we are devising a scheme to say thank you.
Next month we will let you have details of our proposals to reward those who have been so supportive, those who have placed deposits with us (some before they knew even the most basic details of the new car, or that it would be the next Griffith!). It will reflect our thanks and hopefully acknowledge your support! We are even looking into the issue of (free!) shares to our faithful deposit holders (subject to regulatory requirements)…
In other news….
Fancy being a little alternative?
Here’s something for those overly concerned they won’t be able to drive into cities with a fire-breathing V8 unless they have Hybrid credentials…we’ve got ‘em! It’s probably the case that it will be mandatory to have a hybrid bit nailed to your car for some geographies, even if you don’t believe the powers that be have really thought this whole ecology thing through. Our powertrain partner is Ford, so don’t panic, we’ve got it covered. Note, other food blenders are available!
Next month we’ll update you on all of the above and more.
All the best
Les
TVR Manufacturing Ltd
Also some images of the latest versions of the seats.
It’s been a little while since the last update and we do know that silence is not always golden, but we have been off our feet.
Real progress has been made in the face of significant challenges – the wheels of government grind ever so slowly onwards, but onwards nonetheless, albeit sometimes in a slightly different direction than you may have been led to believe!
Of course we realise it’s been quiet, and never want to mislead any of our supporters. As ever we only bring you news when it’s news - not spin, but we understand that the silence often leads to frustrations. Luckily, the vast majority are willing to wait for a ‘great thing’…and we’re going to deliver it! Thanks to everybody who continues to be part of the history of TVR – you’re going to get a fantastic TVR-designed car, engineered by legendary Gordon Murray CBE, and powered by a mega V8 - what’s not worth waiting for??!
We’ve Always made plain Ebbw Vale is core to our strategy and, as we’ve mentioned previously,the factory is proceeding more slowly than we would like and whilst we are achieving forward momentum, sometimes bureaucratic processes that are designed to assist actually hamper. At last, we are very pleased to announce that we are appointing Jones Brothers (Henllan) in respect of our element of the factory refurbishment and fit-out plans for the site in Ebbw Vale!
Jones Brothers ( jbhl.co.uk ) have extensive and broad experience in the construction and civil engineering sector, as well as being local boys and leaders in their field for nearly 50 years. The range of projects they have worked on in the past is not limited to buildings either, with highway construction being part of their repertoire together with some great projects such as working on the Swansea City Training Academy amongst others. With their highways experience it raised a few suggestions in the canteen over what is done with the perimeter road around the factory for car ‘testing’ … thinking about that, now’s the time for some cool suggestions for things the factory should have – a set of Carlos Fandango wheels goes to the best idea submitted – 2 sets for second place!
Actually, Jones Bros. are a delight to work with and I have the utmost faith that they will produce a facility unlike that of any other sports car manufacturer. The handover of your car at the factory will be an experience, the like of which you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
We understand from Mr Jones that the refurbishment works, repairs to the building itself and fit-out are relatively straightforward, although I’m sure there’ll be some unexpected stuff along the way. We are now waiting to confirm the anticipated start of works on site and, ultimately, the project completion date which will give us (and you!) the necessary info to plan for Start of Production.
Returning to major matters of moment, we’ve always made plain that we have Global ambitions, this is where the long-term, bigger picture lies, not least given Brexit, and this is what has been occupying huge amounts of attention of our small but nimble team. Not to detract from Ebbw Vale, but nor let Ebbw Vale pull us back from our attentions in that direction.
To compete effectively on the worldwide stage on a standalone basis is not something you can do from Walliswood or indeed Ebbw Vale, you need a serious global partner. We have had a number of serious offers but I have to choose the right partner for all of us. TVR is not a brand that I want dissolving into another name. I feel a personal duty to keep the name alive, individual and unique. I look at some sports cars these days and get so confused as to the brand and model - I am determined that will not be TVR. As is often the case, we thought we were ‘there’ with two counterparties (this in fact was the ‘Big News’ we alluded to in a previous update) but for the reasons above, the deals and the counterparties weren’t right. We’re determined not to compromise, even if it means delay, as we’ve always said, and we aren’t going to back off or fail to deliver.
