TVR IS BACK

Well . . . in sketch- based form, anyway

TVR planning on unleashing a new model? Sigh. Forgive us a modicum of cynicism here but we’ve been down this road before. And TVR fans should know better, too. There is no actual car to see, beyond a couple of fanciful sketches. But deposits have been received nevertheless.

A certain type of car fan, you see, wants TVR to succeed. It’s the plucky battler of that British strain of low volume car manufacturer … except the Blackpoolheadquartered brand hasn’t been battling well over the past 10 years and, basically, continues to exist in name only. In fact, there hasn’t been an actual new TVR — one you can sit in, drive and then call a tow truck to recover when it inevitably breaks down — since 2006.

And yet, pronouncements exclaiming the company’s intent to release new models occur like clockwork every few years.

We must say, however, with clever- clogs designer Gordon Murray and his iStream modular manufacturing system cited as part of TVR’s latest comeback plan, it is certainly boxing cleverer than before.

The new car will apparently be powered by a Cosworth- tuned 5.0- litre V8 producing 357kW, and will be capable of sprints from zero to 100 km/ h in less than four seconds. The new model, alleges TVR, will also boast a top speed of more than 300km/ h and a curb weight of about 1200kg.

When will anyone see this great new hope for TVR? Those registering their interest in buying one will hope to see some semblance of sheet metal soon. But for the rest of us, TVR has promised it will display the car at the upcoming Goodwood Revival in September this year.

Here’s hoping, although we’re not holding our breath.