-McClarenDesign's-
Very Serious SLS AMG Review of the Car of the Week N Stuff
"I'm afraid that if I raced you on the street I'd push you to your death."- Keiichi Tsuchiya
Week 25: The TVR Cars
Our three weeks in London have certainly been entertaining and productive, but they haven't entirely been without purpose. Sure, we've fulfilled our obligation to test and review a few cars, and yes we've also managed irritate the local constables with our late night hijinks. But we aren't here to simply muck up a few reviews...
and a car... and be on our way. You see, we're on a mission from God.
Exactly three weeks ago we were finishing up our
review of the Supra, assisting our man Ken with loading his equipment, when one of the track officials gave us the news. Had it been 5 minutes later, we would've already been gone, blissfully ignorant and patting each other on the back for a job well done... even though it went to
(expletive). Instead, our night went from miserable to insufferable when we were told that TVR was no more.
Actually, TVR hadn't died as a company, and would still continue. Instead of building cars, they've decided to focus on wind turbines, and what the kids are calling "green technology." So rather than actually dying, what I heard was TVR had contracted
gonoherpasyphilscabAIDS, and was in the final throws of a very long and agonizing withdraw from the living.
To The Pain.
"To the pain," means the first thing you lose will be your feet below the ankles, then your hands at the wrists, next your nose. Tongue? No, the next thing you lose will be your left eye, followed by the right . Then the ears? Wrong! Your ears you keep, and I'll tell you why. So that every shriek of every child at seeing your hideousness will be yours to cherish, every babe that weeps at your approach, every woman who cries out: "
Dear God, what is that thing?" will echo in your perfect ears. That is what "to the pain" means. It means I leave you in anguish, wallowing in
freakish misery,
forever.
First Carroll, and now this. To be honest, I was tired of eulogies after
our first, but at the same time I'm also honored to be asked to do it again. Rather than just dive in, our new sponsors have paid to have all 8 of our cars shipped from across The Pond, each lovingly wrapped in the finest and most durable bubble wrap
T OMG! Enterprises felt affordable, and to them our sincerest thanks.
The check is in the post, right?
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
TVR saw rapid growth when businessman, Peter Wheeler, took the reins of the company in 1990 following the release of the Griffith. However, there were still fans of TVR that felt that the company's real image had been lost and fretted that the sports cars envisioned by Trevor Wilkinson would no longer be produced. But those doubts were largely erased when the TVR V8S was introduced.
The TVR V8S was a true sports car, with a backbone frame and thick, welded steel pipes providing structural stability. The suspension system consisted of double wishbone suspension systems at front and rear, giving it amazing cornering prowess. Mounted behind the cabin was a 4.0-liter V8 that pumped out 240 HP, making the lightweight car a virtual road rocket. Thanks to its flamboyant-yet-classical body style, which was reminiscent of sports cars of the 1950s, this vehicle became very popular among TVR lovers.
Later, it went on to attract the attention of the general public with its various body styles, and even when TVR gradually increased engine power, the structural foundation and suspension were left almost untouched because it had been so thoroughly engineered at the start. The admirable steering effort that garnered the phrase "a car for real men," was also left intact. Thanks partly to the TVR and others that demonstrated a genuine interpretation of the enthusiast spirit, England came to be called the "home of the sports car."
What possesses a man to wake up one morning and say to himself "you know what, I sure enjoy my car... I think I'll buy the company"? I certainly understand man's love affair with the automobile, but to paraphrase Beyoncé, enough to
put a ring on it? Of course I'd leap at the opportunity to swoop up a well-to-do mark like Ferrari or Nissan, but a failing one?
I suppose, technically,
I wasn't given the choice, but this is different because national politics aren't involved in the TVR deal, nor is the company nearly as large as GM or Chrysler. I suppose a better comparison would be more like waking up and buying Saab, but I'm not a dentist or an architect, and I actually like it when other cars do what Saabs don't...
work.
