TVR announces further info for the new Limited Edtion launch model and details it's lightweight future.

• TVR has revealed further details of its new car and confirms carbon fibre specification of its new limited edition launch model
• TVR will offer its first-ever, full-production, carbon fibre construction on its all-new sports car, which utilises pioneering techniques developed by legendary F1 and road car designer Gordon Murray
• Using the revolutionary iStream® Carbon manufacturing process, the TVR will remain true to its lightweight and high-performance principles while leading the way with new design and manufacturing technologies
• TVR will produce an exciting Launch Edition model with a carbon fibre chassis and offer it as a cost-effective option for subsequent orders
• TVR’s product and launch programme will see at least four new models in the market over the next decade

The iconic British sports car maker, TVR, has announced that carbon fibre construction options will be available when the car goes on sale in the coming months. TVR will offer a lightweight carbon fibre composite structure to feature on its latest full-production model, thanks to the revolutionary techniques of design legend Gordon Murray, and has confirmed that its initial limited edition production run of cars will feature carbon construction as standard.

The pictures below are a indication of what "might" be coming, however no actual picture of the all new car has been launched yet, so except the picture as just that, a picture, and nothing more.

Famous for his design leads in F1 and on road cars, Gordon Murray has developed an innovative ground effect aero chassis and body package using his innovative iStream® manufacturing methods. iStream® Carbon allows TVR to produce a revolutionary stand-alone tub and shell made from carbon fibre composite at a fraction of the cost that other methods allow.

Les Edgar, Chairman of TVR said: “Historically, carbon fibre has been reserved for motorsport and high-end supercars, but now TVR will be offering customers a slice of that technology at a fraction of the price. The spotlight has been on us from the start, and with the help of Gordon Murray Design and its innovative processes, we have made sure that our new sports car can really shine and deliver beyond expectations. The carbon manufacturing process really is a game changer, and one I’m delighted to offer to all of our early adopter Launch Edition customers within the package cost. I am sure those models will be much coveted, but carbon will continue to be available as a cost option.”

Customers who have already placed a deposit will be delighted that all Launch Edition models made will be produced with the carbon fibre option. Subsequent cars produced will be available to be specified with the carbon fibre option package, with pricing to be confirmed. Both carbon fibre and the standard composite construction will be manufactured using iStream® design and manufacturing techniques, which simplifies the assembly process to allow greater flexibility as well as reducing cost and increasing the car’s safety and rigidity.

TVR recently sent out an update to the 300+ deposit holders for the new car, which included details of the ‘no-cost’ carbon fibre chassis option.

Les Edgar continued: “The response has been fantastic. With deposits continuing to flow in, we will be looking to close the order book for the Launch Edition car shortly. Our intent is to unveil the styling of the new car in the coming months at a public event, although we will be conducting car clinics before then. There will be an opportunity for deposit holders to register interest if they would like to participate.”

Gordon Murray, Chairman of Gordon Murray Design comments: “From early on it became apparent that there was no reason why we couldn’t develop a carbon fibre chassis structure for the new TVR at a lower cost than manufacturing processes previously allowed. Our iStream® Carbon technology is the world’s first affordable, yet high volume, carbon fibre chassis and body structure and sets new standards in the automotive industry for chassis lightweighting, rigidity and safety. I am delighted that TVR is able to offer a carbon fibre option and bring the lightweight TVR principle back to life in a very exciting contemporary way.”

Ford F-150 Torture Tests: Corrosion Bath

America's best-selling truck better be able to handle anything, and Ford is ensuring its all-new F-150 makes the grade. From acid baths to steep hills, Ford is revealing the tough tasks the F-150 has to complete before it goes on sale this fall.By the time the 2015 F-150 hits the market, it will have undergone 10 million cumulative miles of durability testing, according to Ford. The automaker has already subjected the truck to driving in temperatures ranging from 120 degrees to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. But this is nothing compared to the other challenges it has conquered. In one test, a machine violently shakes the body of the F-150 for five days straight to simulate 225,000 miles of driving. Yet another drops 55-gallon drums in to the bed of the truck to see how it would hold up. 

“We wanted to build the toughest, most capable F-150, while making it as much as 700 pounds lighter,” said Pete Reyes, Ford F-150 chief engineer. “We challenged the team to torture the truck harder than any F-150 before it.”One of the most interesting tests, shown in the video below, ensures the vehicle can withstand corrosion. The F-150 underwent an aggressive acid wash that simulates 10 years of exposure to corrosive materials. Considering the new F-150's body is made of aluminum instead of steel, the truck was able to resist almost all corrosion.

REPORT HERE