TVR Griffith

Last updated

TVR Griffith
TVR Griffith - Flickr - mick - Lumix.jpg
TVR Griffith (first generation)
Overview
Manufacturer TVR Motor Company Limited
TVR Automotive Limited
Production
  • 1990–2002
  • 2018–present [1]
Assembly
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Layout

The TVR Griffith, later models being referred to as the Griffith 500, is a sports car designed and built by TVR, starting production in 1990, and ending production in 2002. The Griffith name appeared again on a sports car introduced under a revived TVR brand in 2017.

Contents

Earlier use of the name

The TVR Griffith 200 was produced from 1963 to 1964 and the TVR Griffith 400 from 1964 to 1967.

First generation (1990–2002)

First generation
1999 TVR Griffith 500 (15859188212).jpg
TVR Griffith 500
Overview
Manufacturer TVR Motor Company Limited
Production1991–2002
2,351 produced [2]
Body and chassis
Class Sports car (S)
Body style 2-door roadster
Platform Fiberglass body over tubular steel chassis
Related
Powertrain
Engine
  • 4.0 L Rover V8
  • 4.3 L Rover V8
  • 4.5 L Rover V8
  • 5.0 L Rover V8 (Griffith 500 models only)
Power output
  • 240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS) (4.0 L)
  • 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) (4.3 L)
  • 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) (5.0 L)
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,286 mm (90.0 in) [3]
Length3,891 mm (153.2 in) [3]
Width1,720 mm (67.7 in) [3]
Height1,204 mm (47.4 in) [3]
Kerb weight
  • 1,060 kg (2,337 lb) (dry)
  • 1,300 kg (2,866 lb) [3]
Chronology
Successor

Like its forerunner namesakes, the Griffith 200 and Griffith 400, the modern Griffith was a lightweight (1,060 kg (2,337 lb)) fiberglass-bodied, 2-door, 2-seat sports car with a V8 engine. Originally, it used a 4.0 L 240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS) Rover V8 engine, but that could be optionally increased to 4.3 L 280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS) in 1992 with a further option of big-valve cylinder heads. In 1993, with a TVR-developed 5.0 L 340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS) version of the Rover V8 became available. All versions of the Griffith use the Lucas Industries 14CUX engine management system. All models use a five-speed manual transmission from Rover and TREMEC.

Although the Griffith was almost mechanically identical to its sister car, the Chimaera, it had a different body design and was produced in much smaller numbers. [2]

The Griffith was a lightweight, high-power, and well-balanced car. A low-cost speed six Griffith proposal never became a production reality; by the time it was launched alongside the Griffith in 1999, it had morphed into the Tuscan Speed Six.

A special edition Japanese market Griffith 500 was made dubbed the Blackpool B340. This car was featured in Gran Turismo, Gran Turismo 2 (in the former as the Griffith 4.0 in the NTSC and PAL versions) and Driving Emotion Type-S. The car was similar to a normal Griffith 500 with some bespoke options available. The Japanese market also got a B275 4.0 engined car with aluminium basketweave dashboard.

In 2000, TVR announced that the Griffith production was going to end. A limited edition run of 100 Special Edition (SE) cars were to be built to mark the end of production. Although still very similar to the previous Griffith 500 model, the SE had a hybrid interior using the Chimaera dashboard and Cerbera seats. Noticeably, the rear lights were different along with different door mirrors, higher powered headlights and clear indicator lenses. Some also came with 16-inch wheels. Each car came with a numbered plaque in the glove box including the build number and a Special Edition Badge on its boot. All cars also had a unique signature in the boot under the carpet. The SEs were built between 2000 and 2002, with the last registered in 2003.

Every year, to celebrate the TVR Griffith, their owners have a meet called "The Griff Growl." [4]

TVR Griffith 400 TVR Griffith 400 - 001.jpg
TVR Griffith 400

In 2008, Al Melling Sports Cars unveiled the Melling Wildcat, a roadster heavily based on the Griffith but powered by a variant of TVR's later AJP8 engine.

Specifications

Engine

Name: Rover alloy V8

Valvetrain setup: 2 valves per cylinder, Overhead Valve

ModelDisplacementPowerTorqueMax speed0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) (seconds)0–161 km/h (0–100 mph) (seconds)
4.03,950240 hp (179 kW; 243 PS)270 lb⋅ft (366 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm245 km/h (152 mph)4.712.1
4.0 HC3,950 Hi-Lift Cam275 hp (205 kW; 279 PS)305 lb⋅ft (414 N⋅m)254 km/h (158 mph)4.712.1
4.34,280280 hp (209 kW; 284 PS)305 lb⋅ft (414 N⋅m) at 4000 rpm254 km/h (158 mph)4.611.3
4.54,495285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS)310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)254 km/h (158 mph)4.6
5.04,988340 hp (254 kW; 345 PS)350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) (320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m) with catalyzer)272 km/h (169 mph)4.110.5

