TVR Tuscan Speed Six

The TVR Tuscan Speed Six is a sports car which was manufactured by British automobile manufacturer TVR from 1999 to 2006. The name pays homage to the original Tuscan which was introduced in 1967.

For the TVR Tuscan of 1967 to 1971, see TVR Tuscan (1967).
TVR Tuscan Speed Six
Overview
ManufacturerTVR
Production1999–2006
AssemblyEngland: Blackpool
DesignerDamien McTaggart[1]
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style
LayoutFront mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
PlatformFiberglass body over tubular steel chassis
Related
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,336 mm (92.0 in)
Length4,235 mm (166.7 in)
Width1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Height1,200 mm (47.2 in)
Curb weight1,100 kg (2,425 lb)

History
TVR Tuscan Speed Six
Interior

The Tuscan Speed Six was introduced in 1999 and was available for media demonstration in 2000. The reason being then owner Peter Wheeler imposing a ban on press reviews of the car. Initially, the Tuscan Speed Six was fitted with the 4.0 litre version of the TVR Speed Six engine rated at 360 hp (268 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm. Later, a Red Rose pack option raised the power output to 380 hp (283 kW) bringing with it track focus chassis upgrades as well as an AP Racing braking system. The high performance Tuscan S was the top-of-the-line model rated at 390 hp (291 kW) and had aerodynamic improvements over the base models most notably a rear lip spoiler to improve downforce.

The Tuscan Speed Six under went a facelift in 2005 and was now called the Tuscan 2. Exterior changes featured a redesigned front grille and headlamps along with more conventional taillamps. Mechanical changes involved revised spring rates, improved steering response and different suspension geometry to make the car easy to drive on public roads. The base models were detuned to 350 hp (261 kW) and 393 N⋅m (290 lb⋅ft) while still retaining the basic weight figure of 1,100 kg (2,425 lb). The interior was also refreshed and featured a more conventional and ergonomic layout. Production lasted until the closure of TVR in 2006.[2][3]

Specifications

Engine

Five different inline-six engine options were offered to customers. Four of these were variants of the naturally aspirated 4.0 L Speed Six fuel fed by multipoint fuel injection making different amounts of power and torque, depending on the trim level selected. The last was a 3.6 L Speed Six which produced the same amount of power as the lowest-level 4.0 L engine, although slightly less torque.

  • 96 mm × 83 mm (3.78 in × 3.27 in) 3.6 L; 220.0 cu in (3,605 cc);
  • 96 mm × 92 mm (3.78 in × 3.62 in) 4.0 L; 243.9 cu in (3,996 cc)
  • Power and torque:
  • 3.6L Mk1: 350 bhp (261 kW; 355 PS), 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk1: 360 bhp (268 kW), 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk1 Red Rose: 380 bhp (283 kW; 385 PS), 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk1 S (pre-2003): 390 bhp (291 kW; 395 PS) at 7,000 rpm 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m) at 5,250 rpm[4]
  • 4.0L Mk1 S (post-2003): 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS), 315 lb⋅ft (427 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk2 (post-2005): 380 bhp (283 kW), 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk2 S (post-2005): 400 bhp (298 kW; 406 PS), 315 lb⋅ft (427 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk2 Convertible (post-2005): 360 bhp (268 kW), 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)
  • 4.0L Mk2 Convertible Red Rose (post-2005): 380 bhp (283 kW), 310 lb⋅ft (420 N⋅m)
  • 4.2L Mk2 T440R (2003): 440 bhp (328 kW) at 7,600 rpm, 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) at 6,000 rpm.

Chassis

Even though there have been numerous tweaks to the Tuscan's chassis and suspension, the overall size and appearance of the variants remain virtually identical apart from minor aerodynamic aids to the S model in the form of an undertray in the front and a small boot-lid spoiler on the rear.

In October 2005 the "Mk 2" version of the Tuscan was introduced, though in reality this was just a minor facelift. The modifications were restricted to cosmetic changes to the front and rear lights, the dashboard, and the spoilers on the S model plus some minor changes to the chassis to improve the handling. At the same time, a new variant a full soft top was introduced alongside the original targa version.

Performance
  • 0–30 mph (48 km/h): 1.72 s
  • 0–60 mph (97 km/h): 3.68 s
  • 0–100 mph (161 km/h): 8.08 s
  • 100–0 mph: 4.15 s
TVR Tuscan T400R, run by Team LNT in the Le Mans Series

These test results were achieved in a post-2003 Tuscan S without traction-control or anti-lock brakes. TVR's design philosophy holds that such features do not improve either the performance or safety of their vehicles and thus they are not so equipped. TVR rejects the notion that these features, along with airbags, are "safety devices" and believes that, based on testing and experience, their cars are safer without these things than with them.[5]

A modified version of the car was used in the 2003 24 Hours of Le Mans, and again the following year.

A TVR Tuscan was used as a spy car in the 2003 movie Looney Tunes: Back in Action. One was also featured in the feature film Swordfish (2001).

References
  1. "TVR Tuscan Speed Six, an extraordinary Grand Tourer". Car. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2018.
  2. Ingram, Anthony (16 June 2019). "TVR Tuscan (1999-2006) – review, history, prices and specs". Evo. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  3. "From the archives: TG vs the TVR Tuscan Mk2". Top Gear. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
  4. "2001 TVR Tuscan S". carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  5. Wheeler, Peter (18 April 2004). "The Wheeler Interview: Ted quizzes TVR's Chairman on ABS, airbags and safety". pistonheads.com. Interviewed by Ted. Pistonheads Holdco Limited. Retrieved 31 January 2009.
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