Should TVR build...
Discussion
...a mid-engined car?
I mean, I know they're known and loved for the lairy handling, but surely a mid-engined car with the power and simplicity of a TVR would be something a bit different. I'd like to see what they come up with.
Ideally, I'd think of a Griff-like Ferrari 250LM lookalike, but given their recent design directions, perhaps it would be more like an S2 version of the Lotus Elise GT1.
I mean, I know they're known and loved for the lairy handling, but surely a mid-engined car with the power and simplicity of a TVR would be something a bit different. I'd like to see what they come up with.
Ideally, I'd think of a Griff-like Ferrari 250LM lookalike, but given their recent design directions, perhaps it would be more like an S2 version of the Lotus Elise GT1.
Hmmm... On one hand I'm thinking that it goes against the ethos that TVR are comfortable and fast tourers, going mid-engine would remove a lot of the luggage space most TVRs are blessed with.
On the other hand, some TVR aren't all that civilised so would this matter, and as Caterham and bike owners manaage touring holidays, huge amounts of space isn't the biggest issue...
So I think yes - perhaps TVR should go for it.
On the other hand, some TVR aren't all that civilised so would this matter, and as Caterham and bike owners manaage touring holidays, huge amounts of space isn't the biggest issue...
So I think yes - perhaps TVR should go for it.
900T-R said:I'd say they've got it pretty well sorted with the Tamora and T350 nowadays, perhaps not to the level of the 911 or Nobles, but certainly not tail-happy in an unpredictable manner.
I'd like them to sort the potentially more benign and preogressive front-mid engine/RWD handling first before attempting a mid-engined car
Fair point, but there's still room for improvement. The quick rack, brake bias that's a tad too much rearward for comfort on unknown territory and traces of bump steer left still make Tivs a bit on the nervous side of the ideal road behaviour, which IMO is not a good omen for going mid-engined. And why have a go at mid-engined when it's taken them about 57 years to get near a world-class level of front engine-RWD handling?
900T-R said:
I'd like them to sort the potentially more benign and preogressive front-mid engine/RWD handling first before attempting a mid-engined car
The Tamora and T350 rate as one of the most impressive handling cars I have been in. If the elise and noble are the pillars by which other manufacturers are setting their sites, the T350 and Tamora (and no doubt saggyarse) are not far behind at all.
Tripps said:
Hmmm... On one hand I'm thinking that it goes against the ethos that TVR are comfortable and fast tourers, going mid-engine would remove a lot of the luggage space most TVRs are blessed with.
On the other hand, some TVR aren't all that civilised so would this matter, and as Caterham and bike owners manaage touring holidays, huge amounts of space isn't the biggest issue...
Not so sure about that, a mate of mine worked for Toyota when the Mk3 MR2 came out. He reckons they lost a load of regular customers simply over the lack of boot space. Having owned a few MR2s myself I can see why.
I for one would not buy a car that I could not clear off on a euro trip for a couple of weeks with.
Cutting down an already small customer base is not a very good start.
If there was a lack of interest in the Chimp it was because the awareness of TVR was very low 10 years ago.
It is only now that the motoring press write about them, little kids have posters plastered over there walls and there stand at the motor show is one of the most impactful and visited that they are more mainstream in their awareness levels.
Obviously your car is the wrong colour and your pipes are blocked because people notice TVR alot more than other so called exotica. In the future, if they become more reliable and cheaper alot more people will buy them.
It is only now that the motoring press write about them, little kids have posters plastered over there walls and there stand at the motor show is one of the most impactful and visited that they are more mainstream in their awareness levels.
Obviously your car is the wrong colour and your pipes are blocked because people notice TVR alot more than other so called exotica. In the future, if they become more reliable and cheaper alot more people will buy them.
Ribol said:I think there could be sufficient interest, the Sagaris AFAIK has little or no stowage space due to the rollcage and has a good number of deposits down.
Not so sure about that, a mate of mine worked for Toyota when the Mk3 MR2 came out. He reckons they lost a load of regular customers simply over the lack of boot space. Having owned a few MR2s myself I can see why.
I for one would not buy a car that I could not clear off on a euro trip for a couple of weeks with.
Cutting down an already small customer base is not a very good start.
With the Tamora/T350 for a little car and a Tuscan and a replacement Cerbera for roof off/on touring, there could just be a spot for a mid-engined toy perhaps below the T400 series - who knows though without looking at the current sales and deposit trends.
Shnozz said:
Shnozz said:
The Tamora and T350 rate as one of the most impressive handling cars I have been in.
Whats the next car going to be then Shnozz?
With the lack of interest in the Chimaera at what I thought was a low price, there wont be a next...
You never know Phil, give it a couple of months and I'll be in the market for a V8 if all goes well. I want a Griff but the relatively high prices are putting me off and I'm not really comfortable with running a 500, Cerbie is out of my budget. Minimax is pushing me to get a G33, but I like the TVR comforts, so I could actually go full circle and buy end up actually buying a car off you.
WildfireS3 said:
Ribol said:
Shnozz said:
The Tamora and T350 rate as one of the most impressive handling cars I have been in.
Whats the next car going to be then Shnozz?
With the lack of interest in the Chimaera at what I thought was a low price, there wont be a next...
You never know Phil, give it a couple of months and I'll be in the market for a V8 if all goes well. I want a Griff but the relatively high prices are putting me off and I'm not really comfortable with running a 500, Cerbie is out of my budget. Minimax is pushing me to get a G33, but I like the TVR comforts, so I could actually go full circle and buy end up actually buying a car off you.
excellant mate! So pleased you may be interested cos I know as soon as you show an interest in a TVR I am selling the phone starts ringing off the hook with other punters
In all seriousness mate, feel free to have a poke around if you are down the sunny south at some stage. I am biased of course, but I am yet to see another early car in the same condition (both inside, outside and underneath)
Interestingly, Corin Denton was down last weekend and we went for a blast in his 500 chimaera. He had a 400 before that and reckons the 400 was a quicker car point to point and he could hussle it around the twisties quicker due to not having such huge amounts of torque. Certainly made me think....
I would love a cerbera but the reality of it is I cant take the chance on the running costs. I also adore the G33 and have wanted one since they first were released. However, having had a poke around one, there are too many remnants of the kit car origins in it now that I have enjoyed the Chimaera interior. Lovely looking car though and the good ol' V8.
Shnozz said:WildFire's coming down South soon, I'll try and drag him over to Hampshire in the new year, 'bout time I visit you guys again
In all seriousness mate, feel free to have a poke around if you are down the sunny south at some stage. I am biased of course, but I am yet to see another early car in the same condition (both inside, outside and underneath)
Tripps said:
In all seriousness mate, feel free to have a poke around if you are down the sunny south at some stage. I am biased of course, but I am yet to see another early car in the same condition (both inside, outside and underneath)
WildFire's coming down South soon, I'll try and drag him over to Hampshire in the new year, 'bout time I visit you guys again
sounds good mate, or maybe we could sort a midway meet - or eat racing green out of bacon butties
Tripps said:
sounds good mate, or maybe we could sort a midway meet - or eat racing green out of bacon butties
That's a plan - Gatwick will be having a open day for bacon butties and to show off the Sagaris - how does that sound?
any idea on the date? reckon they would object if I stuck mine at the end of the line with a price in the windscreen?
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