Please remember that all of the team at TVR have skin in the game – we put our own money into this, our own blood, sweat and tears – it’s not just business, it’s very personal for us. Of course, we have to make money to survive and grow and, for all the reasons previously explained, the cash requirement has grown. That means raising more than we had planned in order to grow our business in the way we need to. We’re doing that and now working on the best alternatives. We appreciate that our focus on getting it ‘right’ rather than ‘quick’ means there’s now a stretch between expectation when we were pressed to open the depositor book and current expectation, which we’ll minimise so far as we can while maintaining that focus on ‘rightness’
Actually, Silence is Golden
As a reward to our faithful early supporters who are such an important part of our journey - keeping the faith alongside us in the resurrection of this iconic marque and delivery of this awesome machine - we are devising a scheme to say thank you.
Next month we will let you have details of our proposals to reward those who have been so supportive, those who have placed deposits with us (some before they knew even the most basic details of the new car, or that it would be the next Griffith!). It will reflect our thanks and hopefully acknowledge your support! We are even looking into the issue of (free!) shares to our faithful deposit holders (subject to regulatory requirements)…
In other news….
Fancy being a little alternative?
Here’s something for those overly concerned they won’t be able to drive into cities with a fire-breathing V8 unless they have Hybrid credentials…we’ve got ‘em! It’s probably the case that it will be mandatory to have a hybrid bit nailed to your car for some geographies, even if you don’t believe the powers that be have really thought this whole ecology thing through. Our powertrain partner is Ford, so don’t panic, we’ve got it covered. Note, other food blenders are available!
Next month we’ll update you on all of the above and more.
All the best
Les
TVR Manufacturing Ltd
Also some images of the latest versions of the seats.
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New TVR Griffith starred on the TVR Car Club Stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2017In a coup for the TVR Car Club that, the new 500bhp V8-engined TVR Griffith was the star of the Club’s stand at the 2017 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery at the National Exhibition Centre next month. The new car was joined by two earlier Griffiths: an original 1960s model and a more recent example from the 1990s.
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In a coup for the TVR Car Club that, the new 500bhp V8-engined TVR Griffith was the star of the Club’s stand at the 2017 Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show with Discovery at the National Exhibition Centre next month. The new car was joined by two earlier Griffiths: an original 1960s model and a more recent example from the 1990s.
This marked only the second appearance of the new Griffith at a major UK event. It was recently revealed at the Goodwood Revival in September, where it received rave reviews.
TVR Car Club chairman Richard Sails said:
“TVR chairman Les Edgar, Gordon Murray of GMD and the whole design team have taken great care to incorporate the DNA of the earlier cars in this exciting new model and it is a real honour to be able to display it on our stand. Alongside a collection of other cars from TVR’s proud history, we believe that it will reflect the “Family Ties” theme of the show most effectively, whilst also celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of TVR by Trevor Wilkinson in Blackpool in 1947”.
The Classic Motor Show took place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November 2017. The TVRCC exhibit was in the Prestige Hall 1 Stand 450.
The Griffith name goes back to 1963 when American Motor Engineer Jack Griffith replaced the 1800 engine in his Grantura MkIII with a 4.7 litre V8 to produce the first TVR supercar and establish the ‘light car big engine’ ethos of TVR that remains true today. Those early cars continue to be successful in modern Classic Race series in the hands of Nigel Reuben Racing’s Mike Whitaker and Mike Jordan. The 1990’s Griffith, described as a design icon, celebrates Peter Wheeler’s time as head of the Blackpool company and has been credited with saving the company at that time. All three Griffith models will be accompanied on the Club stand by other models from TVR’s 70 year heritage.
This marked only the second appearance of the new Griffith at a major UK event. It was recently revealed at the Goodwood Revival in September, where it received rave reviews.
TVR Car Club chairman Richard Sails said:
“TVR chairman Les Edgar, Gordon Murray of GMD and the whole design team have taken great care to incorporate the DNA of the earlier cars in this exciting new model and it is a real honour to be able to display it on our stand. Alongside a collection of other cars from TVR’s proud history, we believe that it will reflect the “Family Ties” theme of the show most effectively, whilst also celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of TVR by Trevor Wilkinson in Blackpool in 1947”.
The Classic Motor Show took place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham on Friday 10th, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November 2017. The TVRCC exhibit was in the Prestige Hall 1 Stand 450.
