TVR's comeback has been a long time coming to say the least. Way back in 2017, the British automaker presented a prototype of the reborn Griffith, a gloriously old-school sports car with a 5.0-liter V8 engine from a Ford Mustang GT tuned by Cosworth to produce 480 horsepower. It also boasted a six-speed manual and a carbon-fiber iStream chassis by Gordon Murray Design helping to achieve a curb weight of just 2,800 pounds.
Production is limited to 500 units but has been delayed while TVR secures funds to upgrade its factory in South Wales. Deliveries are now expected to start by the end of 2023. In the meantime, TVR has partnered with lithium mining firm Ensorcia Metals Corporation to prepare for its electrified future when sales of new combustion cars are banned.
Although the Griffith still hasn't entered production, TVR has already started working on "future powertrain alternatives" and "development of the TVR product family beyond the Griffith Launch Edition." Specific details have not been announced yet, but Ensorcia's Chairman Daniel Layton promises that TVR's electric sports cars will be "among the most exciting EVs in the market."
With a focus on performance and lightweight construction, TVR's EVs will likely compete with the electric Lotus Type 135 sports car due to arrive in 2026.
Ensorcia specializes in green lithium mining to produce high-quality lithium using a patented brine extraction process. TVR says the partnership will help fund the production of the V8-powered Griffith and secure a battery supply chain for TVR's future electric sports car projects. In the meantime, TVR plans to move into its refurbished factory, which is partially funded by the Welsh government, in Q1, 2022.
"Today we have reached another milestone in our mission to rejuvenate and future-proof our iconic British brand - it has been clear for some time that EV has to be part of our future," said Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR.
"Finding the right partner for the road ahead has been a complex process - the right synergistic fit coupled with a shared vision for the future in rapidly changing times - and we are thoroughly excited to be partnering with Ensorcia. Having access to advanced EV tech including supplies of green lithium via the leading, environmentally considerate process, is a hugely important element in ensuring that TVR will become a sustainable, net-zero business."