RE: PH Blog: the spirit of TVR
Discussion
MrTappets said:
I wonder (this is probably going to sound stupid, so apologies) but now AMG is relatively mainstream and the Black series cars so expensive, would someone like Merc be interested in buying the TVR name and starting a new range of sports cars that sit below their own in a less luxury- more wacky design-oriented niche?
It would be a bit like RR or Bentley or Mini and might allow Merc to flex some concept design muscles, a bit like Lexus is doing at the moment. More 'design' focussed cars are certainly on-trend at the moment.
Maybe not completely stupid...It would be a bit like RR or Bentley or Mini and might allow Merc to flex some concept design muscles, a bit like Lexus is doing at the moment. More 'design' focussed cars are certainly on-trend at the moment.
I recall that several years ago it was rumored that AMG had used a Cerbera chassis and shell as an engine testing mule.
But given the current owner of the TVR name, and the likely tie-up between AMG and Aston Martin, I'd say the chances of any TVR resurrection via AMG are a big zero.
In the same league as the Merc Bentley article. One title then points out all the reasons why the Merc and TVR are nothing like each other.
If you look at the Sagaris, Speed 6, 12 and Cerbera, then there really is nothing like TVR. Which is why is it even more of a shame.
Can't appreciate this kind of article.
If you look at the Sagaris, Speed 6, 12 and Cerbera, then there really is nothing like TVR. Which is why is it even more of a shame.
Can't appreciate this kind of article.
Scrof said:
I think the suggestion of shooting me is, perhaps, a bit over the top, no?
I understand the ire that people are expressing here, but I would like to re-iterate my point. The article wasn't intended to say 'Don't worry, TVR isn't dead, you can go and buy this ridiculously expensive Merc instead'. What I was trying to say was 'Isn't it great that there are still new cars being made that can be as wild to drive as the original TVRs?' Which, surely, it is?
Isn't that a little conceited considering most PH'ers will never drive an SLS?I understand the ire that people are expressing here, but I would like to re-iterate my point. The article wasn't intended to say 'Don't worry, TVR isn't dead, you can go and buy this ridiculously expensive Merc instead'. What I was trying to say was 'Isn't it great that there are still new cars being made that can be as wild to drive as the original TVRs?' Which, surely, it is?
Scrof said:
As a couple of people have picked up on, in a world of downsizing and white goods cars, the SLS gives a raw, V8-fuelled rush when you ask it to, and in that respect it put me in mind of older TVRs,
Is it really that raw a drive in the near 1.7 tonne, air bag filled, crumpled zoned, traction controlled automatic gearboxed equipped Merc? Due to the point above I honestly don't know. But on paper at least there would appear to be little to offer a similar raw thrill of a V8 TVR?Scrof said:
which provided the same 'antidote to normality' in their day. I'm not going to say otherwise, because that was my first thought upon driving one hard, and I wanted to celebrate the fact because that sort of thing is not easy to find these days
Really? Actually as a motoring journo how can you dare to say such a thing? 
Considering the UK is still a hot bed of low volume production sports cars, very much of the same ilk and ethos as a TVR would have been. And as others have been mentioning, if its just V8 RWD thrills you are after, then there's no shortage of metal from the USA or Oz.Scrof said:
, and especially remarkable coming from a manufacturer more usually known for soft saloons and boulevard cruisers.
Are they? Funny how they are also known for F1 racing, racing engines, Le Mans the Mercedes McLaren SLR, all of their "Black" edition cars and of course AMG factory cars and Brabus modified ones.Scrof said:
I think the suggestion of shooting me is, perhaps, a bit over the top, no?
I understand the ire that people are expressing here, but I would like to re-iterate my point. The article wasn't intended to say 'Don't worry, TVR isn't dead, you can go and buy this ridiculously expensive Merc instead'. What I was trying to say was 'Isn't it great that there are still new cars being made that can be as wild to drive as the original TVRs?' Which, surely, it is? As a couple of people have picked up on, in a world of downsizing and white goods cars, the SLS gives a raw, V8-fuelled rush when you ask it to, and in that respect it put me in mind of older TVRs, which provided the same 'antidote to normality' in their day. I'm not going to say otherwise, because that was my first thought upon driving one hard, and I wanted to celebrate the fact because that sort of thing is not easy to find these days, and especially remarkable coming from a manufacturer more usually known for soft saloons and boulevard cruisers. It isn't sound consumer advice and it had no intention of being anything like that; it's a musing on a genuine thought that occurred to me and one that I thought was worth exploring. I appreciate that TVR means a lot to many people here, but if you read the article you'll see that I have a genuine fondness for the company and at no point did I say anything against its cars. In fact, I intended the piece to be praiseworthy of both marques, and I'm saddened to see that it hasn't been perceived that way.
Don't go getting all wobbly bottom-lipped, you're a journalist, just be thankful somebody read the damned thing and go write something new. How about the shared DNA of the original Fiat 500/Mini and Kyle Minogue's bum? The new Fiat 500/Mini Countryman clearly has more of the Jenifer Lopez about it. Or some such sexist nonsense. I understand the ire that people are expressing here, but I would like to re-iterate my point. The article wasn't intended to say 'Don't worry, TVR isn't dead, you can go and buy this ridiculously expensive Merc instead'. What I was trying to say was 'Isn't it great that there are still new cars being made that can be as wild to drive as the original TVRs?' Which, surely, it is? As a couple of people have picked up on, in a world of downsizing and white goods cars, the SLS gives a raw, V8-fuelled rush when you ask it to, and in that respect it put me in mind of older TVRs, which provided the same 'antidote to normality' in their day. I'm not going to say otherwise, because that was my first thought upon driving one hard, and I wanted to celebrate the fact because that sort of thing is not easy to find these days, and especially remarkable coming from a manufacturer more usually known for soft saloons and boulevard cruisers. It isn't sound consumer advice and it had no intention of being anything like that; it's a musing on a genuine thought that occurred to me and one that I thought was worth exploring. I appreciate that TVR means a lot to many people here, but if you read the article you'll see that I have a genuine fondness for the company and at no point did I say anything against its cars. In fact, I intended the piece to be praiseworthy of both marques, and I'm saddened to see that it hasn't been perceived that way.