Transmission

Transmission: 5-speed manual (Rover LT77 or Tremec T5)

Suspension

Front: Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars

Rear: Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars

Brakes

Front: 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated disc brakes

Rear: 260 mm (10.2 in) ventilated disc brakes

Wheels Front: 15 in aluminium alloy

Rear: 16 in aluminium alloy

Chassis/body

Body Panels: Glass fibre

Fuel Capacity: 57 Litres (12.5  Imp. gallons, 15.0  U.S. gal)

Weight: 1,060 kg (2,336 lb) (dry)

Length: 3,891 mm (153.2 in)

Height: 1,204 mm (47.4 in)

Width: 1,720 mm (67.7 in)

Wheelbase: 2,286 mm (90.0 in)

Front track: 1,461 mm (57.5 in)

Rear track: 1,471 mm (57.9 in)

Ground clearance: 145 mm (5.7 in)

Second generation (2023–)

Second generation
TVR Griffith LE (2017) (38354185236).jpg
TVR Griffith at NEC Classic Car Show in Birmingham 2017
Overview
Manufacturer TVR Automotive Limited
Production2023 (expected)
Model years 2017 (prototype)
2023 (production)
Assembly Whiteley, Hampshire, England
Designer Gordon Murray
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Longitudinal-mounted, front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine 5.0 L Cosworth Ford Coyote V8
Power output500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp)
Transmission 6-speed TREMEC Magnum XL manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,601 mm (102.4 in) [5]
Length4,313 mm (169.8 in) [5]
Width1,849 mm (72.8 in) [5]
Height1,240 mm (48.8 in) [5]
Kerb weight 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) (dry) [5]
Chronology
Predecessor
Rear quarter view TVR Griffith LE (2017) (38354184736).jpg
Rear quarter view

On 8 September 2017, to coincide with the marque's 70th anniversary year [6] at the Goodwood Revival, a new Griffith was revealed under the now resurrected TVR marque, featuring design work by Gordon Murray. It features a Cosworth modified Ford Coyote 5.0-litre V8 engine [lower-alpha 1] producing 500 bhp (507 PS; 373 kW), double wishbone suspension with adjustable coilover dampers, a carbon fibre ground effect chassis. [7] It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in approximately 4 seconds, and can achieve a top speed in excess of 322 km/h (200 mph). The new Griffith retains the manual transmission as used in the previous TVR models, to keep the driving experience, but includes ABS, power steering, and traction control as standard, in order to handle the high power output and keep the car stable at high speeds. The extensive use of carbon fibre helps save weight, and as a result, it weighs less than 1,250 kg (2,756 lb), with a 50:50 weight distribution achieved through the Griffith's architecture of aluminium and carbon fibre components, which improves handling. Design elements, such as large front air intakes, front splitter, active spoiler and rear integrated diffuser help in increasing aero dynamics. The car's interior follows the driving focused theme as well. Air conditioning, leather interior trim, and multimedia system come as standard as well. The Griffith was expected to start production in 2019, with an initial run of 500 Launch Edition (LE) cars and a price tag of £89,995. [8] In November of 2021, EVO magazine reported that the new Griffith was yet to enter production and deliveries of completed vehicles were not expected until at least the end of 2023. EVO cited the COVID 19 pandemic, funding problems and damage to production facilities had caused development of the vehicle to stall. A new partnership between TVR and Ensorcia Automotive, has provided additional funds for development of the new Griffith. [9]

Production by year

[10] [11]

Notes

  1. this engine used in Falcon FGX XR8 (With additional Harrop/Eaton Supercharger) and Mustang GT (without Supercharger)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ferrari F50</span> Italian flagship sports car produced by Ferrari from 1995–1997

The Ferrari F50 is a mid-engine sports car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari from 1995 until 1997. Introduced in 1995, the car is a two-door, two seat targa top. The car is powered by a 4.7 L naturally aspirated Tipo F130B 60-valve V12 engine that was developed from the 3.5 L V12 used in the 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car. The car's design is an evolution of the 1989 Ferrari Mythos concept car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rover V8 engine</span> Reciprocating internal combustion engine

The Rover V8 engine is a compact V8 internal combustion engine with aluminium cylinder block and cylinder heads, originally designed by General Motors and later re-designed and produced by Rover in the United Kingdom. It has been used in a wide range of vehicles from Rover and other manufacturers since its British debut in 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lotus Exige</span> Car model

The Lotus Exige is a sports car made by the British company Lotus Cars from 2000 until 2021. Originally a coupé version of the Lotus Elise roadster, since the Series 3 the Exige has been the larger-engined model of the family, featuring a V6 engine in place of the Elise's straight-four. Convertible versions of both models are available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maserati Quattroporte</span> Full size luxury car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati

The Maserati Quattroporte is a four-door luxury sports sedan produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati. The name translated from Italian means "fourdoors". The car is in its sixth generation, with the first generation introduced in 1963.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S4</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan. All subsequent S4s since 1997 have been based on the Audi A4; and as the A4 has evolved from one generation to the next, so has the S4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (R129)</span> Roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1989 until 2001.

