Daily Slideshow: TVR Griffith With 5.0-Liter Coyote Engine
British sports car manufacturer TVR is back in the game and has revealed their newest Griffith model using a tuned Cosworth 5.0L Coyote engine.
Back In Action
After a restructuring of the company and a decade-long hiatus from producing vehicles, TVR Automotive Ltd. is making a resurgence with an all-new sports car. Details were revealed in mid-2015 that TVR had been working tirelessly on a brand new model and was developing a 10-year plan for additional cars to further expand the marque. The new car, codenamed T37, was said to be a collaboration with Formula 1 designer Gordan Murray and Cosworth Engineering. While much of the car design was kept under wraps for the last couple of years, the TVR Griffith recently appeared at the Goodwood Revival festival and boy does it look trick.
Strength & Rigidity
The basis of the car is the Gordan Murray composite chassis. Borrowing design cues from Formula 1, the chassis is of a tubular steel construction that uses double bonded carbon fiber panels on each side to complete the structure. This process makes for an incredibly strong framework that has superior torsional rigidity to eliminate chassis flex while also saving weight. Not only does this design make for a great performing chassis, but it is also aesthetically pleasing. A long, sloping hood curves into the cooling intakes molded into the fascia to keep both engine and brake temperatures at bay while large pockets to expel airflow come from behind the front fenders. The front exit exhaust, side skirts, huge rear diffuser, and giant rear extractor vents are ground effect pieces akin to those typically found on GT race cars.
Blue Oval Powerplant
Under the clamshell-like hood rests a 5.0L Ford Coyote V8 much like those found in the current Mustang GT offerings. TVR commissioned Cosworth to modify the engine to not only fit into the cramped engine bay but to also have performance characteristics to take advantage of the lightweight chassis. It is said that the engine received a dry-sump lubrication system that allows for a lower center of gravity when placed in the car. Coupled with a lightweight flywheel and a remapped engine management system, the engine supposedly revs much faster and makes a healthy 500 horsepower. That said, owners will have the option of additional upgrades to further boost power levels. The engine will be mated to a Magnum XL Tremec 6-speed manual transmission with a custom clutch upon its launch, but there are talks that a dual clutch automatic is also in the works.
Form Follows Function
TVR has taken a minimalist approach to the interior by equipping the car with only the necessary amenities and controls. Apparently the company believes that luxurious interiors actually detract from a performance car because they add unnecessary weight, are more difficult to design, create unwanted complications, and in the end, raise the overall price of the car. While they may have taken a less is more approach to the interior, it still looks to use quality materials with its abundance of leather and Alcantara. Some may view the buckets seats, rotary ac controls, touch-screen infotainment setup, digital dash, and classic toggle switches to be a bit utilitarian by modern standards, but it still remains incredibly attractive considering most cars come with too many extra frills. This car is all about chewing up the miles while keeping the driver fully involved.
The Gist of Performance
The new Griffith tips the scales at slim 2780 pounds (1250 kilograms) with a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The car is expected to make 0-60 mph sprints in under 4 seconds while also being able to achieve a top speed of over 200 mph. The car will sell for an estimated £90,000 (approximately $120,000) and 500 units are scheduled to be produced for the 2019 model year. Unfortunately, it looks as if the car is not currently scheduled to hit US shores, which may not be too surprising considering TVRs of the past have actually been banned for sale in the US. That said, the Coyote engine is California emissions legal, meaning there would be fewer hurdles to jump through when selling a car in the states. In fact, TVR boss Les Edgar was quoted as saying they simply need a US-based partner to get the ball rolling. The company even has plans of launching a convertible version of the car in the States if all goes as planned. In any case, it is quite exciting that TVR is back to producing another alluring sports car that is sure to be a riot to drive.
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