To try and find out what recreational drugs Peter Wheeler was on when he decided to purchase TVR, we've assembled our collection for testing, analysis and as a tribute to a fellow that surely must've been as bonkers as the cars he built. To aid in our quest, an elite group lads from the local
TVR club have agreed to join, albeit under the condition of anonymity. Thus, their names and likenesses have been altered to protect their identities. As for our useless-monkey driver...
Performance as Purchased: April 10, 2011, Silver Stardust Metallic (
Grey)
Displacement: 3,950 cc
Max. Power:
232 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max. Torque:
262 ft-lbs. @ 3,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 4,013 mm Height: 1,250 mm Weight: 1050 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
444
Mileage: 6,469.3 mi.
The first car unwrapped was the lovely 1991 V8S. Shortly after Wheeler took over TVR, many voiced their concerns that TVR would start producing different cars than they had traditionally. This car put those fears to rest, easily fitting in with previous cars from TVR, as well as others of its genre like the Alfa Romeo Spider from
Week 2. If the badges were removed and the cars given to the general public, they'd be hard pressed to tell them apart. The automotive equivalent of the Pepsi Taste Test.
Once unwrapped, the TVR technicians went about restoring months of neglect. Despite the insanely low mileage, we simply hadn't driven the car much since taking delivery over a year ago. Although the car was in great condition, 17,500
Cr. were lightened from our wallet, along with another 29,500
Cr. for a full body restoration. TVRs aren't exactly known for their reliability, and our diligence was rewarded with
19 more hp,
21 extra ft-lbs. of torque, and
11 added Performance Points... According to Google, those points are similar to CDs and cassette tapes, but you can't trust anything on the internet nowadays.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 251 hp, Max. Torque: 283 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 455 PP
Lucky for me, our useless-monkey test driver was.. well, me. Our Royal Prince Producer thought it only fitting that I take over the useless tasks normally done by useless drivers. As I was shutting the door of the V8S, I heard him mumble something that sounded like "poetic justice", but I couldn't be sure. Lights out, throttle down, and
0:14.218 later I was at the end of the quarter-mile, eclipsing 60 mph in just
0:05.746.
Useless monkey my
(expletive)!
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:34.924, 0-100 mph: 0:13.383, Max. G-Force: 0.72G, Top Speed: 160.9 mph
Like its contemporaries, the V8S wasn't exactly fast, but then again it didn't need to be. As we've proven before, you don't need 9,000 bhp to put a smile on your face, and the V8S does that while remaining stylish
and sensible. It's the "and" that fans of TVR were concerned about, and sure enough, it soon became "or".
Three short years later, TVR had to progress to keep up with the times, and in doing so released the Griffith.
"There, you've had your car, now shut up!" No longer content with the V8S simplistic styling, the Griffith began the feeling-out process, whereas most larger companies would just as soon spend millions in marketing and research.
Once unwrapped, it's hard to think of any focus group given this to ponder. Amongst a group of complete strangers, men would be 87% more likely to get an erection, while women would be found 74% more likely to faint from the sudden surge of hormones. Teenage boys with the Griffith on their walls went through puberty overnight, while the girls who rode in them vacated their virginity as fast as the car could accelerate.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
When Peter Wheeler was appointed the president of TVR in 1980, a major change occurred. The company that had been founded by Trevor Wilkinson shed its traditional line of lightweight sports cars in favor of limited-production high-performance sports cars. the vehicle that symbolized this new philosophy was the Griffith, released in 1992.
With it's long nose and short front and rear deck, the Griffith was a roadster of classical proportions, but its styling was modern, indicating that TVR was adapting to the times. The body was composed of a tubular frame skeleton with FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) body panels.
The engine was originally a Rover-built 4.0-liter V-8 that produced 271 HP, but TVR increased displacement to 5.0 liters, bumping output to 320 HP and 319.9 ft-lb. of torque. The new more powerful version was known as the Griffith 500. Because the soft-top convertible Griffith 500 weighed only 1060 kg, it possessed awe-inspiring performance. Top speed was rated at 168 mph, and it ran from zero to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds. To accommodate this power, the car was equipped with a sport-tuned double wishbone suspension system at all four corners, and stopping power came via ventilated disc brakes all around. Providing grip were 225/50ZR15 tires up front and 245/50ZR16 tires at the rear. The Griffith was discontinued in 2001, replaced by a newer generation of TVR machines.