The Griffith name goes back to 1963 when American Motor Engineer Jack Griffith replaced the 1800 engine in his Grantura MkIII with a 4.7 litre V8 to produce the first TVR supercar and establish the ‘light car big engine’ ethos of TVR that remains true today. Those early cars continue to be successful in modern Classic Race series in the hands of Nigel Reuben Racing’s Mike Whitaker and Mike Jordan. The 1990’s Griffith, described as a design icon, celebrates Peter Wheeler’s time as head of the Blackpool company and has been credited with saving the company at that time. All three Griffith models will be accompanied on the Club stand by other models from TVR’s 70 year heritage.
TVR Launch new car at Goodwood RevivalAt 8.15 am (BST) on 8th September 2017 TVR launched its new car live in 360 VR video at the Goodwood Revival 2017.
The all new TVR is engineered by Gordon Murray Design, powered by a 5.0 litre Cosworth enhanced, dry-sumped V8 powerplant. Criteria for the new TVRTVR have stated that when settling on the specification for the all-new TVR they had certain essential criteria in mind. The new car had to be:
TVR DNAWhat makes a TVR a TVR is quite simply the TVR DNA. All TVRs share a DNA that means great looks, great sound and great performance. Looking fast whilst standing still, the body designs of TVRs past, present and future will always be exciting, innovative and worthy material for every bedroom wall dream poster. The engines, always up front, are big and loud, to give dramatic acceleration and top speed. The interiors, with their leather, carpet and other special finishes combined with the ubiquitous view over a long and shapely bonnet, are places where true drivers belong. Put together, these attributes can be described as quirky, eccentric even, distinctly British but always fast, always noisy, always TVR.
PowerThe all new TVR features a 5.0 litre V8 powerplant with custom clutch, flywheel and ECU. In addition, a dry-sump and other enhancements by Cosworth together with a 6-Speed manual gearbox from Tremec are designed to deliver a class leading 400 bhp per tonne power-to-weight ratio.
Photos and text all with thanks to TVR - www.tvr.co.uk/new-car
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Technical SpecificationsTVR Griffith LE (Launch Edition) 2017
Engine: Cosworth V8 Capacity (cc): 4951cc Power: 480bhp (est) Torque: n/a Gearbox: Tremec Magnum XL 6 speed manual Weight distribution: 50:50 Performance: 0-60 less than 4.0secs Top Speed: more than 200mph Price (2017): £90,000 Dimensions
Length: 4314mm Height: 1239mm Width: 1850mm Weight: 1250kg Find out more about the new Griffith on the TVR Website.
There is also a special report and more photos on the Goodwood Revival website. Interested in TVRs? Join the TVR Car Club DesignEmploying a full ground-effect aerodynamic package to deliver outstanding stability and handling capabilities, the new TVR has been designed and engineered with driver focused performance and safety as its main priority.
The use of side exhausts allows a flat floor configuration generating downforce by channeling the airflow along the underside of the vehicle to suck it towards the road. By employing ground effect in the new car's design, TVR has ensured it remains unflinchingly stable at high speeds while delivering exceptional handling and cornering capabilities. 
TechnologyGordon Murray Design's unique iStream process, in addition to being extremely lightweight, delivers exceptional torsional rigidity and passive safety capabilities. The vehicle's carbon fibre composite construction boasts a rigidity of almost 20,000 Nm per degree and is also designed to direct impact force to the tyres for increased safety. The new car also features airbags, ABS and ESP.
TVR The RebirthMotul Presents a world exclusive first look at the new 2017 TVR!
Time lapse animation of the designers creating an image of TVRs past, present and future using drafting tape.
In the Press |
GORDON MURRAY DESIGN CELEBRATE THE FIRST UK SHOWING OF THEIR iSTREAM® carbon manufacturing technology in the new tvr sports car at goodwood
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Gordon Murray Design are delighted to have been chosen as partners by TVR for the design and development of their new sports car and also to be a part of the celebration of this great British brands 70th Anniversary.
The team at Gordon Murray Design have worked very closely with the TVR team to deliver a vehicle which meets all the class-leading and exacting criteria set-down by TVR which has resulted in a vehicle which sets new standards for weight and torsional stiffness. TVR chose Gordon Murray Design’s iStream® carbon manufacturing system to help deliver these outstanding performance values. iStream® carbon is Gordon Murray Design’s premium version of iStream® and it brings Formula One technology and materials within reach of the everyday motorist. This technology has been the enabler in producing a sports car some 300kg lighter than its class opposition alongside delivering new levels of torsional rigidity. The new car brings new standards of engineering and quality to TVR products and the world-class design and prototyping team have worked very closely with the two UK companies who both share Gordon Murray Design’s drive towards producing engineering product to exacting standards. Chasestead engineering and Formaplex have played a great role in the production of the sports car. |
For more information please visit www.istreamtechnology.co.uk
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The Goodwood Revival is therefore a double British celebration – the re-launch of iStream® carbon and a new TVR
Professor Gordon Murray says “We at Gordon Murray Design are very proud to be associated with a fantastic British product and so many excellent UK companies and I would like to be the first to congratulate TVR on their 70th Anniversary and the launch of this product.
