TVR Promises An EV Griffith As It Confirms Sponsorship With Formula E
TVR has been promising the Griffith since its reveal in 2017. That was five long years ago, and still there’s nothing to show for it apart from a bland looking sportscar that I never thought really looked good enough to wear the TVR badge. But, I was still excited for this legendary manufacturer to return, so hey, I was supportive.
The release of the car to the market has been delayed several times, but now the brand is finally promising deliveries to customers in 2023. On top of this, they’ve promised an all-electric version to come in 2024 all while announcing its sponsorship of the Formula E championship. Obviously, TVR is trying to make headlines and it’s working, although it’s starting to sound more like a Rich Energy setup…
Anyway. the Griffith EV will be coming alongside the already revealed ICE Griffith, which will be powered by a Ford V8 producing around 500 horsepower. The EV version is still shrouded in mystery with no details whatsoever being shared on its powertrain or performance, although it will likely be faster than the dinosaur powered variant.
Of course, the car, designed by legendary designer Gordon Murray, will undergo quite a few changes to take on an electric powertrain. I’m expecting fewer inlets, more smoothing of body panels, and – well – fewer exhausts.
While this will be the first all-electric TVR, it won’t be the last according to chairman, Les Edgar. And its move into Formula E confirms this, marking a “turning point” in the brand as it attempted to become a “sustainable, net-zero business”.
Matt Scammell, Formula E’s chief commercial officer, said the following: “TVR is a beloved brand and we look forward to working alongside them in Monaco and London to showcase their plans to electrify”.
I’m not sure where TVR is going with this. It will have taken six years for the Griffith to be released (if it ever is), so how do they expect to build an EV in a much smaller time frame? TVR used to be made of fibreglass. Now it seems as though what’s holding it together is smoke and mirrors.