If I could choose only one word in the English language to sum up this car, it would be "want." Looking at it before me, I want one. I want to rip the plastic from the seats, leap in, and experience the speeds at which the car looks like it's traveling, despite it standing still. One glance along the fenders, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the tires, only to make sure the car isn't traveling at Mach 2. Is the wheel blurred? No? You're safe.
Performance as Purchased: April 19, 2011, Space Blue Pearl (
Blue)
Displacement: 4,988 cc
Max. Power:
337 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max. Torque:
346 ft-lbs. @ 3,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 3,892 mm Height: 1,205 mm Weight: 1060 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
493
Mileage: 4,358.0 mi.
While I daydreamed and salivated, the TVR Club went about it's business, someone went about and pick-pocketed another 17,500
Cr. for the engine restoration, and 29,000
Cr. for the body. In its place was a receipt, along with instructions on where the list of repairs could be found, which wouldn't fit in my pocket... or a filing cabinet. On the upside, the club gave us an added
20 hp,
22 ft-lbs., and
9 Performance Points... which can't even be given away for free now.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 357 hp, Max. Torque: 368 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 502 PP
Once Israel and Palestine had reached an agreement, it was my turn behind the wheel, strapping in with puddles of drool pooling in my lap. Throttle down, and the quarter-mile was a memory in
0:12.930, with 60 being reached in only
0:04.712. Unlike the V8S, this had the speed to match its looks, and frankly didn't care if you used it then because it knows that you eventually will. Like it or not, your foot will get heavier.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:31.420, 0-100 mph: 0:09.787, Max. G-Force: 0.75G, Top Speed: 188.7 mph
If the Griffith was the first sign of a change within TVR, then the Cerbera cemented it. No longer content to stick with the tried-and-true British tradition of roadsters, TVR instead gambled on the 2+2 layout, or 2 adults + 2 children (if you really have to). On top of this was the top, now actually part of the car.
By this point, our Mr. Wheeler had also become involved with the design of the car. I suppose that's the luxury of owning your own automobile company, but asking a chemist to design a supercar is bound to yield results based on its pharmaceutical ingredients. In the case of the Griffith, and now the Cerbera, chemicals
had to be involved. Now I'm not saying that the distinguished owner of TVR was a drug user... I'm saying that the person in charge of telling the distinguished owner of TVR "no" was on drugs.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
When the Cerbera was unveiled at the 1993 Birmingham Motor Show, it caused a major commotion, wowing all who were present with its slick 2+2 layout and radical styling. Legend has it that 276 orders were placed on the spot.
The Cerbera came equipped with an example of one of the company's first engines built in-house. Under the hood of the performance-minded Cerbera Speed 6 was a 4.0-liter inline-6 rated at 350 HP and 328.9 ft-lb. of torque. It came mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. And because this FR (Front engine, Rear drive) car weighed only 1130 kg, the Cerbera possessed awesome on-road performance. Not only did the car go fast in a straight line, it turned with the best of them, thanks to a traditional double-wishbone suspension system all around.
But the Cerbera Speed 6 was tame when compared to the Speed 12, presented at the 1999 London Motor Show. The Speed 12 had almost as much impact as a new model. The main skeleton consisted of steel pipes, but the floor and bulkhead were made of aluminum honeycomb panels. The most impressive thing about the car was its engine, a 7730-cc V-12 that cranked out a whopping 800 HP. This allowed the Speed 12 to reach a top speed of 240 mph and run to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.
When viewing the evolution from the V8S to the Cerbera, it's like watching the 90's play out all over again. The V8S is
Bleach, the Griffith
Nevermind, and our Cerbera is
In Utero. Meanwhile the excesses of heroin and dotcoms have warped the concept of a small British sportscar maker into a British supercar contender. So much for being confused with Triumphs.
