TVR, the British purveyor of quirky performance cars, could be revived thanks to American muscle power.
In a recent interview with UK publication Autocar Nikolai Smolenski, the Russian oligarch who owns TVR, revealed his plans to revive the marque with the introduction of a new model that will most likely be built in Germany.
Traditionally TVRs have been built in the UK, but Smolenski’s plan involves construction taking place in Germany – possibly in conjunction with Gullwing, the company that makes the AC Mk VI, a spiritual successor to the AC Cobra. Autocar has reported that AC owner, Alan Lubinsky, has confirmed that talks with TVR are under way but a deal is still some way from being concluded.
Smolenski has divulged that the new car will feature a modified version of the company’s signature steel backbone chassis and all-independent suspension set-up. Due to homologation and cost constraints, TVR will not develop its own straight-six or V8 powerlants. Instead, Smolenski has explained that the V8 unit from the current Corvette is the most powerful off-the-shelf offering that requires little in the way of modification with regards to fitment and meeting current regulations.
Among the future plans for the marquee, Smolenski has mentioned a possible hybrid model in lieu of an automatic. Apparently the TVR boss has always wanted an automatic model, but the chassis being used were not conducive to an automatic or sequential automatic set-up. By adopting a hybrid drivetrain, such an issue can be side-stepped, says Smolenski.
The first new TVRs will be convertibles resembling the Tuscan and the sticker prices are reported to be no more than that of a Corvette in Europe.
