The new TVR, has there ever been a more secretive car or perhaps teased as much as this?
Certainly they are keeping things very close to their chest. This past week, the new customers of the car who have had to put deposits down were presented the car in its first incarnation. Strict procedures were in place with tight NDA’s signed and people asked to hand over their mobile phones. This was their first proper look at the car in a 3D form.
Why so much secrecy? To guard against indifference and complaints of styling and design? Well we shall all find out in September when they choose to reveal to the expectant car World.
The drawings on of the car however have of course leaked themselves out on line by Autocar. It is a traditional shape of a TVR long front nose and a tiny rear end. There a various option on the front and rear styling.
Initial comments suggest the price of the car has increased, perhaps rather unsurprisingly. Other comments asking is it really crazy looking enough for a TVR? One of the key aspects of TVR has always been its unique styling and over the top flamboyance that has won it some may admirers and die hard fans. The sketches show sleek and rounded almost dare we say Aston qualities. At the moment the car seems to be without any rugged air vents and wings. Something that TVR boss Les Edgar indicated would probably not change ahead of the production model. Are TVR looking to appeal to a wider audience with a softer style? Seems a strange thing to do considering people had to put their money down in faith. Save a few investors the people who would have done this are strong TVR purists.
So it remains to be seen how many buyers might use the opportunity to back out of their contract.
The saving grace however is the power unit, a Cosworth developed V8 capable of over 400bhp and over 200mph sitting in a car that weights less than 1200kg. All in a chassis planning to match the engineering in order to give the very best road handling.
If the car can give that well loved and famous TVR feeling that you are just an inch away from certain driving death, then its hard-core fans might just forgive a few subtle styling approaches.