Performance as Purchased: December 24, 2010, Pathfinder Blue Pearlescent (
Blue)
Displacement: 3,966 cc
Max. Power:
334 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max. Torque:
315 ft-lbs. @ 5,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 4,280 mm Height: 1,220 mm Weight: 1130 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
489
Mileage: 8,469.3 mi.
Once again, our anonymous group of gearheads went to work removing the packaging, and bringing our beloved Cerbera back to life. This time, however, our problems were even more extensive. Remember, the finest bubble wrap our sponsors could afford... so toilet paper, really. After spending 39,500
Cr. on the body and 23,500
Cr. on the engine, we were rewarded with
32 hp,
30 ft-lbs., and
14 more Performance Points, which nobody gives a crap about anymore anyway.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 345 hp, Max. Torque: 357 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 503 PP
Inside the new car, I'm struck by the fragrance of fiberglass and resin. How can this odor linger here for so long, and how can I get rid of it? Rather than roll down the windows, I exchanged the scent for that of burning rubber, as I find that smell much more aesthetically pleasing. Once grip was established, I rocketed up to 60 mph in
0:04.767 and finished the quarter in
0:13.020, just a tick under the Griffith.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:31.359, 0-100 mph: 0:09.867, Max. G-Force: 0.73G, Top Speed: 190.8 mph
Next up was yet more evidence of some sort of psychedelic drug use. The Tuscan Speed 6 signaled the resurgence of TVR, and further legitimized the maker as a supercar contender. For those put to sleep by the latest Lamborghinis, there was this, guaranteed to pick up girls faster than a British teenage pop-rock group. Is your Zonda boring? Try the Tuscan!
Inside is more of the same, provided you can actually figure out how to get into the car in the first place. Trying to figure out the controls and switches required three hits of LSD, but I couldn't be bothered because I'd have to drive... and god knows what this car would be like on that! Instead, I read a Cliffs Notes on the owner's manual, and jotted down instructions on a piece of paper.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
TVR, a name derived from the first name of founder Trevor Wilkinson, is noted for making high-performance specialty cars, British coachworks style.
the company's first production car, the Grantura, made its debut in 1958, and featured the skillful combination of components from existing production cars such as Volkswagens and Austin Healys, wrapped in a sporty, head-turning body style.
Another model was the Tuscan that, despite its racing struggles in the 1960s, was resurrected in 2000, armed with a bevy of new features. the 2-seat 2-door car didn't look at all like its predecessor and had a detachable roof, making it look as good as a convertible as it did as a coupe.
Its eye-catching interior, highlighted by a wild face, makes the car look big, but in fact, the car possessed modest dimensions. it had overall length, width, and height at 166.7 inches, 71.2 inches, and 47.2 inches, respectively. The wheelbase stretches to 92.9 inches. The Speed 6 got its name from the number of cylinders in the engine.
Two inline-6s were available; one a 3.6-liter, the other a 4.0-liter model. The latter featured the day's racing technologies, including dry sump lubrication. Output was rated at 360 HP and 310 ft-lb. of torque, and when this power was coupled to the car's lean 1100 kg body, the Speed 6's acceleration was impressive to say the least. It sprinted to 62 mph in less than 4.0 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars of its day.
Those of you old enough may remember this car being featured in the movie
Swordfish, but it isn't likely. Instead, you probably saw the car featured in the trailer, with John Travolta gallivanting about like some sort of Scientologist Templar with an assault weapon. But don't let that deter you, the car is actually quite good. The movie, however, is absolutely rubbish and best avoided like the plague.
Performance as Purchased: January 26, 2011, Chameleon Blue (
Blue-ish)
Displacement: 3,996 cc
Max. Power:
350 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max. Torque:
299 ft-lbs. @ 5,000 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 4,235 mm Height: 1,200 mm Weight: 1100 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
496
Mileage: 0.0 mi.
