View source for Engineering:TVR Griffith

{{short description|British car model}}
{{Infobox automobile
| image        = TVR Griffith - Flickr - mick - Lumix.jpg
| caption      = TVR Griffith (first generation)
| name         = TVR Griffith
| manufacturer = [[Company:TVR|TVR Motor Company Limited]]<br>[[Company:TVR|TVR Automotive Limited]]
| production   = {{ubl
  | 1990–2002
  | 2018–present<ref>{{cite web|title=TVR Griffith begins production again|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/tvr/griffith/64277/its-back-new-tvr-griffith-uncovered-with-500bhp|accessdate=8 September 2017}}</ref>
  }}
| assembly     = {{unbulleted list
|England: Blackpool (1991–2002)
|Wales: Ebbw Vale (2020; expected)
}}
| class        = [[Engineering:Sports car|Sports car]] (S)
| layout       = {{unbulleted list
|[[Engineering:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]] (1991–2002)
|[[Engineering:Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal-mounted]], front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive (2018–present)
}}
}}

The '''TVR Griffith''', later models being referred to as the '''Griffith 500''', is a [[Engineering:Sports car|sports car]] designed and built by [[Company:TVR|TVR]], starting production in 1990, and ending production in 2002. The Griffith name appeared again on a sports car introduced under a revived TVR brand in 2017.
{{TOC_left}}
{{-}}

== First generation (1990–2002) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = First generation
| image        = 1999 TVR Griffith 500 (15859188212).jpg
| caption      = TVR Griffith 500
| manufacturer = [[Company:TVR|TVR Motor Company Limited]]
| platform     = [[Chemistry:Fiberglass|Fiberglass]] body over tubular steel [[Engineering:Chassis|chassis]]
| production   = 1991–2002<br>2,351 produced<ref name="prod">{{cite web|url=https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=647743|title=TVR official production numbers|accessdate= 3 February 2018}}</ref>
| assembly     = 
| successor    = {{ubl
  | [[Engineering:TVR Tamora|TVR Tamora]]
  | TVR Griffith (second generation)
  }}
| class        = [[Engineering:Sports car|Sports car]] ([[Engineering:S-segment|S]])
| body_style   = 2-door [[Engineering:Roadster (automobile)|roadster]]
| engine       = {{ubl
  | 4.0&nbsp;L [[Company:Rover Group|Rover]] V8
  | 4.3&nbsp;L  ''Rover V8''
  | 4.5&nbsp;L Rover V8
  | 5.0&nbsp;L Rover V8 (Griffith 500 models only)
  }}
| powerout     = {{ubl
  | {{convert|240|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (4.0&nbsp;L)
  | {{convert|280|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (4.3&nbsp;L)
  | {{convert|340|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} (5.0&nbsp;L)
  }}
| transmission = {{ubl
  | 5-speed ''Rover LT77'' [[Engineering:Manual transmission|manual]]
  | 5-speed ''[[Engineering:Borg-Warner T-5 transmission|Tremec T5]]'' manual
  }}
| wheelbase    = {{convert|2286|mm|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp1">{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/tvr-griffith-1992.html#aeng_tvr-griffith-1992-40|title=1991–2002 TVR Griffith specifications|publisher= Auto Evolution|accessdate= 2 February 2018}}</ref>
| length       = {{convert|3891|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp1"/>
| width        = {{convert|1720|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp1"/>
| height       = {{convert|1204|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp1"/>
| weight       = {{ubl
  | {{convert|1060|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (dry)
  | {{convert|1300|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp1"/>
  }}
| related      = {{ubl
  | [[Engineering:TVR Chimaera|TVR Chimaera]]
  | [[Engineering:TVR Tuscan Speed Six|TVR Tuscan Speed Six]]
  | Melling Wildcat
  }}
| sp           = uk
}}

