TVR Chimaera
Encyclopedia
The TVR Chimaera is a two-seater convertible
sports car
manufactured by TVR between 1992 and 2003. The name was derived from Chimera
, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology
, which was made of the parts of multiple animals.
The indicator recess' were designed by the manager's (Peter Wheeler
)dog, Ned Wheeler.
The car used the same backbone chassis as the Griffith
and used the same derivatives of the Rover V8 engine.
The Chimaera was intended to be the long distance tourer of the range and as such was longer, more spacious and had slightly softer suspension than its sister car.
Ground clearance was about 5 inches (12.7 cm).
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
sports car
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
manufactured by TVR between 1992 and 2003. The name was derived from Chimera
Chimera (mythology)
The Chimera or Chimaera was, according to Greek mythology, a monstrous fire-breathing female creature of Lycia in Asia Minor, composed of the parts of multiple animals: upon the body of a lioness with a tail that ended in a snake's head, the head of a goat arose on her back at the center of her...
, the monstrous creature of Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
, which was made of the parts of multiple animals.
The indicator recess' were designed by the manager's (Peter Wheeler
Peter Wheeler
Peter John Wheeler is a former international rugby union player who played hooker and is Chief Executive of Leicester Tigers.-Early life:...
)dog, Ned Wheeler.
The car used the same backbone chassis as the Griffith
TVR Griffith
The TVR Griffith, later models being referred to as the Griffith 500, was a sports car designed and built by TVR starting in 1991 and ending in 2002....
and used the same derivatives of the Rover V8 engine.
The Chimaera was intended to be the long distance tourer of the range and as such was longer, more spacious and had slightly softer suspension than its sister car.
Engine
- 90 degree aluminium V8
| Model | Capacity (cc) | Power | Torque | Max speed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 3,950 V8 | 240 bhp | 270 lbft at 4000 rpm | 152 mi/h | 5.1 | 12.5 |
| 4.0 HC | 3,950 Hi Compression V8 | 275 bhp | 305 lbft | 158 mi/h | 4.7 | 12.1 |
| 4.3 | 4,280 V8 | 280 bhp | 305 lbft at 4000 rpm | 158 mi/h | 4.6 | 11.3 |
| 4.5 | 4,495 V8 | 285 bhp | 310 lbft | 160 mi/h | 4.7 | 11.2 |
| 5.0 | 4,988 V8 | 340 bhp | 320 lbft | 175 mi/h | 4.1 | 10.2 |
- Bore/stroke mm:_____4.0 94x71______4.5 94x82_____5.0 94x90
- Compression ratio:___4.0 10:1________4.5 9,5:1______5.0 10:1
- Maximum rpm:______4.0 6250________4.5 6250______5.0 6000
- Power/weight ratio:_______________________________5.0 307 bhp/ton
Suspension
The suspension consisted of all round independent, unequal-length double wishbones and coil over gas dampers assisted by anti-roll bars.Ground clearance was about 5 inches (12.7 cm).
Braking
The front disk brakes were 260 mm (10.2 in) diameter and ventilated. The rear disk brakes were 273 mm (10.7 in) mm in diameter. Both sets were servo assisted with front/rear split dual circuits. There was a cable-operated hand brake for the rear wheels.Steering
- Steering was optionally power-assisted and worked via rack and pinion with adjustable steering column.
- There were 2.2 turns lock to lock for the power-assisted steering or 2.5 for unassisted.
- The steering wheel was 350 mm (13.8 in) in diameter and leather-covered, although other wheels could be specified by the customer. The standard fit was by Personal, in keeping with a majority of TVR models.
Manufacturer's options
- Power assisted steering
- Air conditioning
- Rear speakers
- Six CD autochanger
- Full leather
- Heated Seats
- Wood and Chrome Steering Wheel
- Wool Carpets
- Gold coloured badges
- Seven spoke 'Griffith 500' wheels for smaller engine versions (standard on 5.0)
- 4,988 cc V8 (5.0) initially a factory option on the 4.3 and 4.5 litre models