How This “Reasonably” Priced British Speedster Is Changing the Future of Auto Production

TVR is back from the dead — and they want to save you money

July 12, 2016 9:00 am

They say all good things must end.

But the best things — phoenixes, prophets, Gandalf — those things tend to come back to life.

And TVR, a British car builder known for high-end, high-power, lightweight sport cars that halted production on their final six models in 2006, is about to join their ranks.

Originally founded in 1947, TVR is set to release its newest iteration in 2017 in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design and Cosworth.

The beauty will be a classic two-seater with a composite effect aero chassis and body package that uses Murray’s “iStream” technology: essentially carbon-fiber paneling bonded to a tubular steel frame. Think of it as a bit of Formula 1 tech dumbed down for the everyday motorist.

Might sound simple, but it’s a complete rethink of the industry-standard manufacturing process — and potentially the most significant revolution in high-volume production since the Model T. The technology will allow a plant 20% the size of a conventional factory to operate on 80% less capital investment (and a significant reduction in CO2 production).

Additional core features to the car will include a traditional TVR DNA front engine with rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission and a V8 engine developed by Cosworth. And beyond the standard make, TVR will offer a special edition post-launch wherein owners will be able to customize the ride with additional bells and whistles.

“We know that a new TVR has to be better than just good — it has to be outstanding,” said Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR. “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.”

TVR is aiming for its McClaren-esque roadster to take on Porsche and Mustang at a “reasonable” price. More than 300 people have already placed deposits on the UK speedster, but we’re betting that “reasonable” still means a figure in the Swiss account range; final prices are yet to be revealed.

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