Friday 1st October 2004

TVR visits Australia

Confirmation of tests down under

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Sources say that TVR will definitely be testing the T350c and Tuscan S in Australia. According to a statement, "TVR will be visiting Australia in November this year to run a test and evaluation program for Australian conditions. They will be bringing out two cars for this programme, the Tuscan S and the T350c. Further detail will be announced as the programme draws nearer."

The implication is clear: if the result of testing means TVR cooling systems can handle a summer in the Oz desert, the cars should be able to shrug off the average British summer. But will they cope with the average British traffic jam?

One would also suspect that the cars' performance and handling during sustained high speed running will be tested too, one area where TVR's record is less than spotless. We'll bring you any more details as soon as we get them.

[barbra]

I suppose thats the only two cars that will be allowed into AUS since they got blacklisted for trying to break the rules with the Griff.

The Aussie govt are so strict on allowing imports and the tax structure is a nightmare

[PetrolTed]

Better take lots of otter switches

[pies]

How about taking them to a monsoon area to check for leaks to

[RichB]

Pistonheads said:

One would also suspect that the cars' performance and handling during sustained high speed running will be tested too, one area where TVR's record is less than spotless.

Oh like the Le Mans 24 Hours then where two cars run at sustained high speed on a race track that tests their performance and handling!? Anyone care to remind me what the conclusion for TVR was there? Rich...

[FourWheelDrift]

PetrolTed said:

Better take lots of otter switches

No, in that heat they'd need lots of colder switches.

[mrmaggit]

Would they be the two that were spotted on the motorway last night?

[Brendan G]

RichB said:

Oh like the Le Mans 24 Hours then where two cars run at sustained high speed on a race track that tests their performance and handling!? Anyone care to remind me what the conclusion for TVR was there? Rich...

Yeah, coz they were completely standard road cars

[tvr_nz]

The most exciting thought is - maybe they'll even go the whole way & get frontal impact compliance. I'd love to see them in NZ - my order would be placed immediately!

[mrmaggit]

tvr_nz said:

The most exciting thought is - maybe they'll even go the whole way & get frontal impact compliance. I'd love to see them in NZ - my order would be placed immediately!

And we'll be on the next boat with our Griff.

[Tripps]

PetrolTed said:

Better take lots of otter switches

And pots of glue too

Good to see this happenin, can't be cheap and its showing commitment from NS whether or not he intends to export to Oz/NZ and follow all the front impact statutes.

Next, winter testing in Iceland...

[RichB]

Brendan G said:

RichB said: Pistonheads said: One would also suspect that the cars' performance and handling during sustained high speed running will be tested too, one area where TVR's record is less than spotless. Oh like the Le Mans 24 Hours then where two cars run at sustained high speed on a race track that tests their performance and handling!? Anyone care to remind me what the conclusion for TVR was there? Rich... Yeah, coz they were completely standard road cars

No, just like the Ferraris, Porsches and Corvettes weren't, but I was just making the point mate. Doh! Rich...

[FesterNath]

RichB said:

Brendan G said: RichB said: Pistonheads said: One would also suspect that the cars' performance and handling during sustained high speed running will be tested too, one area where TVR's record is less than spotless. Oh like the Le Mans 24 Hours then where two cars run at sustained high speed on a race track that tests their performance and handling!? Anyone care to remind me what the conclusion for TVR was there? Rich... Yeah, coz they were completely standard road cars No, just like the Ferraris, Porsches and Corvettes weren't, but I was just making the point mate. Doh! Rich...

Touchy touchy! TVRs have a dubious reliability record - it can't be completely unfounded now can it? Or is it a jealous persons propaganda exercise that has come off extremely well?

[TVRinBFG]

Why Australia? They could do testing in Spain on better quality roads and it's cheaper to get there.

[Tripps]

TVRinBFG said:

Why Australia? They could do testing in Spain on better quality roads and it's cheaper to get there.

I presume they might be making use of Australia's varied climate, from hot to cold in a matter of miles, with sandstorms in between.

Or, they might just fancy a trip down under to visit Ramsey Street

[EvilMunro]

Well I have to admit IF they decide to sell them in australia say around porsche money, theyll make a fortune

[guydw]

Festernath said:

Touchy touchy! TVRs have a dubious reliability record - it can't be completely unfounded now can it? Or is it a jealous persons propaganda exercise that has come off extremely well?

OK - I'm gonna sound boring now, so Ted, feel free to close this thread or something.... but .....

This sweeping statement is wrong and unfair. Lots of sports cars have a bad record. Generally, once TVRs are sorted, provided they are looked after and driven regularly, then they are good as gold.

My Chimaera did nearly 20K a year and is the most reliable car I've ever had. The Cerb, after a few teething troubles, has been fantastic.

Obviously not so sure about the S6, but that's probably improving now.....

People go on about Porsches, but what about the thing with the ceramic brakes that cost over 20K to replace - puts a Cerbera engine rebuild into perspective....

[PetrolTed]

When I read it I thought perhaps the comment was a bit harsh. Then I remembered that the only breakdown we've had with the Chimaera was due to overheating

Let's face it - they are a bit sensitive in that area. I'd never heard of otter switches until I got a TVR.

[guydw]

Fair point - but I bet it's overheating in traffic rather than going fast in hot weather.

I have always felt that the Chim is the ultimate winter car though ... actually it's my favourite TVR ever !

[FesterNath]

guydw said:

Festernath said: Touchy touchy! TVRs have a dubious reliability record - it can't be completely unfounded now can it? Or is it a jealous persons propaganda exercise that has come off extremely well? OK - I'm gonna sound boring now, so Ted, feel free to close this thread or something.... but ..... This sweeping statement is wrong and unfair. Lots of sports cars have a bad record. Generally, once TVRs are sorted, provided they are looked after and driven regularly, then they are good as gold. My Chimaera did nearly 20K a year and is the most reliable car I've ever had. The Cerb, after a few teething troubles, has been fantastic. Obviously not so sure about the S6, but that's probably improving now..... People go on about Porsches, but what about the thing with the ceramic brakes that cost over 20K to replace - puts a Cerbera engine rebuild into perspective....

To clarify: I'm a great fan of all things TVR, and also feel that a lot of the problems reported look like they stem from improper - or lack of - maintenance. However, it remains that any conversation which features TVR invariably features the subject of reliability: it has to have come from somewhere. Which was my point.
To cite Porsche's ceramic brake shocker as a means of excusing reliability concerns with TVR seems to be somewhat missing the point.

[dick dastardly]

There's definately a market there if TVR can get the cars passed the tests. When I was selling my Cerbera on eBay I was getting about 5 interested emails a day from Oz.