TX4
Encyclopedia
The TX4 is a purpose built taxicab (hackney carriage
) manufactured by Manganese Bronze Holdings / LTC The London Taxi Company, formerly LTI London Taxis International. It is the latest in a long line of purpose-built taxis manufactured by LTC (previously as stated LTI and before that many years ago Carbodies). The design has loosely evolved from the Austin FX4
which was eventually known as the 'Fairway' series. The TX4 takes virtually all of its body styling from its predecessor, the TXII (there is no TX3). It now features a new front radiator grille, an updated interior design, updated front and rear bumpers, and a different rear vehicle registration number plate surround. There are now internal headrests as a result of EU safety regulations. On the earlier models there were two headrests fitted to the central partition for the rear-facing tip-up seats, but on the later models these were removed as drivers complained and found them awkward for vision reasons. In addition, there were many other revisions.
The TX4 offers a 2.5 VM Motori
diesel engine
mated electronically to a Magna Powertrain
automatic transmission
(also used in the Jeep Cherokee
). A manual version
is also available.
The engine and transmission are built on a fully boxed hydroform
frame and a separate body, due to the nature of its separate chassis
construction.
The front suspension
, as with its predecessors, is of the coil spring
type while the rear suspension is no longer the old-fashioned leaf spring
type having been replaced with coil springs. The front suspension now has an anti-roll bar like a modern car.
Anecdotally the reason for there being no TX3 and the marque number going straight to 4 is because the engine is Euro IV
compliant and also for the vehicle to have a connection with the famous Austin FX4.
.
of the LTI's shareholders approved a joint venture with Geely Automobile
--called Shanghai LTI—to manufacture the TX4 in China. Production started in July 2008. In August 2010 Geely disclosed that Shanghai LTI began supplying SKD (semi-knocked-down) TX4 to the UK. Geely sells the TX4 cab under their "Englon" brand, but have also developed a new version called the TXN. The TXN, planned to go on sale in 2012, has a more bulbous shape meant to be more youthful. A concept version called the Englon SC7-RV has also been shown in 2011; this is intended to be used as a private family saloon.
The news of the fires hit the headlines after Big George, a presenter on BBC London 94.9
, received photos of a taxi that burst into flames outside Stringfellows on Upper St. Martin's Lane on the 12th of September 2008.
Even though initially there was recall of only the 56 registrations, every TX4 will have modifications of some type
(who habitually drives a black cab) announced that he had acquired a TX4 for personal use.
Hackney carriage
A hackney or hackney carriage is a carriage or automobile for hire...
) manufactured by Manganese Bronze Holdings / LTC The London Taxi Company, formerly LTI London Taxis International. It is the latest in a long line of purpose-built taxis manufactured by LTC (previously as stated LTI and before that many years ago Carbodies). The design has loosely evolved from the Austin FX4
Austin FX4
The FX4 is the classic Black Cab. While the majority are black, there is in fact no requirement for them, or indeed any other make of London taxi to be black. Over the years, the FX4 has been sold under a number of different makers' names.-Design and launch:...
which was eventually known as the 'Fairway' series. The TX4 takes virtually all of its body styling from its predecessor, the TXII (there is no TX3). It now features a new front radiator grille, an updated interior design, updated front and rear bumpers, and a different rear vehicle registration number plate surround. There are now internal headrests as a result of EU safety regulations. On the earlier models there were two headrests fitted to the central partition for the rear-facing tip-up seats, but on the later models these were removed as drivers complained and found them awkward for vision reasons. In addition, there were many other revisions.
The TX4 offers a 2.5 VM Motori
VM Motori
VM Motori S.p.A. is a diesel engine manufacturing company in Cento, Italy, in Emilia-Romagna, an Italian region which is also home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati.- History :...
diesel engine
Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses the heat of compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel, which is injected into the combustion chamber...
mated electronically to a Magna Powertrain
Magna Powertrain
Magna Powertrain is an operating unit of Magna International. In 2004, Magna Drivetrain was created as a result of the acquisition of New Venture Gear merged with Magna Steyr Powertrain...
automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(also used in the Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Liberty
Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept cars, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee . Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD...
