TVR roars back to production with 200 mph V8-powered griffith supercar

revered british sports car brand, TVR, reveals the all-new cosworth powered ‘griffith’ supercar, featuring cutting-edge technology engineered in collaboration with prolific formula-one and road car designer, gordon murray. the two-seater vehicle is the first TVR since the company was acquired by entrepreneur les edgar in 2013, and it aims to stay true to the brand’s racing heritage.

all images © TVR

the ‘griffith’ first appeared back in 1963, then reappeared in 1991, and was widely considered as the definitive TVR. a noteworthy detail is the side-exit exhaust popping out from behind the front wheel, which would look right at home on the original ‘griffith’, while a tiny rear-wing helps keep the new supercar’s silhouette as clean as possible. the british-automaker’s traditional smooth, flowing lines now meet air intakes and outlets in the vehicle’s front apron, and behind both front and rear arches, enhancing its aerodynamic performance. 

before: 1960’S TVR griffith

the new TVR features an atmospheric 5.0 liter quad-cam V8, the same engine found in ford’s ‘mustang’, with serious refinement by motor engineers cosworth to deliver more power and torque. it has 50/50 weight distribution, and is dry sumped to lower the centre of gravity. with a dry weight of 1250 kg, the ‘griffith’ is a featherweight, and boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 400 bhp-per-tonne. this allows it to sprint from 0 – 100 mph (0 – 160 km/h) in just over six seconds, with a 200 mph top speed. the high-performance engine is paired with a tremec ‘magnum’ six-speed manual transmission, with a custom flywheel and clutch, and bespoke gear ratios.

after: a modern interpretation of the quintessential sports car

the ‘griffiths’ interior architecture isn’t influenced by the unconventional style of previous models, that were adorned with round shapes and soft forms throughout. the new TVR features a keyless ignition system, a centrally-located portrait infotainment screen, bespoke rotary controls for the air-conditioning, floor-mounted, plus solid aluminum pedals. TVR will produce 500 ‘griffith launch editions’ with production slated for late 2018, and the first deliveries expected in early 2019.