Under the bonnet, there thankfully wasn't much for the TVR boys to do. The electrics checked out, the tire pressures were good, even the windshield washer fluid was topped off. A glance at the odometer revealed this little Tuscan was as fresh as a virgin, and only required an oil change and a wash. Chalk up
18 hp, and
7 PP, although the extra Performance Points are about as useful as a
DVD rewinder.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 368 hp, Max. Torque: 315 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 503 PP
After two more agonizing hours, I'd finally figured the car out, and was ready to roll. When given the signal, I tried to launch with as little drama as possible, but the car would have none of it, surging forward through gear after gear. Despite my gentle approach, I managed to nick 60 mph in
0:04.518 and the quarter in
0:12.829. This was all well and good, but now comes the hard part... getting out of this damn thing.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:31.172, 0-100 mph: 0:09.602, Max. G-Force: 0.82G, Top Speed: 183.0 mph
Last week we mentioned that all British cars are assembled in sheds, and that TVR was the "shed you couldn't get out of." Well I think we just proved that with the Tuscan, but to give us another go we've brought out the Race Modification version. One of the benefits of being built in a shed is the cheap overhead costs, leaving more money to pursue racing.
As with last week's shed-built car, TVR offered its customers the opportunity to take their cars racing, even storing and preparing the cars for the customer. One of the men helping us today was an engineer for TVRs racing program, and has developed a special tune that will deliver a top notch result...
Or it
could explode.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
This is the Race Modification version.
Thank you Translator-san. A very astute observation.
Translator-san
Compared with the road car, we get 45 more horses and 24 more twists, despite ditching 215 kilos. Failing that, they've also added a giant rear wing and given it plenty of stickers, including my name underneath the driver's window on the door. A nice touch from some great fellows. Cheers!
It really is a shame we can't take this proper race car on a proper track, but if Bernie Ecclestone gets his wish, we may end up here again only on a new grand prix circuit. And why not, they got the Olympics!
Performance as Purchased: February 12, 2012, White (
White with stickers)
Displacement: 3,996 cc
Max. Power:
395 hp @ 7,300 rpm
Max. Torque:
323 ft-lbs. @ 5,300 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length:
CLASSIFIED Height:
CLASSIFIED mm Weight: 885 kg
Tires: Race (Hard)
Performance Points:
562
Mileage: 0.0 mi.
One the bubble wrap was in the bin, our producer and I helped the TVR men clean and polish the racer before our run. Each of the vitals were checked and rechecked to ensure absolute perfect working order, and our anonymous crew chief assured me that no extra performance advantage could be had. Anything that could be on the table already was, and a fresh coat of wax would ensure the slipperiest of surfaces.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: GDP of Denmark: US$ 321.027 billion (2011 estimate), Lifespan of a Jellyfish: few hours to several months, Teatime: 4p local
Inside the race car, I was strapped in so tight I could hardly breath. Once the engine was fired, the noise was incomprehensible! I could scarcely hear anything being yelled directly into my helmeted ear, which resorted in using impromptu hand signals that would make Helen Keller proud. Thanks to the grippy tires, I was able cover the quarter-mile in
0:12.069, and reached 60 mph in just
0:04.136. Absolutely bonkers!
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, if there ever was a case for rampant drug use within the decision makers at TVR, this is it. Designed to compete at Le Mans, someone had the brilliant idea of actually okaying this for production, at least initially. Upon completion of the first road car, Peter Wheeler drove the car home... then promptly declared the car completely unusable. All that energy and money, and all for naught.
Well, one got out.
Do not, under any circumstances, let the styling of this car fool you. Yes she can exceed 200 mph, yes she is very quick, but she will also kill. Low, sleek, and in a stunning shade of red, it's next to impossible not to be seduced into some form of suicidal lunacy. Zombifying bath salts mixed with LSD, silly mushrooms, ecstasy and god knows what else have been distilled into something with a red dress... that wants to eat your brains.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
Don't look at me, you've got the same thing here as you did for the Speed 6. I thought you were supposed to be "insightful".