The iStream® assembly process is a complete rethink and redesign of the traditional automotive manufacturing process and could potentially be the biggest revolution in high volume manufacture since the Model T. Development of the process began over 15 years ago and it has already won the prestigious ‘Idea of the Year’ award from Autocar who were given privileged access in order to make their assessment.
The simplified assembly process means that the manufacturing plant can be designed to be 20% of the size of a conventional factory. This could reduce capital investment in the assembly plant by approximately 80%. Yet the flexibility of this assembly process means that the same factory could be used to manufacture different variants. The iStream® design process is a complete re-think on high volume materials, as well as the manufacturing process and will lead to a significant reduction in full lifecycle CO2.
Professor Gordon Murray says “We at Gordon Murray Design are very proud to be associated with a fantastic British product and so many excellent UK companies and I would like to be the first to congratulate TVR on their 70th Anniversary and the launch of this product.
The iStream® assembly process is a complete rethink and redesign of the traditional automotive manufacturing process and could potentially be the biggest revolution in high volume manufacture since the Model T. Development of the process began over 15 years ago and it has already won the prestigious ‘Idea of the Year’ award from Autocar who were given privileged access in order to make their assessment.
The simplified assembly process means that the manufacturing plant can be designed to be 20% of the size of a conventional factory. This could reduce capital investment in the assembly plant by approximately 80%. Yet the flexibility of this assembly process means that the same factory could be used to manufacture different variants. The iStream® design process is a complete re-think on high volume materials, as well as the manufacturing process and will lead to a significant reduction in full lifecycle CO2.
News from TVR:
May 2016 - London Motor Show – Battersea Evolution
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Following a very successful London Motor Show, we are pleased to report continued great interest in the new TVR.
Following a very successful London Motor Show held at Battersea Evolution, we are pleased to report continued great interest in the new TVR, from the press, the trade, and private individuals alike. The Battersea show was the first public show that TVR have attended in almost 10 years, and everyone with whom we spoke indicated they had a great day and were enthused about the return of TVR to the sports car sector. Our stand displayed both a beautiful 1966 Griffith 400 and also a full size model of the new car that is being used for ongoing development purposes. As some of the fine detail is still being finalised, the covers were not removed, despite several attempts by both onlookers and even Tiff Needell! |
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The initial unveiling will take place at an exclusive private event for depositors later this year, with the full public launch to follow in 2017. With over 400 deposits already placed, there remain less than 100 positions available for the Launch Edition model – now confirmed to be limited to 500 cars – after which prospective purchasers will be able to join a reserve list should they choose to do so. |
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T37 Black Hound at DunsfoldSeptember 2016
After much nagging the engineers finally allowed Les to have a drive in the T37 engine mule - a modified Cerbera fitted with the 5 litre Cosworth V8 engine and transmission to be used in the final car. This is the second engine mule that was developed giving a more representative power to weight comparison with the final car. |
March 2016 - TVR announces forthcoming production facility in South Wales and significant additional investment in the project
TVR today announces that it will build a production facility in Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, South Wales.
Resurgent British sports car maker, TVR, has announced today that its new production facility will be located in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone in South Wales. The Welsh Government will also invest in the car maker, further enhancing this exciting manufacturing project which represents over £30 million of capital expenditure over the next five years.
The contracts to locate the new TVR factory in Wales were signed on the 18th March 2016 and the deal was officially announced by Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, during a press conference this morning. Currently, TVR is looking at several specific options for the precise location of the factory, the outcome of which will be the subject of a separate announcement in the coming weeks.
Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said: “This is a fantastic opportunity both for TVR and the Welsh Government. South Wales is becoming a major hub for automotive and motorsport technology and development and the area is a serious opportunity for business development and job creation. We have a sports car project that has garnered global approval and excitement, and we are delighted that the Welsh government wish to become a part of an exciting new era for TVR.”
