TVR Tuscan Speed Six. (Source: Auto Express)

By Paul Chadderton -- SPORTS car legend TVR has finally turned loose the Tuscan Speed Six, its most important new car since the Chimaera was launched seven years ago. Previewed last year in prototype guise, the road-going Tuscan was unveiled at the London Motor Show, as part of a TVR extravaganza which saw the Blackpool-based maker on centre stage along with the likes of Rover and Jaguar. The two-seat Tuscan shares the name of the race car which has competed in its own challenge series for some years, but it is altogether more civilised, with the essence of a convertible Grand Tourer. TVR fans needn't worry about the company going soft, though - performance is still outrageous, with a top speed of 180mph and a sub-four-and-a-half-second 0-60mph time. Based on a Cerbera chassis shortened by eight inches, the new Speed Six was first seen last October at the British Motor Show in Birmingham. Since then, TVR has taken 1,300 deposits for the £39,750 car which, in final production form, features revised bodywork and cabin, mainly to meet homologation demands. The changes include a striking new front grille and details such as an exposed pedal box, curved aluminium dashtop that also doubles as a strengthening member, and unique instrument binnacle.

The Tuscan is the first TVR ever to be crafted completely in-house, even down to the switchgear and dials, which make extensive use of aluminium and brass. A spokesman said: 'Customers won't be able to spot other manufacturer's switches in the Tuscan, because everything you see is our own.' In keeping with TVR's desire to make the Tuscan a practical sports car, it features an ingenious hard-top and rear window which remove and slot into the boot, but still allow room for luggage.

Power comes from the 4.0-litre straight-six already in the Cerbera Speed Six. With 360bhp, it gives the 1,000kg car suitably sizzling performance - how does 0-100mph in less than 10 seconds sound? If the standard Tuscan is not exciting enough, TVR has created Blackpool's answer to AMG, a new division specialising in aftermarket additions and performance enhancements. Headed by chief chassis engineer Neill Anderson, Red Rose will bring cars closer to track specification with stiffer suspension, new wheels and tyres, and mild engine tweaks. The models will be identified by a red rose badge, chosen in honour of the House of Lancaster's historic symbol. On the Tuscan, the sports kit will cost around £5,000, and will boost power by 25bhp. If you want greater luxury to match the dynamic changes, full leather trim and air-conditioning will add about the same again.

The London Motor Show also saw the unveiling of the awesome - and now road-legal - Cerbera Speed Twelve. Primarily designed to compete in the GT2 racing series, the 7.7-litre supercar features carbon fibre bodywork and a six-speed sequential gearbox. The huge V12 is all TVR's own work and produces 800bhp and 882Nm - enough to propel the £150,000 car to over 220mph. One a month is now being produced.

1ST OPINION

TVR is proud of how it designs and builds cars - and prouder still of the result. The Tuscan Speed Six is firmly in the mould of the firm's previous models, but a more modern interpretation of the theme. Performance is awesome and the driving experience promises to be as enjoyable as you'd expect from such a machine.