TVR has a New Ace: T350
The T350 is a brand new coupe based on the running gear of the universally acclaimed Tamora. The concept is to apply TVR's expertise gained in motorsport to a road car, and both shape and engineering owe much to TVR's racing programme. It is intended to form the basis of a racing car for the new GT Cup class of the British GT Championship as well as for a number of overseas one-make race series. This car is available in two forms – the T350 C, where C stands for coupe, and the T350 T, for targa, which is the version with two removable panels overhead.Function dominates form with the T350 and its motorsport application determines the way the car looks. As a result, every effort has been made to maximize downforce while minimizing drag. The frontal area is very smooth without a central radiator intake which helps it punch through the air easily while the sharply cut off tail punctuates the airflow sharply to reduce drag. The sloping roofline at the back has been very precisely profiled to ensure that the airflow remains attached to the car in order to negate lift. Allied to a diffuser under the exhausts and a splitter at the front, the T350's shape has been optimized aerodynamically in a way that is simply impossible with a two-seater convertible.
The interior of the T350 is largely based on that of the Tamora and is all the better for that. It has the same analogue readout for speed and engine revs above a switchable multi-function display which gives the driver the fullest range of information from engine water and oil temperature, outside air temperature and battery volts to maximum and minimum values achieved (including maximum speed). A sports pack is available which will have extra readouts including lap times. With a side-opening hatchback above the large luggage area, an unexpected advantage will also come in terms of plenty of boot space with easy loading.
The T350 enjoys the performance its looks promise. It is propelled by the same 350 bhp version of TVR's Speed Six engine that has seen the Tamora decimate the competition in test after test by the motoring press. In the case of the T350, acceleration, top speed and handling have been helped by its aerodynamically superb shape as well as its lower weight and centre of gravity. Now in production for five years, the Speed Six is a tried and tested unit and has performed admirably in the hothouse environment of GT endurance racing including the Spa 24 hour race in 2002. In all variants, TVR's own engine has been designed with responsiveness in mind which is the reason for it having individual throttle butterflies per cylinder and an ignition and fuelling map specifically written to make revs rise and fall instantaneously.
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Base Price: 2004 TVR T350c - 55,500
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2004 TVR Sagaris
The TVR Sagaris has Close Relatives Among Race Cars
Few cars look as dramatic as the new TVR Sagaris. While motorsport is never far from TVR's designers and engineers minds, the rigorous demands of the endurance racing arena were the foremost priority in the design of the Sagaris.It has been designed to be the ultimate racing car for the road. Now it is possible to know what it feels like to drive a Le Mans car every day. Every scoop, every cut out adds to the most extraordinary dramatic lines on today's roads, this has to be the most dramatic road racer.
The TVR Sagaris is based upon the well proven T350 C and was initially conceived as the racing variant of the T350 C. Originally it was to have been called the T350 R but when the engine was confirmed as being that of the mighty Tuscan S the model designation would have logically become T400 R. This would have then caused confusion with the T400 R/T440 R. At this stage TVR decided to revert back to model names and the TVR Sagaris and TVR Typhon were born.
The Sagaris is propelled by the same 4 litre 400 bhp engine as the Tuscan S. It is docile in town where it can burble along at low speeds in high gears. When you press your right foot into the carpet you are pushed authoritatively back into the seat, as the engine howls its way to a redline close to 8,000 rpm. Statistics can be dramatic: 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds certainly is!
'Lightweight' is a much talked about concept by car manufacturers but rarely achieved. Thanks to its rigid tubular steel chassis and extremely light composite bodywork, the Sagaris weighs in at just over a tone. With low drag and downforce producing aerodynamic features at both the front and rear of the car, the styling of the Sagaris works as well as it looks.
The chassis is based on that of the T350 C but whilst the Sagaris maintains the same wheelbase as the T350 it does run a wider track. The suspension has had a considerable amount of further development in conjunction with Bilstein to ensure that the damper and spring rates are ideally suited to a car of this caliber and capability. The result of this research is a truly awesome road car with the most stunning performance and looks. The adjustable pedal box and FIA roll cage give the Sagaris yet more race car credentials.
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Base Price: 2004 TVR Sagaris - £100,000
1 comment:
TVRs ROCK!
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