Like its forerunner namesakes, the [[Engineering:TVR Griffith 200|Griffith 200]] and Griffith 400, the modern Griffith was a lightweight ({{convert|1060|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}) [[Chemistry:Fiberglass|fiberglass]]-bodied, 2-door, 2-seat sports car with a V8 engine. Originally, it used a 4.0&nbsp;L {{convert|240|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} Rover V8 engine, but that could be optionally increased to 4.3&nbsp;L {{convert|280|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}  in 1992 with a further option of big-valve cylinder heads. In 1993, with a TVR-developed 5.0&nbsp;L {{convert|340|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} version of the Rover V8 became available. All versions of the Griffith use the Lucas Industries [[Engineering:Lucas 14CUX|14CUX]] engine management system. All models use a five-speed manual transmission from Rover and TREMEC.

Although the Griffith was almost mechanically identical to its sister car, the [[Engineering:TVR Chimaera|Chimaera]], it had a different body design and was produced in much smaller numbers.<ref name="prod"/>

The Griffith was a lightweight, high-power, and well-balanced car. A low-cost speed six Griffith proposal never became a production reality; by the time it was launched alongside the Griffith in 1999, it had morphed into the [[Engineering:TVR Tuscan Speed Six|Tuscan Speed Six]].

A special edition Japanese market Griffith 500 was made dubbed the '''Blackpool B340'''. This car was featured in [[Software:Gran Turismo (1997 video game)|Gran Turismo]], [[Software:Gran Turismo 2|Gran Turismo 2]] (in the former as the Griffith 4.0 in the NTSC and PAL versions) and [[Software:Driving Emotion Type-S|Driving Emotion Type-S]]. The car was similar to a normal Griffith 500 with some bespoke options available. The Japanese market also got a B275 4.0 engined car with aluminium basketweave dashboard.

In 2000, TVR announced that the Griffith production was going to end. A limited edition run of 100 Special Edition (SE) cars were to be built to mark the end of production. Although still very similar to the previous Griffith 500 model, the SE had a hybrid interior using the Chimaera dashboard and Cerbera seats. Noticeably, the rear lights were different along with different door mirrors, higher powered headlights and clear indicator lenses. Some also came with 16-inch wheels. Each car came with a numbered plaque in the glove box including the build number and a Special Edition Badge on its boot. All cars also had a unique signature in the boot under the carpet. The SEs were built between 2000 and 2002, with the last registered in 2003.

Every year, to celebrate the TVR Griffith, their owners have a meet called "The Griff Growl."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thegriffithpages.com/news/latest/the-griffith-growl-v-2007.html/The |title=Griff Growl |access-date=6 August 2007 |archive-date=22 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622193450/http://www.thegriffithpages.com/news/latest/the-griffith-growl-v-2007.html/The |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:TVR Griffith 400 - 001.jpg|alt=|thumb|TVR Griffith 400]]
In 2008, Al Melling Sports Cars unveiled the Melling Wildcat, a roadster heavily based on the Griffith but powered by a variant of TVR's later AJP8 engine.

=== Specifications ===

'''Engine'''

Name: Rover alloy V8

Valvetrain setup: 2 valves per cylinder, Overhead Valve

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
!Model
! Displacement
!Power
!Torque
!Max speed
!0–97&nbsp;km/h (0–60&nbsp;mph) (seconds)
!0–161&nbsp;km/h (0–100&nbsp;mph) (seconds)
|-
| 4.0 || 3,950 || {{convert|240|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}||{{Convert|270|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm ||{{convert|152|mph|km/h||abbr=on|order=flip}}|| 4.7 || 12.1
|-
| 4.0 HC || 3,950 Hi-Lift Cam ||{{convert|275|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}||{{Convert|305|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} ||{{convert|158|mph|km/h||abbr=on|order=flip}}|| 4.7 || 12.1
|-
| 4.3 || 4,280 ||{{convert|280|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}||{{Convert|305|lbft|Nm|abbr=on}} at 4000 rpm ||{{convert|158|mph|km/h||abbr=on|order=flip}}|| 4.6 || 11.3
|-
| 4.5 || 4,495 ||{{convert|285|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}||{{Convert|310|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}||{{convert|158|mph|km/h||abbr=on|order=flip}}|| 4.6 ||
|-
| 5.0 || 4,988 ||{{convert|340|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}||{{Convert|350|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} ({{Convert|320|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} with catalyzer) ||{{convert|169|mph|km/h||abbr=on|order=flip}}|| 4.1 || 10.5
|}