). A manual version
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
is also available.
The engine and transmission are built on a fully boxed hydroform
Hydroforming
Hydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping malleable metals such as aluminum or brass into lightweight, structurally stiff and strong pieces. One of the largest applications of hydroforming is the automotive industry, which makes use of the complex shapes possible by hydroforming to produce...
frame and a separate body, due to the nature of its separate chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
construction.
The front suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
, as with its predecessors, is of the coil spring
Coil spring
A Coil spring, also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device, which is typically used to store energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces...
type while the rear suspension is no longer the old-fashioned leaf spring
Leaf spring
Originally called laminated or carriage spring, a leaf spring is a simple form of spring, commonly used for the suspension in wheeled vehicles...
type having been replaced with coil springs. The front suspension now has an anti-roll bar like a modern car.
Anecdotally the reason for there being no TX3 and the marque number going straight to 4 is because the engine is Euro IV
European emission standards
European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.Currently, emissions of...
compliant and also for the vehicle to have a connection with the famous Austin FX4.
Alternative propulsion
There is hope that there may be a handful of TX4's with hydrogen fuel cell propulsion by 2012 in time for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The current prototype (made with the help of Lotus Engineering) has a range of 250 miles (402.3 km) and top speed of over 80 mph (it recently achieved 95 mph at the Millbrook test track). The hydrogen tank can supposedly be refilled in five minutes. Currently £5.5 million has been used to fund the project from the Technology Strategy BoardTechnology Strategy Board
The Technology Strategy Board is a UK public body operating at arm's length from the Government reporting to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills .- History :...
.
Chinese market
In January 2007, an Extraordinary General MeetingExtraordinary General Meeting
An extraordinary general meeting, commonly abbreviated as EGM, is a meeting of members of an organisation, shareholders of a company, or employees of an official body, which occurs at an irregular time. The term is usually used where the group would ordinarily hold an annual general meeting , but...
of the LTI's shareholders approved a joint venture with Geely Automobile
Geely Automobile
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is a holding company and parent of Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd a private automobile manufacturer. Geely may often round out the top ten Chinese automakers....
--called Shanghai LTI—to manufacture the TX4 in China. Production started in July 2008. In August 2010 Geely disclosed that Shanghai LTI began supplying SKD (semi-knocked-down) TX4 to the UK. Geely sells the TX4 cab under their "Englon" brand, but have also developed a new version called the TXN. The TXN, planned to go on sale in 2012, has a more bulbous shape meant to be more youthful. A concept version called the Englon SC7-RV has also been shown in 2011; this is intended to be used as a private family saloon.
Fire issues
In September 2008, approximately 15 engine fires in a period of three months forced a partial recall of the TX4. A limited number of vehicles were affected and the Public Carriage Office—now renamed LTPH (London Taxis and Private Hire)—required all models with a '56' registration plate to undergo safety checks otherwise drivers would lose their carriage license.The news of the fires hit the headlines after Big George, a presenter on BBC London 94.9
BBC London 94.9
BBC London 94.9 is London's BBC Local Radio station, and part of BBC London. Broadcasting across Greater London and beyond on 94.9 FM, DAB, Virgin Media Channel 930, Sky Channel 0152 and also online...
, received photos of a taxi that burst into flames outside Stringfellows on Upper St. Martin's Lane on the 12th of September 2008.
Even though initially there was recall of only the 56 registrations, every TX4 will have modifications of some type
Private users
In April 2009, Stephen FryStephen Fry
Stephen John Fry is an English actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter and film director, and a director of Norwich City Football Club. He first came to attention in the 1981 Cambridge Footlights Revue presentation "The Cellar Tapes", which also...
(who habitually drives a black cab) announced that he had acquired a TX4 for personal use.
External links
- London Taxi Company - manufacturer and main UK site