British sports car maker TVR has broken silence over its stunted resurrection by confirming plans to relaunch in 2024. A brace of new cars in new segments, using electric power, are a part of the plan.
The brand’s new models will include an all-electric version of the new Griffith sports car, which will follow the V8 version into production in 2024. Following that, TVR intends to reveal two new cars. These are likely to be an all-electric saloon and an SUV if some teaser images of the new models are anything to go by. There’s also a sleek, electric sports car with a similar shape to the iconic Sagaris in the trio of teaser sketches, pointing to a bespoke electric sports car.
TVR has been marooned since the reveal of a production-ready prototype of the new Griffith at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new car, co-designed with legendary Formula 1 and automotive engineer Gordon Murray, has been subjected to lengthy delays since its presentation, and the brand has struggled to put plans together for a new factory with support from the Welsh government, who loaned TVR £2m in 2016 in return for a 3 per cent stake in the company owned by businessman Les Edgar.
TVR has not yet completed plans to open the new facility in Ebbw Vale, but has repaid its loan to the Welsh government, so could potentially look to produce the Griffith elsewhere in the UK.
When it arrives, it will retain the same design as the 2017 prototype and its power source – a 5.0-litre Ford V8 producing up to 500bhp and sending drive to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, making it a rival for the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911. A top speed of 200mph and 0-62mph in less than four seconds have been touted.
Technical details for the all-electric version of the sports car that will follow the V8 model have not been detailed, but it will use the same chassis as its internal combustion powered sibling. TVR has previewed this new model, showcasing what will only be a light EV-inspired makeover. It’s likely that the electric version would offer more power and better off-the-line performance than the V8 Griffith, and it will be positioned as a more expensive offering with premium touches to justify the price tag.
The V8 Griffith will launch at a cost of around £90,000 for the ‘Launch Edition’ specification model, pointing to a six-figure price tag for the Griffith EV.
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