Tuesday 2nd November 2004

First new Tuscan S arrives

Dream Machines cops the first car from the new regime

---

The first TVR Tuscan S -- the Mk2 -- to be given the go-ahead under TVR's new regime arrived at TVR dealer Dream Machines this morning. The influx of Nikolai Smolenski’s new TVRs has started.

Dream Machines' Richard Harfoot's first impressions are that the Mk2 has all the visual clout of any of its predecessors but instantly feels tighter and more robust inside and out.

A host of visual changes make the Mk2 instantly distinctive, especially the aerodynamic additions. According to Harfoot, the Tuscan resemblance stops at the skin, the underpinnings are more akin to the awesome T350 giving the Mk2 a previously unheard of level of traction and feel.

The Tuscan Speed Six's power output from the 3.6L Speed Six engine remains at 350bhp while a meaty 400 bhp is available from the tarmac rippling 4.0L lurking in the S version. With development and quality control at an all-time high, issues of reliability and fragility have been tackled head on, says Harfoot. "Straight away the Mk2 shows signs of an all new TVR to come: it sounds, drives and looks like a TVR but is as sturdy and reliable as any of its competitors."

Harfoot has invited potential buyers to book a test drive by calling 01435 868 456.

www.dreammachines.org.uk/

[andynormancx]

Either I am getting old or whoever has styled all the latest TVRs has lots the plot. I really dislike the details on the new Tuscan S.

I thought the boot lid was nasty and then I saw the interior. The original Tuscan interior is a work of art, the new one is just a mess.

Does anyone over the age of 25 like this "look" ?

[_dobbo_]

I for one really hope that the whole TVR reliability thing finally goes away....

But surely given this car hasn't even got a number plate on it, it's a bit early for this:

bloke from Dream Machines said:

reliable as any of it's competitors

Much as I would love that to be true, I think we need to wait and see?

[RichardR]

I like the look of it except, maybe, the rear spoiler, so just the standard Tuscan for me. I also prefer the look with both sets of headlights faired in rather than just one set as per the motor show model.

Just a shame I don't have a contractor's income to pay for it!

[smele]

The covered headlights look much better, I always thought that would look good. Not sure about the rear wing, think I would have to seat it in person, but I think it will look alright to me and I am over 25.

The picture of the interior, is that the ignition key to the right of the little console?

Not sure how much input Smolenski this?

smele-ski.

[steve11]

Rear Spoiler

[robbo64]

Same story here...like the lights, interior nowt flash, rear spoiler

[pies]

"it sounds, drives and looks like a TVR but is as sturdy and reliable as any of its competitors."

Where's the evidence to back that statement up ?

[anonymous-user]

I pity the person following that spoiler after its been sat in a heavy downpour.

Must be like a tidal wave coming over the back

[the pits]

Cool apart from rear spoiler plus old interior was as mentioned a work of art in my view.

I hope the quality comments are true but they just sound like dealer puff to me!

[lucozade]

The original Tuscan is still the best looking car around.

This new one has ruined it. The interior is disgusting, the new front changes are just a step too far.

Hope it all sticks together ok.

[steveb*]

Looks like they over ordered Griffith light fairings then!

[andy_b]

other than the front light covers, a real backward step. too max power


a sad sad day if this is the start of new TVRs....lets hope its just a small blot

[krispy]

Butt ugly IMHO. I really hope this isn't a sign of things to come.......

[lazyitus]

Got to say...........











That's awesome. Come on guys, remember the first reaction to the Sagaris?

[Mr Freefall]

What a horrible car...

[gruffy]

Well, I AM 25 and I'm not keen. It was never going to be easy to impress me with a Mk2 Tuscan as I still believe the Tuscan (Mk1) is one of the best looking cars on the road.

The original headlights were one of the defining characteristics of the Tuscan and with that loss the Mk2 also lost some of it's charm IMO.

While the spoiler isn't as bad in the flesh (honestly) it still ain't pretty.

All in all, I'm well pleased. Prices of the Mk1 are heading towards my end of the scale and I'm not pining after the expensive model. Whoopee!!

But then they throw the Sagaris into the equation and I'm back to pipe dreams

[lazyitus]

Actually, just took a secong look.

Not sure now.......

[speedsix20]

It makes me think of a bit of a MKI Tuscan S modified by a Mad Max fan.

The new detailing makes it lose a great deal of its appeal to my eyes.

Good news for the apparent quality and general feel of integrity improvements though

[joust]

andynormancx said:

Either I am getting old or whoever has styled all the latest TVRs has lots the plot. I really dislike the details on the new Tuscan S. Does anyone over the age of 25 like this "look" ?

Not me....

I've not been a great fan of the interiors since the Grif days, and this latest incarnation really doesn't "do it" for me.

Still - sonme people seem to like it, so let's hope TVR can find enough of them to keep going.

J

[beano500]

At least it is getting reactions!

I think you have to go a long way to beat the "classic" design of the Mk1.

But then look at this, or the Tamora when it first appeared, and we were all moaning that they weren't as perrtty as a Griff or Chimaera (whichever side of that fence we were on).

Even if I don't go head over heels about it, at least it's not as bland as the junk that generally fills our highways and byeways.....

Good on the design team for having a go...