The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL is a roadster which was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1988 until 2001. The R129 replaced the R107 in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 SL-Class in 2002 for the 2003 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TVR Chimaera</span> Grand Tourer produced by TVR

The TVR Chimaera is a two-seater sports car manufactured by TVR between 1992 and 2003. The name was derived from Chimera, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology, which was made of the parts of multiple animals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi RS 4</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi RS 4 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A4 range produced by Audi Sport GmbH for AUDI AG, a division of the Volkswagen Group. It sits above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused car based on the A4's "B" automobile platform. The RS 4 was reintroduced in 2012, based on the A4 Avant instead of the sedan as did the original model.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maserati Ghibli</span> Car models sold by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati

Maserati Ghibli is the name of three different cars produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Maserati: the AM115, a V8 grand tourer from 1967 to 1973; the AM336, a V6 twin-turbocharged coupé from 1992 to 1998; and the M157, an executive saloon from 2013 onwards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aston Martin Vantage (2005)</span> Motor vehicle

The Aston Martin Vantage is a series of hand-built sports cars from the British automotive manufacturer Aston Martin. Aston Martin has previously used the "Vantage" name on high-performance variants of their existing GT models, notably on the Virage-based car of the 1990s. The modern car, in contrast, is the leanest and most agile car in Aston's lineup. As such, it is intended as a more focused model to reach out to potential buyers of cars such as the Porsche 911 as well as the exotic sports and GT cars with which Aston Martins traditionally compete.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audi S6</span> Motor vehicle

The Audi S6 is the performance variant of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TVR Sagaris</span> Motor vehicle

The TVR Sagaris is a sports car designed and built by the British company TVR in their factory in Blackpool, Lancashire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ascari KZ1</span> Motor vehicle

The Ascari KZ1 is a sports car made by Ascari Cars. The car is named from the initials of Ascari's owner Klaas Zwart, a wealthy Dutch businessman.

The Spectre R42 is a 2-seater mid-engined rear-wheel drive sports car manufactured by British boutique automobile manufacturer Spectre Supersports Ltd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maserati GranTurismo</span> Motor vehicle

The Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio are a series of grand tourers produced by the Italian manufacturer Maserati, succeeding the Maserati Coupé and Spyder. The first generation GranTurismo (M145) was introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show and was produced from 2007 to December 2019. It set a record for the fastest development of a car, going from design to production in just nine months. The model featured a 4.2-litre V8 engine initially, which was later upgraded to a 4.7-liter engine in the GranTurismo S variant. The GranTurismo MC, a racing version developed for the FIA GT4 European Cup, and the GranTurismo MC Sport Line, a customisation programme, were also part of the lineup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaguar XJR-11</span> Motor vehicle

The Jaguar XJR-11 was a sports-prototype racing car introduced for the 1989 World Sports Prototype Championship, while its sister car the XJR-10 was introduced to compete in IMSA series races.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">TVR T350</span> Motor vehicle

The TVR T350 is a sports car manufactured by British company TVR from 2002 to 2006. It is based on the Tamora, and is powered by TVR's Speed Six engine displacing 3.6 litre form, rated at 350 hp (261 kW). The T350 was available in coupe and targa versions, the coupe version being known as the T350c, and the targa version the T350t. The T350 later formed the base of the Sagaris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McLaren 650S</span> British sports car

The McLaren 650S is a British sports car designed and manufactured by British automobile manufacturer McLaren Automotive. It was announced in February 2014 as a new model, but based on the existing MP4-12C with 25% new parts, and was formally unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The Audi R8 LMS Cup was a one-make sports car racing series by Audi based in Asia. Audi R8 LMS Cup cars were based on the Audi R8 LMS (GT3).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpina B5 (F10)</span> BMW 5 series variant manufactured by Alpina

The Alpina B5 and D5 (F10) are a series of high performance executive cars manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina from 2011 to 2016. Introduced at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the car is the second generation of the B5 and succeeds the B5 (E60). Based on the BMW 5 Series (F10), the car was available in saloon and wagon bodystyles.

References

  1. "TVR Griffith begins production again" . Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  2. 1 2 "TVR official production numbers" . Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "1991–2002 TVR Griffith specifications". Auto Evolution. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  4. "Griff Growl". Archived from the original on 22 June 2018. Retrieved 6 August 2007.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "TVR Griffith 2018 specifications". Auto Evolution. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  6. "Long-awaited new TVR to be launched at Revival 2017". GRRC. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  7. "New TVR Launch at Goodwood Revival 2017". YouTube . Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  8. "TVR Griffith". TVR. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  9. "TVR Griffith first deliveries delayed again until at least 2023". evo. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  10. "How many TVR griffiths were made ? - Page 1 - Griffith - PistonHeads UK".
  11. "How many TVR griffiths were made ? - Page 2 - Griffith - PistonHeads UK".