The First Minister said: “This is yet another fantastic high profile investment for Wales and a great boost for our automotive sector. TVR is another iconic and much loved, world-class brand that still commands a strong and loyal international following. I am delighted the next generation of TVRs will proudly bear the label Made in Wales.
“Today’s news follows hot on the heels of the Aston Martin announcement and sends out a strong, clear message that Wales is the location of choice for advanced manufacturing. It also illustrates that our pro-business approach is delivering results, attracting significant investment and creating high quality jobs and it is another huge boost for Wales, for our automotive sector and for our skilled workforce.”
The new TVR project, which was announced in early 2015, has already secured in excess of 350 deposits for the fantastic new launch edition car, which features innovative design and styling that maintains the distinctive TVR DNA, but also includes F1 inspired, ground-effect technology. The chassis and body has been designed by Gordon Murray of Gordon Murray Design Ltd. and will be the first production car to be manufactured using their revolutionary iStream® assembly process. Power is provided by a Cosworth tuned and enhanced V8 engine. The Welsh factory will be busy fulfilling orders that already run through to the end of 2018.
Resurgent British sports car maker, TVR, has announced today that its new production facility will be located in the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone in South Wales. The Welsh Government will also invest in the car maker, further enhancing this exciting manufacturing project which represents over £30 million of capital expenditure over the next five years.
The contracts to locate the new TVR factory in Wales were signed on the 18th March 2016 and the deal was officially announced by Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones, the First Minister of Wales, during a press conference this morning. Currently, TVR is looking at several specific options for the precise location of the factory, the outcome of which will be the subject of a separate announcement in the coming weeks.
Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said: “This is a fantastic opportunity both for TVR and the Welsh Government. South Wales is becoming a major hub for automotive and motorsport technology and development and the area is a serious opportunity for business development and job creation. We have a sports car project that has garnered global approval and excitement, and we are delighted that the Welsh government wish to become a part of an exciting new era for TVR.”
The First Minister said: “This is yet another fantastic high profile investment for Wales and a great boost for our automotive sector. TVR is another iconic and much loved, world-class brand that still commands a strong and loyal international following. I am delighted the next generation of TVRs will proudly bear the label Made in Wales.
“Today’s news follows hot on the heels of the Aston Martin announcement and sends out a strong, clear message that Wales is the location of choice for advanced manufacturing. It also illustrates that our pro-business approach is delivering results, attracting significant investment and creating high quality jobs and it is another huge boost for Wales, for our automotive sector and for our skilled workforce.”
The new TVR project, which was announced in early 2015, has already secured in excess of 350 deposits for the fantastic new launch edition car, which features innovative design and styling that maintains the distinctive TVR DNA, but also includes F1 inspired, ground-effect technology. The chassis and body has been designed by Gordon Murray of Gordon Murray Design Ltd. and will be the first production car to be manufactured using their revolutionary iStream® assembly process. Power is provided by a Cosworth tuned and enhanced V8 engine. The Welsh factory will be busy fulfilling orders that already run through to the end of 2018.
December 2015 - TVR Launch Edition to include CarbonTVR Newsletter, December 2015: Styling, Cosworth engine testing, and expectations for 2016
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Dear TVRists,
Well, it’s been a while since the last update and apologies for that – time flies when you’re having fun, as they say, and we’ve been spectacularly busy on all aspects of the development process and production logistics. There are some major announcements on these fronts which we’ll be able to share (and really look forward to sharing!) with you early in the new year, and in the meantime we thought you’d like to hear a bit about some of the exciting stuff we’ve been up to.
Well, it’s been a while since the last update and apologies for that – time flies when you’re having fun, as they say, and we’ve been spectacularly busy on all aspects of the development process and production logistics. There are some major announcements on these fronts which we’ll be able to share (and really look forward to sharing!) with you early in the new year, and in the meantime we thought you’d like to hear a bit about some of the exciting stuff we’ve been up to.
Car Styling
Looking great! It’s certainly a long process though — there is so much devil in the detail, so much work involved in getting everything to work together properly, to proper modern day standards of fit finish and aero, not to say legislative requirement, while at the same time doing proper justice (in all respects) to TVR’s lineage and DNA. Hundreds of iterations in, we are at the point where we have a number of final concepts differing now only in relatively small detail, with only a few decisions left to be made. Suffice to say we’re pretty happy with where we are! Incidentally, it may be interesting to know that while we have been using the very latest state of the art CAD software, in parallel we have been working with ‘old fashioned’ physical seating bucks and scale clay models – in fact far from old fashioned, as even the most modern (read young!) designer will readily confirm that it’s impossible to get the full impact and experience of a physical object via a virtual experience, no matter how good the CAD software is.
