TVR Chimaera (United Kingdom, 1992-2003)

In 1992 TVR released a two-seat convertible sports car, the Chimaera, keeping it in active production until 2003 without any major facelifts. TVR launched this model in order to suppress the lack of a long-distance touring car in its model line-up.

The word ‘Chimaera’ derives from the name of a grotesque creature in the Greek mythology, named Chimera, which is formed from parts of different animals (lion head, goat body, serpent tail).

TVR unveiled its model Chimaera at the 1992 Birmingham Motor Show and set off its production run in February 1993.

The TVR Chimaera proved to be an instant success, having been produced for one decade, until production ceased in 2003.

The TVR Chimaera is provided with a V8 front engine and a rear-wheel drive system, as well as a 5-speed manual transmission. The Chimaera’s engine options are quite wide, being the most basic the 4.0-liter engines with either 152 hp or 240 hp. Top speed for these versions is 149 mi/h (240 km/h) and they can go from 0-60 mi/h (0-97 km/h) in about 5 seconds.

There are also 4.3- and 4.5-liter engines that produce 158 hp and go from 0-60 mi/h in 4.6 seconds. Then there are two 5.0-liter engines, one with 163 hp and the other with 320 hp. Both 5.0-liter units allow the car to go from 0-60 mi/h in 4.1 seconds, but the 320 hp unit makes the Chimaera achieve up to 167 mi/h (269 km/h).

  Platform
  Suspension All-round independent suspension with unequal-length double wishbones and coil over gas dampers assisted by anti-roll bars.   Steering Optionally power-assisted rack-and-pinion with adjustable steering column.   Brakes Front and rear ventilated disk brakes, servo assisted with front and rear split dual circuits. Cable-operated hand brake on the rear wheels.

The TVR Chimaera is a 2-door, 2-seat convertible automobile.