TVR’s latest Tuscan is a traditional supercar with powerful engine just behind the front wheels, rear-wheel drive, a smart coupe body, and no excess weight. It is also affordable – less than a Porsche 911, and has terrific performance – 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of about 170 mph. You can have the Tuscan in either coupe or convertible form.
TVR has been building sports cars since the 1950s, and the latest models use the same concept as the early ones – a multi-tubular backbone frame, which includes the deep and wide tunnel, and a built in roll-over cage. It is reinforced by a tubular platform. The result is a stiff and lightweight frame, and it is clad in glass fiber body panels.
However, over the past few years, TVR has improved its manufacturing and testing in many ways, while making the car more acceptable to a wider audience.
TVR's own style
Also, in recent years, TVR has gone its own way in styling. Sure, the basic shape is normal enough, with a bubble coachroof sitting on a slick, aerodynamic body - all curves. The fenders sweep up over the front wheels, down a bit to the cockpit, and then up over the rear wheels, all with plenty of curves.
At the front, there is a simple grille, flanked by the indicator lamps, with the headlamps behind individual faired in plastic covers. To reduce lift there are a pair of small and subtle air dams.
The hood, rises up in the middle to clear the in-line six-cylinder engine, but is unusual in that there is a wide but shallow outlet for the radiator about level with the front wheels which is almost hidden.
Also unusual are the doors which do not fit flush with the side panels at the front, but are inset slightly, to let hot air out from the engine compartment. Side-impact beams are built into the doors. The rear end is plain enough with long, slender rear lamp clusters and twin exhausts, but with a spoiler added to the tail.
All in all, the TVR Tuscan is a sports coupe that turns heads, yet is pleasing to the eye – and is distinctive.
TVR's own lusty six
Under the hood is TVR’s own all-alloy in-line six-cylinder engine which was introduced in 1997 and has been extensively updated and modified since then. Now, the 4.0-liter in-line six combined the smoothness and lack and vibration you get with this type of engine with the growl of a high-performance unit – it sounds terrific. It has four valves per cylinder, of course and dry sump lubrication – a reminder that this is a race-developed engine.
What about the power? TVR quotes a power output of 365 bhp at 7,200 rpm, with maximum torque of 320 lb ft (433 Nm) at 5,000-5,500 rpm. It drives through a twin-plate AP clutch to a five-speed manual gearbox, and a limited-slip differential is standard. Why not six speeds? TVR does not make its own gearboxes, and there is not too much choice for a six-speeder that can handle the torque, but this engine has a wide enough speed range for the sixth ratio to be unnecessary.
Unequal length wishbone suspension
TVR adopted double unequal-length wishbone suspension front and rear many years ago, and these days the system is quite refined, with anti-roll bars front and rear being used to get the right handling balance. A few years ago, TVRs were taut but twitchy, with a very hard ride. Now, the suspension has been softened up a little and the geometry improved so that the ride is better, and the handling is more progressive.
Power steering is electro-hydraulic; a hydraulic pump and ram gives the steering feel that comes with hydraulics, but the power is provided by an electric motor, so there is always a constant amount of power available.
Ventilated discs are used all-round, 12.7 in (322 mm) at the front, and 11.73 in (298 mm) diameter at the rear. The tires are 255/35 section all round, on 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Strictly two seats, but spacious
The TVR Tuscan is strictly a two-seater with good space for luggage at the rear, and a compact cockpit. The compact steering wheel is just where you want it, and you look through it to twin instrument dials sitting in a compact binnacle. This binnacle is attached to the steering column, so when you adjust the height of the wheel, the instruments move as well, ensuring that they are clearly visible. To start the engine, you press a red button.
There is a small panel for minor controls on the center tunnel, just in front of the stubby little gear lever. The seats are designed to give plenty of lateral support, and to be suitable for long distance cruising, although you might find the car a bit noisy for long distances – this is a supercar.
These days, the Tuscan comes with air conditioning, electrically adjustable outside mirrors and an adjustable steering wheel – but you don’t get ABS or traction control. This is a traditional sports car and supercar so control is down to you. Despite the fairly high level of equipment, the TVR Tuscan remains a lightweight sports car, weighing just 2,580 lb (1,170 kg).
With such light weight, the Tuscan has a good power to weight ratio of 300 bhp per ton. Not enough? Well, you can get the car with the S Pack, which increases power to 380 bhp, and reduces the 0-60 time to less than 4.0 seconds. You also get stiffer suspension with slightly different geometry and bigger brakes.
The TVR Tuscan is a great sports car for the person who wants the front-engine, rear-drive layout but which is different – and which is not expensive.
