New TVR Sports Cars Expected in 2017

After several stops and starts, U.K.-based TVR Manufacturing Ltd. says it will relaunch its iconic nameplate in 2017 with a pair of sports cars. The company, which started in 1947 as Trevcar Motors, hasn't produced a vehicle since it fell into receivership in 2006.

A group of investors purchased the operations two years ago and began working with Britain's Cosworth Group and Gordon Murray Design to develop the new cars. GMD is headed by former McLaren Formula One team technical director Gordon Murray.

TVR says the collaboration has produced two distinct designs, both of which will be available in coupe and convertible body styles. The rear-wheel-drive cars have a front mid-engine layout, independent suspension and driver-focused interiors.

Using GMD's iStream production process, the chassis is to be built around large steel tubes with lightweight composite panels bonded to the structure to boost rigidity. Body panels are expected to be made of a combination of aluminum and composite materials.

TVR says the production approach will reduce its manufacturing footprint and simplify assembly, improve chassis stiffness, enhance crash protection and provide greater interior design flexibility.

Power will come from an unspecified Cosworth-tuned V-8 that is expected to produce as much as 450 hp. Higher-output variants also are likely.