I've about had it with.. Anyway some lunatic decided it was a good idea to pursue speed with an absolute fanaticism. And absolutely no idea what they were doing. The car is too wide, it's turning radius is the same circumference as Rhode Island, and every time you come close to it's top speed you have to apply the brakes. I can think of only three roads on the planet where this car could be driven. They're completely straight, out in the middle of nowhere, and have nothing anywhere remotely around them.
Performance as Purchased: January 27, 2011, Formula Red Pearlescent (
Red)
Displacement: 7,730 cc
Max. Power:
838 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Max. Torque:
680 ft-lbs. @ 5,500 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 4,620 mm Height: 1,160 mm Weight: 1020 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
640
Mileage: 140.2 mi.
Another problem with having a car like this is the constant upkeep. To prove that TVR was a traditional supercar manufacturer, the Cerbera Speed 12 required months of maintenance just to get started, never mind the cracks in the chassis that had to be patched, and the engine tuned for the humidity of the air as well as our altitude. Without the TVR Club, our Speed 12 would be a Speed Zero. Keep in mind, this wasn't cheap; to the tune of 129,500
Cr. for absolutely no performance gain what so ever. The sponsors are going to love hearing about this the next time they view our expense report.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Defending Stanley Cup Champions: Los Angeles Kings, # of Thompson Twins: 3, Duran +/- Duran: 0
"Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way... turn." Those were the words of advice given to
John Cusak in the 1980s classic
Better off Dead, and right now they seem rather appropriate. Of course, they were spoken by a man who had just snorted pure snow (no, actual frozen water, snow) and thought he had frozen half of brain.
With infinity before me, I roar over the lines in
0:12.022, and hit 60 mph in
0:04.935. I was expecting something a lot more, but to be honest the RM was more frightening, and a touch quicker. Instead of the advertised 3.5 seconds, we were a full 1.435 slower, and nothing could be done about it! Worse still, we were promised a top speed nearing 240 mph, but we were nowhere near close. Foreshadowing?
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:26.094, 0-100 mph: 0:08.077, Max. G-Force: 0.69G, Top Speed: 221.8 mph
With millions blown on the Le Mans project, TVR needed a bit more stability. To do this, they designed a new entry car using bits laying about the factory and within Peter's head. Since purchasing the company, the chemist had become quite the designer by now,
even after
Swordfish, proving that a great many mistakes can eventually be forgiven.
Building ones cars in a shed allows for a certain flexibility, and working with fiberglass means you can quickly and easily change the shape of a car with minimal fuss. Just make a few molds, readjust a few components, perhaps change the interior, and all of sudden you've got a brand new car bringing butts into your dealership.
How hard can this be?
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
TVR's entry-level car, the daunting Chimera, was a tough act to follow because of its widespread popularity. But TVR was up to the task, and produced the open-top Tamora.
Major mechanical components like the chassis and suspension were shared with the Tuscan coupe, but the Tamora exuded a very different air, characterized by a more classic-looking body style. This body style was defined by the car's long nose, which made the Tamora seem larger than it actually was. In fact, the Tamora wasn't that much larger than the Mazda MX-5.
Housed under its hood was a 3605-cc DOHC inline-6 developed in-house. It was packed with innovative features like a dry-sump lubrication system, an electronically-controlled throttle, and a variable induction system. It produced 345 HP and 290.0 ft-lb. of torque, making it equal in output to the company's heralded Cerbera Speed 6 power plant, a 4.0-liter inline-6. the gearbox was a 5-speed manual. the car was equipped with an integrated limited-slip differential, while 225/50ZR16 tires around 16-in. wheels provided grip. Those who wanted a bit more bling could opt for 18 in. alloys.
Thanks to the car's lean curb weight of about 1100 kg, the Tamora possessed world-class sports car performance. It ran from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 174 mph.
Just like its styling suggested, the Tamora was a pure driver's car. It shunned high-tech gadgets such as ABS, traction control and other aids, leaving the driver in complete control of the car.
4.4 seconds and 174 mph? After having just failed to reach the advertised numbers of the Speed 12, how am I supposed to buy that? Are you sure you read that right?
Translator-san
You keep this up and you'll be doing this all by yourself. I could be working on Gran Turismo 6, you know.
