TVR to return with Gordon Murray-designed car

It's offical, TVR is back. The boutique supercar firm that survived numerous ups and downs over its 59-year lifespan but was finally forced to close the doors to its Blackpool factory definitively in 2006 is set to live another day, and the news has generated more than its fair share of excitement in the automotive community.

The pages of the automotive press are filled with stories of rescue plans and of wealthy individuals with dreams of resurrecting once formidable motoring marques. However, what is giving the news about TVR, officially announced on Wednesday, so much traction is the name of one of the individuals involved in breathing life back into the brand.

Gordon Murray, the man behind the legendary McLaren F1 will be overseeing design, while production -- scheduled to start in 2017 -- will follow his ingenious award-winning iStream process, which enables different cars to be built from the same components and for large-scale production to be possible at smaller premises.

"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," said Murray.

The company's iconic status came from its thunderous V8 engines, dynamic handling, brave styling and an unmatched combination of exclusivity and affordability.

And TVR's new backers promise that the formula will be the same when the first new car hits the road in 2017, thanks to a specially adapted V8 from Cosworth -- the company that builds engines for Formula One and Aston Martin. "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," said Cosworth technical director, Bruce Wood.

TVR still has a huge following in its native Britain and beyond, and those drivers that loved the old cars are being courted as the initial clients for the next generation of models.

So expect a two-seater with rear-wheel drive, manual gearbox, a front-mounted engine and a choice of coupe or convertible when more details about the first new model are confirmed later in 2015.

"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," Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said. "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."
Source: Relaxnews