You needn't worry about TVR owners, they are all either standing by the side of the road in a cloud of steam and disappointment, or were killed in a shower of fibre glass and petrol vapour ages ago. (and off to get a tin helmet..)
Chris71 said:
Scrof said:
I think the suggestion of shooting me is, perhaps, a bit over the top, no?
Shooting? It's the flaming torches and the pitchforks I'd be worried about. 
Edited by IAJO on Tuesday 11th December 10:30
f328nvl said:
You needn't worry about TVR owners, they are all either standing by the side of the road in a cloud of steam and disappointment, or were killed in a shower of fibre glass and petrol vapour ages ago. (and off to get a tin helmet..)
Sorry, but that was a genuine LOL moment for me 
It's like the Lotus thing, basically very reliable, but due to being driven harder than your average car can go wrong - but when it all comes together it just makes perfect sense.
Sorry but as an owner of a Noble and a TVR, i find the comments suggesting the noble being similar are a bit daft, the only thing similar was price and built in England, the noble is far more capable and slightly dull because of that, the TVR is loud and sideways and fun to drive, they have totally different characters, different tool for different jobs me thinks.
Closest thing to a TVR for me would have to be a corvette Z06.
Closest thing to a TVR for me would have to be a corvette Z06.
427James said:
darkmark07 said:
You should stop relying on 'bloke down the pub' and Clarkson for your opinions
But as a prior owner of a Cerb, you are absolutely correct and spot on. You live for the one journey where it works and it all comes together.Edited by darkmark07 on Monday 10th December 14:40
However wouldn't touch TVR again unless it was a pocket money summer weekend car.
chunder said:
427James said:
darkmark07 said:
You should stop relying on 'bloke down the pub' and Clarkson for your opinions
But as a prior owner of a Cerb, you are absolutely correct and spot on. You live for the one journey where it works and it all comes together.Edited by darkmark07 on Monday 10th December 14:40
However wouldn't touch TVR again unless it was a pocket money summer weekend car.
crispyshark said:
300bhp/ton said:
Scrof said:
Wow. Well, I think 'struck a nerve' is an understatement.
I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
New cars have probably always been able to do this. Corvette LT4 thru to the current ZR1. Viper and many other TVR "like" low volume models from Marcos, Morgan, HMC and many others.I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
The big difference is a TVR is a national icon and something very attainable to almost any PH'er, be it an S-series or Wedge for £3k or one of the last Tuscan II's.
An SLS really is a poster car to most of PH and while fast reeks of corporate strategy and branding. A great car in it's own right I daresay (never driven one and sadly not likely too - which is sorta the point).
And it only rubs salt in the wound to then bandy on that many PH'ers will find an SLS attainable. People who drive cars costing more than houses to buy are by and large a vast minority.
Oh, and just because no one else has said it
"This may not go well for you"
But on a serious note, no one hates you.....You're the new kid!
DonkeyApple said:
crispyshark said:
300bhp/ton said:
Scrof said:
Wow. Well, I think 'struck a nerve' is an understatement.
I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
New cars have probably always been able to do this. Corvette LT4 thru to the current ZR1. Viper and many other TVR "like" low volume models from Marcos, Morgan, HMC and many others.I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
The big difference is a TVR is a national icon and something very attainable to almost any PH'er, be it an S-series or Wedge for £3k or one of the last Tuscan II's.
An SLS really is a poster car to most of PH and while fast reeks of corporate strategy and branding. A great car in it's own right I daresay (never driven one and sadly not likely too - which is sorta the point).
And it only rubs salt in the wound to then bandy on that many PH'ers will find an SLS attainable. People who drive cars costing more than houses to buy are by and large a vast minority.
Oh, and just because no one else has said it
"This may not go well for you"
But on a serious note, no one hates you.....You're the new kid!
TA14 said:
DonkeyApple said:
crispyshark said:
300bhp/ton said:
Scrof said:
Wow. Well, I think 'struck a nerve' is an understatement.
I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
New cars have probably always been able to do this. Corvette LT4 thru to the current ZR1. Viper and many other TVR "like" low volume models from Marcos, Morgan, HMC and many others.I'll be brief, as it's clear that I'm not the most popular chap on this thread at the moment! The article was meant to say, in a nutshell 'I drove an SLS Roadster. It made me feel like TVRs do. Isn't it great that there are still new cars that can do this?'
The big difference is a TVR is a national icon and something very attainable to almost any PH'er, be it an S-series or Wedge for £3k or one of the last Tuscan II's.
An SLS really is a poster car to most of PH and while fast reeks of corporate strategy and branding. A great car in it's own right I daresay (never driven one and sadly not likely too - which is sorta the point).
And it only rubs salt in the wound to then bandy on that many PH'ers will find an SLS attainable. People who drive cars costing more than houses to buy are by and large a vast minority.
Oh, and just because no one else has said it
"This may not go well for you"
But on a serious note, no one hates you.....You're the new kid!
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