Performance as Purchased: April 20, 2011, Reflex Purple (
Purple?)
Displacement: 3,605 cc
Max. Power:
335 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Max. Torque:
281 ft-lbs. @ 5,500 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 3,925 mm Height: 1,204 mm Weight: 1060 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
493
Mileage: 0.0 mi.
After so many hours worth of work, and very few breaks, it's obvious that morale has suffered. A few of the wives from the crew have brought drinks and snacks, but still they toil on while we argue amongst ourselves. With sunlight only hours away, we've racked up quite the tab in overtime expense alone. Thank god for
T OMG! Enterprises, and the financial assistance they've provided along the way. Their funding bought us
16 hp and
8 more Performance Points... but they can keep those.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 351 hp, Max. Torque: 295 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 501 PP
With only a few hours left, I can see the sunlight approaching the horizon. Already the sky has began brightening, albeit subtly. Provided that we have no major missteps, we should be able to conclude our testing before anyone notices. One more car, one more run down the track, dusting off the quarter at
0:12.860, and sprinting to 60 mph in
0:04.514. Fair enough, Translator-san, you win this round.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:31.379, 0-100 mph: 0:09.761, Max. G-Force: 0.81G, Top Speed: 181.6 mph
In July of 2004, Peter Wheeler sold TVR to Russian
Nikolay Smolensky to for the low, low sum of $15 million. As with any transition, there were fears that the factory would be relocated, but those were initially quelled, and production continued at the Blackpool factory. In addition to the Tamora, TVR unveiled the T350, retaining nearly all of the dimensions of the Tamora.
I guess at this point the question becomes more about the wealthy in general. Why hasn't Warren Buffet or Donald Trump purchased an auto manufacturer. Surely they could've picked up either General Motors or Chrysler for pennies on the dollar. The answer is simple; both Warren Donnie have sense... and/or better drugs.
According to Polyphony Digital via Translator-san:
Translator-san
In an era when most British car makers were actually owned by huge conglomerates outside of the UK, such as Ford and General Motors, TVR stood out as one of the last remaining pure British car companies. and the company represented its country well, producing exciting sports cars with world-class performance. In 2003, TVR took the veils off the T350C, a swoopy, curvaceous sports car, based on the convertible Tamora.
The T350C demanded attention, with a distinctive face, highlighted by two large headlights. The rear end was equally stunning, characterized by its L-shaped taillights. The car was relatively compact with an overall length, width, and height of 154.5 inches, 67.5 inches and 47.0 inches, respectively, making it about the same size as the Mazda MX-5. Wheelbase was 92.9 inches.
Powering the rear wheels was a front-mounted 3605-cc DOHC inline-6 that produced an impressive 350 HP at 7,200 rpm and 290.0 ft-lb. of torque at 5750. When this power was combined with the car's lean 1187 kg, the results were something to behold. It ran from zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 174 mph. Shifting was performed via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The car also came equipped with an integrated limited-slip differential.
Safety wasn't ignored when developing the T350C, as it featured a side-impact bar. But performance and style were the main reasons for buying a T350C; you could even fully customize the interior to create your very own personalized sports car.
What I love most about this car is that it's styling brings back a fashionable sense of reason. That's to say, "I may be bonkers, but I'm no raving lunatic". It's small enough to be comfortable, and just stylish enough to get noticed. No more of the Courtney Love "Look at me!"-ness, then, but definitely enough to catch the eyes.
Like seeing Heather Graham at a diner. She'll catch your eyes, but in that setting, you won't dare make a fool of yourself. Or worse still, her.
Well, you wouldn't. We can't make such promises, because we screw up just about everything.
Performance as Purchased: February 24, 2011, Starmist Blue (
Blue)
Displacement: 3,605 cc
Max. Power:
330 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Max. Torque:
274 ft-lbs. @ 5,500 rpm
Drivetrain: FR
Length: 3,925 mm Height: 1,195 mm Weight: 1187 kg
Tires: Sports (Hard)
Performance Points:
480
Mileage: 16,635.6 mi.
