How could the current Tamora range be expanded?

How could the current Tamora range be expanded?

Author
Discussion

jamer

Original Poster:

1,329 posts

298 months

Sunday 30th December 2001
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With the first batch of Tamora's currently rolling off the production line, are there any minor changes current TVR Owners would like to see on the model range, whether technical or cosmetic.

jmorgan

36,010 posts

291 months

Sunday 30th December 2001
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I like the front but not sure about the rear, woudn't say no to a free one. All the TVR range I like from the first (was it a one off racer?) to the present. One that was changed for the better in my opinion was the early Wedge bulge on the bonnet so maybe the rear end gets a nose job?

trefor

14,661 posts

290 months

Sunday 30th December 2001
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The Tamora gets better each time you see it in a different colour (esp. the interior which looked really boring to me in all black).

I'd love to see a few minor changes to the rear. I'm sure a few tweaks to the curves would work wonders. Also, while you're at it Ned could you maybe lose the wheel arch extensions and widen the body instead.

I can't wait to see more Tamoras on the road!

T/.

bennno

12,754 posts

276 months

Sunday 30th December 2001
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jamer,

think the interior is the bollocks

bits that need improving are:

1) Black taped bits on the bodywork
2) Rear protrusion needs a redesign to make it look better integrated / less embarrasing.
3) Needs 17/18" wheels to beef it up
4) Needs an optional and very loud sports exhaust
5) Perhaps the positioning of the front lights needs some thought

I would say it is about 85% of the way there and just needs a bit of detail design to make it something visually appealing

Ben

nubbin

6,809 posts

285 months

Monday 31st December 2001
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1)The principle design fault is the hard top. This requires a deep boot to accommodate it, which it turn, in a car of such short overhangs, means the exhaust box cannot be housed under the car - hence the prolapsed tail. A folding soft top, for which there is plenty of room behind the seats, would do away with the problem, and tidy up the rear enormously, as well as allowing an integrated rear skirt/diffuser.

2)The black bonnet bits are a silly idea, and I've tried to specify a single colour bonnet, but I don't think Mr. Wheeler will allow it. Could be done after purchase I suppose.

3) Switchable anti-lock brakes - a raw driving experience doesn't preclude safety, does it?

4) Slightly lower geared steering, say 2.2 turns lock to lock - the car has been designed for the road, which makes this type of race track set-up a bit out of place.

5) Find a place for front speakers!!

Other than that I think the body design is very nice, especially the "updated Griff" front end. The wheels should stay 16", because it is one of the main reasons the car handles and rides so well. People who buy this car are buying into a new TVR experience - I can't wait - but it needs to be right, because the new Jag F-type is only a few years away, and will be a very well sorted car, especially when the 350bhp supercharged version arrives...

bennno

12,754 posts

276 months

Monday 31st December 2001
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you are right about the F Type coming along, I have also been told that Porsche a upgrading the Boxster S from 250 to 300bhp (using the 3.4L 996 engine) along with a load of detail improvements next year!!

For 38K that is going one hell of a lot of competition, so TVR needs to get the Tamora right!

Ben

jamer

Original Poster:

1,329 posts

298 months

Monday 31st December 2001
quotequote all
Benno

Reference the exhaust system, it looks fairly easy to take the rear box off completely, now thats going to sound the dogs ********

Not much will be changable I should imagine until this coming summer when they will try to kick start the winter orders by offering something extra or being more flexible - the usual is neccesary as with past TVR's - buy it now and get someone like Leven, Zertec etc to make the parts.

richb

52,777 posts

291 months

Monday 31st December 2001
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quote:
it needs to be right, because the new Jag F-type is only a few years away, and will be a very well sorted car, especially when the 350bhp supercharged version arrives...

Which looks just average in the mock-ups compared to the stunningly gorgeous prototype... pity really but then it is after all following the trend set by the Boxter

jpf

1,315 posts

283 months

Monday 31st December 2001
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Sell them in the USA!

flasher

9,238 posts

291 months

Wednesday 2nd January 2002
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I thought Jamer was asking about making changes to the REST of the TVR range, not comments on the Tamora.
But hey, heres my two pennorth,
All I want is a sports exhaust on mine when it comes. I don't want 18" wheels as they make the car handle like Shite. You know thats true benno because your old cerb was awful with those 18" Tuscan wheels on it. Looked nice, but I want handling not a pretty hairdresser look. They won't be doing bigger wheels because they won't fit, period.

As for the Tamora having to compete with the Boxster I think this is bollocks. The two cars are miles apart and most people who consider buying a Boxster wouldn't even look at ANY TVR and vice versa. Same with the F type Jag.

Interestingly, I have just spent New Year in Guernsey and in the bright but cold weather had top down rides in various cars including a Caterham 7 with full race spec, which was awesome, a couple of TVR's and a Porsche Boxster S. Guess which one I found painfully boring???.... No prizes...

nubbin

6,809 posts

285 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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A four-seater soft top, so I can get the kids in - a soft top Cerbie I guess!

As per my usual gripe... a proper, folding soft-top. I don't mind it not being electically operated, as most other manufacturers do, but, save the hard top for winter, and have a little folding number for those summer showers! If TVR really want to compete, this is a necessary piece of consumer friendly kit that would really increase the car's useability, and versatility.

Oh, and if the speed six engine is now reliable, start screaming it from the roof tops - TVR need a bit of spin and positive PR to up their image. If they're happy to provide a 2 year warranty on the engine, that confidence should be reflected in their PR material. Most other manufactureers get away with little white lies - you know, Hyundai coupe looks like a Ferrari, that sort of thing. Over to you, Mr. B. Samuelson!!

apache

39,731 posts

291 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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I've always thought a soft top Cerbie would be the ultimate TVR.....and no, I don't think it would look like a Chimera. Flasher, there is a Cerbie at Simons same colour as your old one with updated lights and spider wheels, looks great

Edited by apache on Thursday 3rd January 12:40

Don

28,377 posts

291 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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Things to expand the Tamora range:

Offer a Tamora 'S' with the 390bhp Tuscan Engine. That's the car for me! Oh - and I agree with nubbin, I'd have ABS if they'd fit it. Come to think of it for Road driving I'd have electronic stability control if they'd fit it - with a switch for 'play' days, of course!

Yes I know I'm a wuss. There again I do drive a Chimaera all winter so....

Edited by Don on Thursday 3rd January 14:27

Don

28,377 posts

291 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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quote:

I have also been told that Porsche a upgrading the Boxster S from 250 to 300bhp (using the 3.4L 996 engine) along with a load of detail improvements next year!!

Ben


Who told you that, Ben? I 'had a go' at AFN and they told me nothing. I guess they want orders for 996s and the existing Boxster S model. I'm currently considering my next Porsche....

bennno

12,754 posts

276 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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quote:


As for the Tamora having to compete with the Boxster I think this is bollocks. The two cars are miles apart and most people who consider buying a Boxster wouldn't even look at ANY TVR and vice versa. Same with the F type Jag.




Just wait till Porsche stick a 320hp engine in the Boxster next year, if it can shift the 996 to 60 in 4.5 then how fast is it going to be.

it was in autocar, it is getting a facelift like the 996, a coupe is being released and the S is getting the larger engine, try another Porsche dealer as ,ine confirmed it

Ben

Edited by bennno on Thursday 3rd January 14:39

Don

28,377 posts

291 months

Thursday 3rd January 2002
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Thanks Ben.
Right. I'll call up and see if AFN are willing to take a deposit yet.