TVR Griffith awakens dormant brand

TVR was a well-known British sports car manufacturer in its prime. Ailed by low demand and several other problems, the Blackpool-based manufacturer has been lying dormant for the last 11 years. But now, it has revealed a new model under its new ownership. First of all, the new boy in the block comes with a piece of heritage. The new car, TVR Griffith, sports the name of the popular Rover V8-powered roadster that they created in the 1990s.

Rather than being all contemporary, the design of the new TVR Griffith is a combination of TVR’s signature rawness and some modern elements. TVR litters the simple design with aerodynamic bits like the front scoops positioned right under each headlamp. The interior shows off some digital readouts and an infotainment system which in contrast to the traditional dials from old TVRs, look modern. Features that the old TVR owners had to live without — like ABS, traction control and airbags — are now offered.

A 500 hp 5.0-litre Cosworth V8 powers the TVR Griffith. A six-speed manual gearbox helps the engine to propel the car from 0 to 100 kph in under 4 seconds. The top speed, at 322 kph, breaches the coveted 200 mph mark. The front-mid mounted engine allows the car to distribute its weight evenly to the front and back. The car boasts a flat bottom, thanks to the exhausts mounted on the sides.

Production of the TVR Griffith will begin by the end of 2018.