TVR and 2017... what you should expect!

TVR is preparing its return to building sports cars, and the initial plans look promising. Backed by Gordon Murray Design, Cosworth, and “well-funded” and eager investors, TVR claims it’ll be ready to produce its first sports car in 2017, followed by at least three other new models over the next decade.

TVR chairman Les Edgar (left) meets with race car designer Gordon Murray (right)

Reports of TVR’s return first surfaced last year, when British investors bought the brand from Russian owner Nikolai Smolenski. Since then, the company secured a partnership with former F1 car designer Gordon Murray and engine tuner Cosworth. There’s still a lot of work to be done so details about the first sports car are sparse. Like cars from TVR’s past, including the TVR Tuscan pictured above, the new model will be lightweight and high-powered with a front-engine, rear-drive layout. Power will come from a naturally aspirated V-8 and rumors suggest Cosworth will source the engine from either Chevrolet or Ford. A manual transmission will be standard. The company hopes to keep its headquarters and assembly facilities in the U.K, with Gordon Murray taking charge of the production processes. Murray will also be in charge of designing the car’s chassis, which will likely showcase many of the techniques used for Murray’s city car projects that employ lightweight composite materials. About 10 years have passed since TVR closed its factory doors. Back in 2012, rumors suggested the company was done building cars and would instead refocus its efforts on building wind turbines. That plan never materialized before the current group of investors bought TVR in 2013.