'''Transmission'''

Transmission: 5-speed manual (Rover LT77 or [[Engineering:Borg-Warner T-5 transmission|Tremec T5]])

'''Suspension'''

Front: [[Engineering:Independent suspension|Independent]], double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars

Rear: Independent, double wishbones, coil-over gas dampers, sway bars

'''Brakes'''

Front: {{convert|260|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} ventilated disc brakes

Rear: {{convert|260|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} ventilated disc brakes

'''Wheels'''
Front: 15 in [[Chemistry:Aluminium|aluminium]] [[Chemistry:Alloy|alloy]]

Rear: 16 in [[Chemistry:Aluminium|aluminium]] [[Chemistry:Alloy|alloy]]

'''Chassis/body'''

Body Panels: Glass fibre

Fuel Capacity: 57&nbsp;Litres (12.5&nbsp;Imp.&nbsp;gallons, 15.0&nbsp;U.S. gal)

Weight: 1,060&nbsp;kg (2,336&nbsp;lb) (dry)

Length: {{convert|3891|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Height: {{convert|1204|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Width: {{convert|1720|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Wheelbase: {{convert|2286|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Front track: {{convert|1461|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Rear track: {{convert|1471|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

Ground clearance: {{convert|145|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}

<gallery widths="200px" heights="120px">
File:TVR Griffith 400 - 003.jpg|Rear third quarter view
File:W1401-TVR Griffith500 V8-5L-340hp 1995 TableauBord 82311.JPG|Interior
File:TVR Griffith 400 - 007.jpg|4.0 L V8 engine
</gallery>

