Ricardo appointed TVR's powertrain partner

[2ndclasscitizen]

Originally Posted by tvr.co.uk

TVR, the Blackpool-based sports car manufacturer, has today announced that it has signed a Heads of Agreement with UK specialist engineering company, Ricardo plc, to develop the TVR Speed Six engine to Euro V (LEV II) compliance.

This level of emissions certification, achieved over an 18-month programme, confirms TVR's commitment to expanding its markets internationally with all necessary type-approval standards.

Ricardo is one of the world's leading powertrain, driveline and transmission technology providers. Combining business, product and process strategy with fundamental technical research and the implementation of large-scale new product development programmes, Ricardo is able to take on the greatest challenges in the industry, including engine, transmission and driveline design, engineering, testing and systems integration.

Nikolai Smolenski, the chairman and owner of TVR said: "My intention to expand the sales and distribution of TVR cars throughout Europe, the USA and markets throughout the rest of the world is a key part of the business strategy of the company. Our alliance with Ricardo allows us to advance our technical capabilities to achieve our aims at an accelerated rate."

"We are delighted to support TVR with their development," said Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, "and we are looking forward to bringing the very best of Ricardo engineering to such an exciting brand and product range."

I think this is a great thing for TVR. Hopefully Ricardo can finally help them get rid of their unreliable image and turn TVR into an international brand. I'd love to see them driving around down here.

[m5child]

Ditto

[lightweight]

TVR cars are not Euro IV compliant?

If yes, is it because of the laws in the UK concerning small volume manufacturers?

It will be really nice to see TVR's spread to more markets.

[:Exige:]

Originally Posted by 2ndclasscitizen

help them get rid of their unreliable image

Well TVRs have been quite reliable for the past 3 years, but everyone still says their ass-numbingly unreliable. Welcome to the world of stereotyping.

@Lightweight: I don't think Euro IV is mandatory until 2008

[2ndclasscitizen]

Originally Posted by :Exige:

Well TVRs have been quite reliable for the past 3 years, but everyone still says their ass-numbingly unreliable. Welcome to the world of stereotyping.

Which was why I said unreliable image. I know they used to be pretty bad but have been getting better, but I didn't know if they were still unreliable and if so, how bad they still are. But having a well known firm such as Ricardo coming in gives them something to market with.

[lightweight]

Originally Posted by :Exige:

I don't think Euro IV is mandatory until 2008

EURO IV is a set of emission standards applying to new road vehicles sold in the EU from 2005 or later

Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euro_IV

[:Exige:]

Originally Posted by 2ndclasscitizen

Which was why I said unreliable image. I know they used to be pretty bad but have been getting better, but I didn't know if they were still unreliable and if so, how bad they still are. But having a well known firm such as Ricardo coming in gives them something to market with.

Your average TVR buyer wont know who Ricardo are.

[carsnut]

James May from Topgear: "TVR=Plastic Death"
so this means they aren't closing yet? it'll be great to see that TVR finally can have reasonable build quality

[:Exige:]

Originally Posted by carsnut

so this means they aren't closing yet?

When did TVR say they were closing?

[h00t_h00t]

When they said they were closing and moving to a new factory. Everyone stopped reading after "closing." It was even on the news "Britains largest independant car manufacturer is closing" and no mention of the new factory and Smolenski's intention of expanding.

[Coventrysucks]

Originally Posted by :Exige:

Your average TVR buyer wont know who Ricardo are.

I think the majority of TVR owners know exactly who Ricardo are and what they do.

Bugatti Veyron owners on the other hand...

[2ndclasscitizen]

Originally Posted by carsnut

James May from Topgear: "TVR=Plastic Death"

Actual quote: "In the old days you'dve thought 'A TVR, that's a ticket to a festival of plastic death.'"

[h00t_h00t]

They still are, the only safety equipment is a seatbelt and the salesmen saying "By the way, don't crash" on your way out the door.

[Coventrysucks]

TVR's are incredibly strong.

GRP bodywork absorbs a lot more energy than steel / aluminium, and they have an integral roll cage - how many other cars in that class can say that?

The fact that they don't have airbags (yet), ABS, TC, Stability Control doesn't make them big scary death traps - remember that for most of this century everyone drove about without those things, and the majority of people survived.

It is only when people drive like idiots in a TVR that they get into trouble, and you can't really blame TVR for that.

[2ndclasscitizen]

Don't a lot of TVR hardtop models come with a roll cage integrated into the construction?