According to a recent AutoWeek report, TVRs new U.S. backers are pulling out all stops to make sure production is successfully restarted and cars are readied for new markets such as the U.S. A network of 45 U.S. dealers are said to be gearing up for the Sagaris, which will be the first new TVR model to reach U.S. shores since the 1980s. TVR bodies will still be manufactured in England but final assembly could be outsourced to Bertone in Italy. U.S. spec Sagaris will be powered by a British Speed-Six Ricardo 4.0L inline-six engine delivering 400hp and the rumored 600hp Typhoon is also in the pipeline, but at this point enthusiasts will most likely take a wait and see approach as the last few months have been full of speculation. The U.S. spec Sagaris is due to start production in 2008 and there are also plans to start a U.S. racing series.

Source: AutoWeek

According to Autocar Magazine, Nikolai Smolenski has sold TVR just days after reacquiring trademarks that administrators stripped from him a few weeks earlier. Autocar reports that a Florida, USA based firm has been in talks to acquire TVR from Smolenski over the past 18 months. The new firm intends keep production to 5,000 cars a year and will follow Smolenski’s previous plans to outsource production to Bertone in Italy. Current management is expected to stay with the company through this transition period according to Autocar.

It’s been announced that Nikolai Smolensky has reacquired TVR trademarks that administrators stripped from him just a few weeks ago. Earlier reports suggested Nikolai planned to restart TVR production in April 2007 but not in the UK as future TVR models are expected to be outsourced with final assembly by Bertone in Italy. Below is the full press release from TVR/Blackpool Automotive. Continue Reading »
Nikolai Smolensky reaquires TVR trademarks

Now that Nikolai Smolenki has been stripped of TVR trademarks, basically rendering any future model plans useless under the TVR brand, what will happen with the sports cars he had in the pipeline such as the new 600bhp Typhoon? Nikolai was gearing up to start TVR production in April and according to reports he linked up with Bertone in Italy for final assembly of all new models. Clarification of who owns these new model contracts likely won’t emerge until after a new buyer is announced on February 24. Reports from Autocar suggest Nikolai might bid for the company again, but there will be other wealthy bidders as well.

According to Autocar, talented British engine designer Al Melling might acquire TVR. Melling made headlines recently for designing the thundering 6.3L 1200bhp, quad-turbo V10 that powers his £185,000 Melling Hellcat supercar.

Al Melling previously designed engines for TVR Cerbera and Tuscan sports cars so he knows a thing or two about the company, and he wants to keep TVR British too, “I’d need the old workforce” he told Autocar. His vision would see TVR production numbers limited to 10-15 cars a week, with two thirds exported to new markets such as the United States. Continue Reading »
Al Melling to acquire TVR?

According to a recent report from The Independent, the trademark rights for British sports car company TVR are said to have been stripped from Russian owner Nikolai Smolensky. Administrators from TVRs production arm at Blackpool Automotive have named trademarks covering Europe, US and UK in the list of assets for sale.

Just before Christmas TVR went into administration with the production arm spun off as Blackpool Automotive. TVR owner Nikolai Smolensky retained the rights to the TVR brand, which is said to be the most valuable asset. Nikolai had planned to restart production in April but not in the UK as future TVR models were to be outsourced with final assembly by Bertone in Italy.

The Independent suggests a low-cost car maker from Asia might be interested in TVR.

The boys from TopGear are back in a big way. According to TopGear’s website the next episode will see:

- Captain Slow behind the wheel of a Bugatti Veyron at VW’s high-speed test track to see if it really can achieve a top speed of 253mph.

- Three coupe comparison: Choosing between the new Audi TT, Alfa Romeo Brera and Mazda RX-8 - all priced around £25,000, but it’ll be too close to call in this comparison so the TopGear boys settle this over a game of golf.

- High Speed Train Crash: Jeremy Clarkson demolishes a Renault Espace by slamming into it with an express train!

- What else: Why is Porsche keeping details of the new Cayenne a secret, a TVR house band, Prince Charles has redecorated his garage and Hugh Grant behind a the wheel of a reasonably priced car.

Jump over to TopGear for a gallery of photos from this next episode

According to PistonHeads.com, TVR owners and enthusiasts will throw a huge party for TVR workers on Saturday, February 10th in honor of their hard work and dedication to the mark. Donations from the TVR Thunder Rally back in November will help pay for the event. TVR workers and their guests are welcome at no charge. Tickets for owners and enthusiasts are £35 per person. More over at PistonHeads.com

Source: PistonHeads

TVR has been selling assets recently and this has confused news reports about TVR’s future. Autocar has the latest news regarding this. TVR boss David Oxley and owner Nikolai Smolenski told Autocar “the firm’s future is assured” and “it’s heading for good times”. According to Autocar, the Tuscan, Tuscan convertible, Sagaris and an all-new 600bhp £100,000-plus Typhoon will give TVR a four model range. Continue Reading »
TVR’s future clarified!

We’ve just learned that TVR has gone into administration. Last Friday PKF Accountants and administrators reportedly took control of TVR. Reports from NewCarNet quoted administrators stating: “It is our intention to advertise the business for sale as a going concern and we are optimistic that a purchaser will be found in the New Year”. A meeting with accountants and administrators is scheduled for January 2.

Source: NewCarNet, BlackpoolToday