One of the great advantages when using the Gordon Murray iStream technology is that the body design can be finalised much later than that of a traditionally ‘stamped’ car. The body is essentially non-structural and – provided we don’t impinge on the structural hard points (God forbid – Gordon’s not one for compromise I’m happy to say!) – it can be finally finessed in tandem with the rest of the car.
Speaking of the chassis, you may be aware that Gordon Murray announced at the Tokyo Motor show last month (November 2015) the introduction of iStream Carbon. I guess you may be wondering whether this amazing, exciting new technology will be available as an option on the new TVR… well the good news is that IT WILL and (in line with our promises that early adopters would be treated exceptionally well) it is scheduled to be included as a NO COST option on the LE car!
In terms of timing, we have received a number of enquiries regarding delivery slots and general production timing. In order to be able to tell you when the first cars are going to be delivered, and therefore your place in the queue, there are a number of things that need to be determined. In our next update we will announce the factory location. This has been something we have spent a lot of time on recently. There are a number of important considerations for TVR when deciding where the new home should be. It wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly – we didn’t want the location chosen simply because we could build a large shed with grant money. We wanted it to be a statement of our future intent, a place our customers would want to visit, and most of all somewhere all of us associated with TVR – the whole community – can rightly be proud to call TVR’s home. We are very close to achieving that milestone in our plan – to make TVR the coolest, hardest-performing hand-built British sports car once more. This time though, it won’t just be designed and built with passion, it’ll be engineered to perform the way no other TVR has done to date. It will be class-leading, mainly because it will define its own class, as TVR has always done and you’d need to spend £1/4 million to find a worthy opponent. A Sagaris wouldn’t even see which way it went. (Speaking as an adoring Sag owner, I hope that that excites you just as much as it does me!)
Once we have announced the factory location together with some other car specifics regarding the car such as price, minimum performance details, and some further details on the styling/packaging, that will also be the point at which we propose to announce the closing of the order book for the LE cars. This announcement will come in the first half of 2016. Once that announcement is made, we will be confirming orders that have already been placed using our deposit system (I want one of those monsters!) and will be able confirm relative positions in the queue.
One of the great advantages when using the Gordon Murray iStream technology is that the body design can be finalised much later than that of a traditionally ‘stamped’ car. The body is essentially non-structural and – provided we don’t impinge on the structural hard points (God forbid – Gordon’s not one for compromise I’m happy to say!) – it can be finally finessed in tandem with the rest of the car.
Speaking of the chassis, you may be aware that Gordon Murray announced at the Tokyo Motor show last month (November 2015) the introduction of iStream Carbon. I guess you may be wondering whether this amazing, exciting new technology will be available as an option on the new TVR… well the good news is that IT WILL and (in line with our promises that early adopters would be treated exceptionally well) it is scheduled to be included as a NO COST option on the LE car!
In terms of timing, we have received a number of enquiries regarding delivery slots and general production timing. In order to be able to tell you when the first cars are going to be delivered, and therefore your place in the queue, there are a number of things that need to be determined. In our next update we will announce the factory location. This has been something we have spent a lot of time on recently. There are a number of important considerations for TVR when deciding where the new home should be. It wasn’t a decision to be taken lightly – we didn’t want the location chosen simply because we could build a large shed with grant money. We wanted it to be a statement of our future intent, a place our customers would want to visit, and most of all somewhere all of us associated with TVR – the whole community – can rightly be proud to call TVR’s home. We are very close to achieving that milestone in our plan – to make TVR the coolest, hardest-performing hand-built British sports car once more. This time though, it won’t just be designed and built with passion, it’ll be engineered to perform the way no other TVR has done to date. It will be class-leading, mainly because it will define its own class, as TVR has always done and you’d need to spend £1/4 million to find a worthy opponent. A Sagaris wouldn’t even see which way it went. (Speaking as an adoring Sag owner, I hope that that excites you just as much as it does me!)
Once we have announced the factory location together with some other car specifics regarding the car such as price, minimum performance details, and some further details on the styling/packaging, that will also be the point at which we propose to announce the closing of the order book for the LE cars. This announcement will come in the first half of 2016. Once that announcement is made, we will be confirming orders that have already been placed using our deposit system (I want one of those monsters!) and will be able confirm relative positions in the queue.
