After years of fits and starts, TVR is set to return, bringing with it its iconic sports cars and a promise of electrification for the future. The resurrected brand will operate as a subsidiary under Charge Holdings, a company that recently took control of another storied marque: Charge Cars. Best known for its electric Ford Mustang reimagining, Charge Cars experienced a brief collapse in July 2024 before being revitalized by new ownership.
Charge Holdings envisions a future where TVR operates alongside other “iconic performance brands” within a multi-brand automotive group. This collaborative structure aims to leverage shared engineering, design, manufacturing resources, and funding – essentially creating a consortium of niche automakers seeking to compete in the high-performance luxury market.
While EV technology will eventually play a role in TVR’s future lineup, the immediate focus remains firmly on completing the long-awaited Griffith sports car. Unveiled in 2017, this new iteration of the classic nameplate promised a blistering combination of raw power and agile handling. The plan was to marry a roaring naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Ford V8 with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox, resulting in over 500 horsepower, a sub-four-second sprint time from zero to 62 mph, and a top speed exceeding 200 mph.
The Griffith’s design was equally ambitious, featuring a lightweight carbon composite structure designed to keep the car under 1,250 kg. TVR also championed innovative aerodynamics by prioritizing ground effect over traditional spoilers or splitters for enhanced downforce at high speeds. A unique wheel configuration – wider rear wheels compared to the front – further underscored the focus on dynamic performance.
Sourcing a New Chassis
The road to revival isn’t without hurdles. Originally, TVR intended to use Gordon Murray’s iStream chassis technology for the Griffith. However, the rights to this innovative platform now reside with Forseven, an automotive startup that recently merged with McLaren – a scenario leaving TVR needing to secure a new platform partner.
Fortunately, finding a suitable engine shouldn’t pose a major challenge given Ford’s continued production of the desired V8 unit. Paul Abercrombie, CEO of Charge Holdings, assures interested parties that further details regarding the Griffith’s future and its place within the expanded TVR lineup will be revealed in early 2026. For now, he emphasizes that this merger represents “a new leader in the low-volume luxury automotive sector.”
TVR’s return is more than just a nostalgic revival. It signifies an attempt to carve out a niche within the increasingly crowded performance car market by leveraging heritage and technological advancements – be they traditional powertrain solutions or future electric platforms. The success of this strategy hinges on navigating complex supply chain issues, evolving consumer preferences, and the inherent challenges associated with reviving a dormant brand.
