2019 TVR Griffith Testing: Video
The TVR Griffith Is Out Testing.
TVR is probably the only company in the world named after a bloke called Trevor (and vowel removal pioneer). What’s more, its rebirth appears to be on-track (so to speak) as the company has released a new video of the resurrected Griffith testing at Dunsfold aerodrome.
The new Griffith’s power comes from a (we think) a 5.0-litre Ford Coyote V8 supplied. As you can see in the video, there’s a chap with a Cosworth jacket on. That’s not some mad fan, he’s actually from Cosworth. The new owners seem pretty clever and have the famed engine company on the job to fettle the bent eight to produce a very handy 500PS (372kW/490bhp). Fitted with a dry sump, the engine sits low in the car to reduce its height and therefore lower the centre of gravity.
Sadly you can’t hear much of the engine over the tyre noise, but you can’t have everything.
The Griffith is said to weigh around 1250kg, but that’s likely its target rather than with fluids and bodies on board. Either way, with all that grunt from the V8 means it should hit around 400hp per tonne. The Griffith will come with a six-speed Tremec manual which can handle a truckload of torque, so expect a big number there.
With that kind of grunt, you can expect a sub four second run to 100km/h (62mph).
What is it?
The new Griffith is a typically mad-looking thing. You can see the moveable aero wing fully deployed at the rear and the side exhausts, long a TVR trademark, will no doubt put on a noise and light show when in the right mode.
Another TVR signature piece is the double-bubble roof to reduce the frontal area but also look seriously cool.
The car should be brilliant as McLaren F1 designer (road and race cars) Gordon Murray is on the job and he doesn’t mess about.
The car rolls on 19-inch wheels up front and 20s at the rear. Helping keep the car stuck to the ground is a giant rear diffuser and massive front splitter. Double wishbones all round promise excellent handling.
The new TVR uses using Murray’s patented iStream manufacturing method. Murray has spent years and presumably a considerable amount of money developing a small-scale production method. Made from advanced materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium, the new TVR Griffith will be worthy of its wild predecessors.
TVR Rescued
Sports car fans love TVR. Maker of kit cars then a proper manufacturer based in Blackpool, England, the company was famous for bonkers rear-drive machines. During its heyday under down-to-earth owner Peter Wheeler, the company turned out the Griffith 500, the Chimera and Sagaris. They even made their own engines for a while.
Wheeler sold up and the company ended up in the hands of a Russian kid who made a mess of it. Then the company was rescued by a company led by John Chasey and Les Edgar and here we are. Obviously it’s a bit more complex than that, but the new ownership seems much smarter…
Peter Anderson is the Editor and founder of the theredline.com.au. He’s been writing about cars for years and finds it difficult to talk about anything else.
You must log in to post a comment.