Engine development
Steve Cropley from Autocar was present when we fired up an early version of one of our V8 engines at Cosworth’s Northampton facility – see it here: Fire up the Cossie. This was the first official showing of the engine, and the first time we had started the unit that will form the initial race car test mule. Clearly there is a lot of work still to do but we’re really pleased with the progress particularly as some of the development work on this unit has flowed back into the road car design, resulting in an expectation of a further additional increase in power for the LE car. The dyno simulated a lap of Le Mans and has the ability to simulate the effect of topography and gear change, and while the unit was not running with either our race or road transmission set up, and the correct aero for the car could not be correctly simulated (’cos we haven’t finished it yet ;0) – the results were very respectable, nonetheless. And we broke the dyno! However, our focus is very much on the road car at the moment and importantly, I am pleased to report that the power and torque figures and delivery characteristics are very much on target.
The mule car has been munching the miles over the last few months, testing the durability of the engine and drive-train combo. Next step is to combine the complete power train with our chassis into a mule for further testing – given the body is independent of the chassis and running gear, perhaps something familiar could be seen around the Northampton area soon… (…and yes, before you say it, with wheels, chassis, engine, small stickers etc!)
So in essence, you can expect an update on the following early in 2016:
Exciting times now, and ahead!
Les Edgar
Chairman, TVR Manufacturing Ltd
The mule car has been munching the miles over the last few months, testing the durability of the engine and drive-train combo. Next step is to combine the complete power train with our chassis into a mule for further testing – given the body is independent of the chassis and running gear, perhaps something familiar could be seen around the Northampton area soon… (…and yes, before you say it, with wheels, chassis, engine, small stickers etc!)
So in essence, you can expect an update on the following early in 2016:
- Production – Factory location, ancillary benefits & timing; LE car order book closing details; order confirmations and relative queue positions
- Body Styling – further detail of the final design/packaging
- Performance – power and torque figures and minimum production deliverables for top speed and acceleration, and kerb weight
- Pricing – LE car pricing confirmation
- Options – confirmation of basic options including no-cost carbon LE
Exciting times now, and ahead!
Les Edgar
Chairman, TVR Manufacturing Ltd
July 2015 - TVR to take deposits for new car, and offer TVRCC members priority
Hot on the heels of the news that TVR is to launch an all-new car in 2017, the company has decided that it will start taking deposits for the car from July 7th, 2015. The decision, which has come sooner than originally anticipated, has been made as a direct result of the huge, positive, public reaction generated by announcement that the company will launch the incredible new car. Designed in conjunction with Gordon Murray Design and featuring a Cosworth V8 engine, sports car enthusiasts the world over are lining up to buy what promises to be one of the most exciting new sports cars of the decade.
John Chasey, Operations Director of TVR, says: We've been totally blown away by the reaction to the new car. Our phone lines and online enquiry system went into meltdown when the news was announced, and we decided that we must b egin to bring a structure to the enquiries and build a delivery pipeline well in advance of production. Volumes in year one will be limited as we ramp up production, so this allows us to reward those individuals prepared to make a financial commitment at this early stage.
TVR will take a £5,000 deposit from all interested parties, with detailed specifications to be established at a later stage. However, the company has also announced that it will offer a limited quantity of reduced deposits to TVR Car Club members during July as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Car Club and as a thank you to the established individuals who have demonstrated continued enthusiasm and loyalty to the brand. Anyone who has been a member of the club for more than 6 months will be offered the opportunity to pay a £2,500 deposit, and TVR will also make a financial donation to the TVR Car Club for each deposit taken from a member.
Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR, says: "We feel it is important to reward those people who have been such enthusiastic ambassadors for the TVR brand. The club is a wonderfully active and loyal community of people who simply love the cars, so it seems fitting that they should be offered a reduced deposit and a promise of some of the early production units. With initial production in 2017 to be in the low hundreds, the early units are likely to be much coveted."
The company is currently working on building and establishing its UK network of TVR Heritage and TVR Performance partners, many of which will have previously been TVR main dealers, whilst suitable new partners are also being sought. Most of the early cars will be delivered direct from the factory, although a referral scheme will be put in place to reward the network partners for their loyalty to the brand and to assist them in establishing relationships with the new customers in their locality.