Once the bonnet was lowered, the TVR titans bit their goodbyes, and retreated back to their homes for some much deserved rest. Before they left us, they'd managed to coax
35 extra hp and
14 more Performance Points... points that have absolutely no point whatsoever. Regardless, we appreciated their work, and they appreciated 59,000
Cr. more from us. All said, we'd (and by "we" I mean our sponsors,
T OMG! Enterprises) shelled out over 345,000
Cr. for their assistance.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: Max. Power: 251 hp, Max. Torque: 283 ft-lb., Max. Performance Points: 455 PP
Finally, the last TVR, and just as the sun is ready to rise. With haste, I'm sent blazing down the track. In a moment of panic, I try to slow things down rather than speed them up. Take in the moment, enjoy the shifts, feel the power. Remember, TVR isn't with us any more. This will be the last time... and then it's over.
0:13.068 in the quarter-mile, and just
0:04.763 to 60. A touch slower than the Tamora, but I don't mind because I wanted this moment to last.
For those keeping score at home, other notable data includes: 0-1 mi.: 0:31.994, 0-100 mph: 0:10.186, Max. G-Force: 0.78G, Top Speed: 154.8 mph
Spending all this time with the TVRs, you begin to understand exactly how difficult the challenges are when you're a small maker. John DeLorean showed us in
Week 7 that even the right connections won't always get the job done, while Ginetta showed us that sometimes all you need to do is stay within your niche.
It's a shame, really, that TVR couldn't manage to remain competitive in their niche. Changing markets, globalization, and economic downturns have forced the company to turn its back on history, and instead look towards the river of money that flows into "green technology". As with any foreign concept that I don't fully understand, I'm immediately against it, but at least I have good reason.
Can you honestly imagine a world without the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Hunter S. Thompson, or Courtney Love? Okay, Courtney, maybe, but drugs have enhanced our lives in more ways than one, although often times with tragic consequences. TVR was no different. After getting a free sample in the 90s, it quickly blossomed into a full time junkie by the new millennium, only to crash harder
Chesley Sullenberger.
Maybe tomorrow I'll wake up and win the lottery. If I do, I know what I'm buying first.
Week 1: 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0i V6 24V
Week 2: 1966 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto
Week 3: 2000 Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (S. Shigeno Ver.)
Week 4: 2007 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 Quattro
Week 5: 1983 Nissan Silvia 240RS (S110) and 1985 Nissan 240RS Rally Car
Week 6: 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo
Week 7: 2004 DMC DeLorean S2
Week 8: 1971 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (HS30) and 1971 Nissan 240ZG (HS30)
Week 9: 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Rally Car
Week 10: 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5- 16 Evolution II and 1992 AMG Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5- 16 Evolution II Touring Car
Week 11: 1999 Lotus Motor Sport Elise and 1996 Lotus Elise and 1998 Lotus Elise Sport 190
Week 12: 2001 Audi RS4
Week 13: 1968 Isuzu 117 Coupe
Week 14: 1969 Camaro Z28 and 1969 Camaro Z28 RM and 1969 Camaro SS
Week 15: The Shelby Cars
Week 16: 1979 Honda Civic 1500 3door CX
Week 17: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7
Week 18: 1967 Prince Skyline 2000GT-B
Week 19: 1967 Toyota 2000GT
Week 20: 2002 Audi S3
Week 21: 2004 Oullim Motors Spirra 4.6 V8
Week 22: 1988 Toyota SUPRA 3.0GT Turbo A and 1990 Toyota SUPRA 2.5GT Twin Turbo R
Week 23: 1998 Mini Cooper 1.3i
Week 24: 1964 Ginetta G4
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Ed. Note- R.I.P. TVR (1946 - 2012)
Best wishes and a Godspeed recovery to: Maria De Villota and TurismoM.G!.
If any member of GTP would be willing to lend me them, it would be greatly appreciated. 
send a FR to porthillking, and i'll accept once i get back to the ps3. 
Krenkme thinks so too! 