{{clear}}

== Second generation (2023–) ==
{{Infobox automobile
| name         = Second generation
| image        = TVR Griffith LE (2017) (38354185236).jpg
| caption      = TVR Griffith at NEC Classic Car Show in Birmingham 2017
| manufacturer = [[Company:TVR|TVR Automotive Limited]]
| production   = 2023 (expected)
| model_years  = 2017 (prototype)<br/>2023 (production)
| class        = 
| assembly     = Whiteley, Hampshire, England
| predecessor  = {{ubl
  | [[Engineering:TVR Sagaris|TVR Sagaris]]
  | TVR Griffith (first generation)
  }}
| body_style   = 2-door [[Engineering:Coupé|coupé]]
| engine       = 5.0&nbsp;L Cosworth Ford Coyote V8
| powerout     = {{convert|500|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}
| transmission = 6-speed [[Company:TREMEC Corporation#Products|TREMEC Magnum XL]] [[Engineering:Manual transmission|manual]]
| layout       = [[Engineering:Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal-mounted]], [[Engineering:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive]]
| wheelbase    = {{convert|2601|mm|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp">{{cite web|url=https://www.autoevolution.com/cars/tvr-griffith-2017.html#aeng_tvr-griffith-2017-50-v8-6mt|title=TVR Griffith 2018 specifications|publisher= Auto Evolution|accessdate= 2 February 2018}}</ref>
| length       = {{convert|4313|mm|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp"/>
| width        = {{convert|1849|mm|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp"/>
| height       = {{convert|1240|mm|1|abbr=on}}<ref name="sp"/>
| weight       = {{convert|1250|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} (dry)<ref name="sp"/>
| designer     = Gordon Murray
| sp           = uk
}}
[[File:TVR Griffith LE (2017) (38354184736).jpg|thumb|left|Rear quarter view]]
On 8 September 2017, to coincide with the marque's 70th anniversary year<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goodwood.com/grrc/event-coverage/goodwood-revival/2017/6/long-awaited-new-tvr-to-be-launched-at-revival-2017/|title=Long-awaited new TVR to be launched at Revival 2017|publisher=GRRC|accessdate=19 June 2017}}</ref> at the Goodwood Revival, a new Griffith was revealed under the now resurrected TVR marque, featuring design work by Gordon Murray. It features a Cosworth modified Ford Coyote 5.0-litre V8 engine{{efn|this engine used in [[Engineering:Ford Falcon (FG X)|Falcon FGX XR8]] (With additional Harrop/[[Company:Eaton Corporation|Eaton]] Supercharger) and [[Engineering:Ford Mustang (sixth generation)|Mustang GT]] (without Supercharger)}} producing {{convert|500|bhp|PS kW|0|abbr=on}}, double wishbone suspension with adjustable coilover dampers, a carbon fibre [[Physics:Ground effect (cars)|ground effect]] chassis.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPy92eteMgc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/pPy92eteMgc |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|title=New TVR Launch at Goodwood Revival 2017|website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |accessdate=8 September 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It can accelerate from 0 to {{convert|60|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}} in approximately 4 seconds, and can achieve a top speed in excess of {{convert|322|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}. The new Griffith retains the manual transmission as used in the previous TVR models, to keep the driving experience, but includes [[Engineering:Anti-lock braking system|ABS]], [[Engineering:Power steering|power steering]], and traction control as standard, in order to handle the high power output and keep the car stable at high speeds. The extensive use of carbon fibre helps save weight, and as a result, it weighs less than {{convert|1250|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, with a 50:50 [[Physics:Weight distribution|weight distribution]] achieved through the Griffith's architecture of aluminium and carbon fibre components, which improves handling. Design elements, such as large front air intakes, front splitter, active spoiler and rear integrated diffuser help in increasing aero dynamics. The car's interior follows the driving focused theme as well. Air conditioning, leather interior trim, and multimedia system come as standard as well. The Griffith was expected to start production in 2019, with an initial run of 500 Launch Edition (LE) cars and a price tag of £89,995.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tvr.co.uk/new-car|title=TVR Griffith|publisher=TVR|accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref> In November of 2021, EVO magazine reported that the new Griffith was yet to enter production and deliveries of completed vehicles were not expected until at least the end of 2023. EVO cited the COVID 19 pandemic, funding problems and damage to production facilities had caused development of the vehicle to stall. A new partnership between TVR and Ensorcia Automotive, has provided additional funds for development of the new Griffith.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TVR Griffith first deliveries delayed again until at least 2023|url=https://www.evo.co.uk/tvr/16073/tvr-griffith-first-deliveries-delayed-again-until-at-least-2023|access-date=2022-02-01|website=evo|language=en}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Production by year ==
<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=647743&mid=0&i=0&nmt=How+many+tvr+griffiths+were+made+%3F&mid=0|title = How many TVR griffiths were made ? - Page 1 - Griffith - PistonHeads UK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=9&t=647743&mid=0&i=20&nmt=How+many+tvr+griffiths+were+made+%3F&mid=0|title = How many TVR griffiths were made ? - Page 2 - Griffith - PistonHeads UK}}</ref>
* 1992: 602
* 1993: 230 (169 2DR + 61 500)
* 1994: 292
* 1995: 284
* 1996: 288
* 1997: 232
* 1998: 231
* 1999: 187
* 2000: 90
* 2001: 82
* 2002: 64
* 2023: To be started

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.tvr.co.uk/ TVR Griffith official website]
* [http://www.pistonheads.com/tvr/griffith/ TVR Griffith at PistonHeads.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061022093854/http://www.thegriffithpages.com/ TVR Griffith Info and Owners Register]
* [http://www.griffith500se.co.uk/ TVR Griffith 500 SE Register]
* [http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/ TVR Car Club]
* [http://www.griffithyears.com/ Griffith MotorCar Club International]


[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Roadsters]]

{{Sourceattribution|TVR Griffith}}