Gordon Murray to lead TVR revival

Back in 2013 TVR returned to British ownership after Les Edgar, a computer games developer, bought the idle boutique carmaker from its former Russian owner Nikolai Smolensky.

At the time Edgar revealed, “We do have a very clear idea of what we’re doing, we do have plans in place.”

It’s just that it took until now, some two years later, for those plans to be announced. And the wait has been worth it, with word that legendary car designer Gordon Murray will lead the design of the next era of TVR and its cars will be powered by a Cosworth-developed engines.

Production of the first new TVR in over a decade is scheduled to commence in 2017. Details and official images of the new TVR will be released later this year. TVR says the car, which will be a classic two-seater powered by a front-mounted V8 engine, has already got 12 months of development behind it.

“We know that a new TVR has to be better than just good—it has to be outstanding,” said Les Edgar, TVR Chairman. “From the outset we only wanted to work with the best partners in the business, and both Gordon Murray’s and Cosworth’s track records within motor sport and high performance car design and engineering speak for themselves.”

In addition to that model, TVR says it plans to launch “at least” four new models over the next 10 years.

TVR has a chequered history when it comes to its ownership and funding models. But Edgar says eager minds can rest easy.

“We are a well-funded, well-supported organisation and boast a vastly experienced management team,” Edgar reassures. “We are here to stay and we have a fully evolved ten year plan for product and business development, and are committed to deliver on all the targets we have set ourselves—as we have done to date.”

Low volume sportscar manufacturing is, or was, a British specialty back in the day and we wish Edgar and his team well.

[Source: TVR | Pics: Autocar]

TVR to return to production with stunning new car designed in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design

03.06.2015.

• Revered British sports car brand, TVR, is roaring back to production with an incredible all-new Cosworth powered sports car, engineered in collaboration with F1 and road car design legend, Gordon Murray.
• TVR has developed a product and launch programme that will see at least four new models brought to market over the next ten years.
• Positioning and pricing set to be consistent with TVR’s past market positioning and highly competitive within its segment.

The iconic British car brand, TVR, has today announced that it will return to the market with an all-new British designed and built sports car. The company, which boasts an outstanding new management team, has developed the new car in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design and Cosworth, each providing much of the core design and engineering capability for the all-new TVR. This incredible project is already well advanced with over a year of development completed so far.

TVR will issue more specification details and early images later in 2015, but the car will continue the tradition of a classic British two-seat sports car with a composite ground effect aero chassis and body package using Gordon Murray Design’s innovative iStream® technology. Enthusiasts will also be delighted to know that the car will feature the traditional TVR DNA of a front engine with rear wheel drive and a manual transmission, powered by a normally aspirated, dry-sumped, V8 engine, developed and engineered by Cosworth.

Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said: “We know that a new TVR has to be better than just good – it has to be outstanding. From the outset we only wanted to work with the best partners in the business, and both Gordon Murray’s and Cosworth’s track records within motor sport and high performance car design and engineering speak for themselves. GMD and Cosworth are the perfect partners for TVR and together, we will deliver a truly exceptional new car.”

Production of the car will begin in 2017, and will be offered to the market at a competitive price point within its segment and consistent with TVR’s positioning in the past. TVR has prioritised the company’s position as an all-British institution, and the cars will be completely produced in new UK factory premises.

Gordon Murray, Chairman of Gordon Murray Design comments: “TVR is an iconic brand which has been an important part of British sports car manufacturing for many decades. Its return to manufacturing is an exciting development and the car deserves the best chassis and powertrain that can possibly be delivered. To that end, I am delighted that our company is involved with the project, and that TVR are using our iStream® technology.”

Bruce Wood, Cosworth Technical Director, said: “We are proud to see Cosworth’s industry-leading engineering at the heart of the revived TVR brand. Our team has been working closely with TVR and Gordon Murray Design to develop a powertrain solution that perfectly complements the exceptional performance characteristics of the new car. It’s an exciting project and one which well suits Cosworth’s engineering expertise.”

Edgar continues: “We are a well-funded, well-supported organisation and boast a vastly experienced management team. We are here to stay and we have a fully evolved ten year plan for product and business development, and are committed to deliver on all the targets we have set ourselves – as we have done to date.

“Despite very deliberately maintaining a low profile since completing the acquisition of TVR two years ago, we have had an enormous amount of unsolicited interest from businesses, individuals and investors internationally. Such is the strength of the brand and the passion of its followers. It is a real privilege to be a part of the revival of a great British marque – one that will succeed through our single-minded desire to produce exceptional sports cars.”