John Chasey, Operations Director of TVR, says: We've been totally blown away by the reaction to the new car. Our phone lines and online enquiry system went into meltdown when the news was announced, and we decided that we must b egin to bring a structure to the enquiries and build a delivery pipeline well in advance of production. Volumes in year one will be limited as we ramp up production, so this allows us to reward those individuals prepared to make a financial commitment at this early stage.
TVR will take a £5,000 deposit from all interested parties, with detailed specifications to be established at a later stage. However, the company has also announced that it will offer a limited quantity of reduced deposits to TVR Car Club members during July as a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Car Club and as a thank you to the established individuals who have demonstrated continued enthusiasm and loyalty to the brand. Anyone who has been a member of the club for more than 6 months will be offered the opportunity to pay a £2,500 deposit, and TVR will also make a financial donation to the TVR Car Club for each deposit taken from a member.
Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR, says: "We feel it is important to reward those people who have been such enthusiastic ambassadors for the TVR brand. The club is a wonderfully active and loyal community of people who simply love the cars, so it seems fitting that they should be offered a reduced deposit and a promise of some of the early production units. With initial production in 2017 to be in the low hundreds, the early units are likely to be much coveted."
The company is currently working on building and establishing its UK network of TVR Heritage and TVR Performance partners, many of which will have previously been TVR main dealers, whilst suitable new partners are also being sought. Most of the early cars will be delivered direct from the factory, although a referral scheme will be put in place to reward the network partners for their loyalty to the brand and to assist them in establishing relationships with the new customers in their locality.
June 2015 - TVR to return to production with stunning new car designed in collaboration with Gordon Murray DesignRevered British sports car brand, TVR, is roaring back to production with an incredible all-new Cosworth powered sports car, engineered in collaboration with F1 and road car design legend, Gordon Murray.
TVR has developed a product and launch programme that will see at least four new models brought to market over the next ten year |
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Positioning and pricing set to be consistent with TVR’s past market positioning and highly competitive within its segment
The iconic British car brand, TVR, has today announced that it will return to the market with an all-new British designed and built sports car. The company, which boasts an outstanding new management team, has developed the new car in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design and Cosworth, each providing much of the core design and engineering capability for the all-new TVR. This incredible project is already well advanced with over a year of development completed so far.
TVR will issue more specification details and early images later in 2015, but the car will continue the tradition of a classic British two-seat sports car with a composite ground effect aero chassis and body package using Gordon Murray Design’s innovative iStream® technology. Enthusiasts will also be delighted to know that the car will feature the traditional TVR DNA of a front engine with rear wheel drive and a manual transmission, powered by a normally aspirated, dry-sumped, V8 engine, developed and engineered by Cosworth.
Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said: “We know that a new TVR has to be better than just good – it has to be outstanding. From the outset we only wanted to work with the best partners in the business, and both Gordon Murray’s and Cosworth’s track records within motor sport and high performance car design and engineering speak for themselves. GMD and Cosworth are the perfect partners for TVR and together, we will deliver a truly exceptional new car.”
Production of the car will begin in 2017, and will be offered to the market at a competitive price point within its segment and consistent with TVR’s positioning in the past. TVR has prioritised the company’s position as an all-British institution, and the cars will be completely produced in new UK factory premises.
Gordon Murray, Chairman of Gordon Murray Design comments: “TVR is an iconic brand which has been an important part of British sports car manufacturing for many decades. Its return to manufacturing is an exciting development and the car deserves the best chassis and powertrain that can possibly be delivered. To that end, I am delighted that our company is involved with the project, and that TVR are using our iStream® technology.”
Bruce Wood, Cosworth Technical Director, said: “We are proud to see Cosworth’s industry-leading engineering at the heart of the revived TVR brand. Our team has been working closely with TVR and Gordon Murray Design to develop a powertrain solution that perfectly complements the exceptional performance characteristics of the new car. It’s an exciting project and one which well suits Cosworth’s engineering expertise.”
Edgar continues: “We are a well-funded, well-supported organisation and boast a vastly experienced management team. We are here to stay and we have a fully evolved ten year plan for product and business development, and are committed to deliver on all the targets we have set ourselves – as we have done to date.
“Despite very deliberately maintaining a low profile since completing the acquisition of TVR two years ago, we have had an enormous amount of unsolicited interest from businesses, individuals and investors internationally. Such is the strength of the brand and the passion of its followers. It is a real privilege to be a part of the revival of a great British marque – one that will succeed through our single-minded desire to produce exceptional sports cars.”
