 TVR
Tri-drive
Following the launch of Audi's 3 -wheel sensation the AudiTTy
( see
wreckered motoring 1 ), the new TVR seeks
a slice of the small car market with this remarkable new vehicle.
Claimed to be the first truly reversible car, the TVR Tri-drive arrives
in European showrooms early spring 2004.
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Wreckered road test
With a body design
that only a mother could love, the Tri-drive has few rivals in all
round weirdness. The revolutionary True Reverse chassis is intended
to eliminate any need to drive backwards by allowing the driver
to simply rotate the interior cabin and hence face the back and
then move forward in reverse. If you know what I mean.. Okay - its
funky. Okay - its cocking a snook at the mass market mundanity of
most assembly line motors. But this, I'm afraid is a prototype too
far and will struggle to find a place in the hearts of anyone who
doesn't do magic mushrooms. The AudiTTy has little to fear from
this pretender to the three-wheel throne.
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On the road
In 15 years of motoring journalism, rarely have I been so embarrassed
to be seen in any car. This thing coughs and chugs its way through
streets at a top speed of 65 mph, barely fast enough to outrun
the laughter from the pavements. Fuel economy is the only plus
point with a respectable 84mpg. Why, though, anyone would want
to drive 84 miles in this thing remains a question.
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In the cabin
Spartan, basic and plastic. The soft roof can be inflated to
give extra head room for anyone who happens to be taller than
a jockey. The entire cabin, including seats, pedals, dashboard
and wheel, rests on a hydraulic disc which rotates to allow
the front of the car to become the back and vice versa. This,
say the manufacturers, will make reverse parking a thing of
the past. It will also, I'd suggest, consign your credibility
to the dustbin of history. |
Overall rating: 
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 Terror
threat prompts bulletproof Tuscan
It was only a matter of time before motor manufacturers responded
to the global terror threat by producing the first comercially available
bulletproof car. The Tuscan TVR-x features anti-shatter windows and
kevlar honeycomb panelling which even extends over the wheels offering
extra protection for tyres.
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Wreckered road test
This beast is intended for the overseas market, catering for executives
and financiers whose roles in multinational companies leave them prey
to kidnap and terror attacks. Available as two or four seat versions,
I took the two-seater for a run round the Isle of Man - imagining
myself as a BP exec being pursued by gun-totin' Venezualan banditos.
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On the road
1200 kg of sheer muscle hefted by a straight six 4.2 litre in
tandem with TVR's sequential gearbox and a power to weight ratio
of 450 bhptonne. 12 inches longer than the Tuscan Speed Six,
the TVR-x hails machismo as the zenith of motoring development.
Top speed of 210 mph is faster than an Apache helicopter - which
is what you'd need to intimidate
this car. A compromise between
aerodynamics
and armour mean less compliant handling than
one
would like but the air suspension system
(and the roll cage)
provide peace of mind even
at high speeds.
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In the cabin
The two-seater allows space for long range fuel tanks while
still feeling more spacious than the Diablo GT's 392. Surprisingly
quiet inside, even at 8000 revs, the interior oozes walnut and
mahogany class, with bespoke hide seats and a raft of electronic
systems and navigation aids. Crystal LED windscreens can be
fully tinted at the flick of a switch for extra discretion.
(Nice). Okay - this is no DB7 and perhaps the seats could be
a little higher but, given the personal defence purpose of this
vehicle, the Tuscan delivers comfort, security and show-offablility
in spades. And no, it does not have an ejector seat. |
Overall rating: 
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