TVR Chimaera
The TVR Chimaera is an open-top, two-seat roadster built at Blackpool between 1992 and 2003. It shares its tubular backbone chassis and Rover V8-derived powertrain with the Griffith, but was positioned as the softer, slightly larger long-distance tourer of the pair. With 5,256 cars built, it remains TVR’s best-selling model.
The name comes from the Chimera of Greek myth. The car was first shown at the 1992 Earl’s Court Motor Show and was eventually succeeded by the Tamora in 2003.
Chassis and running gear
Section titled “Chassis and running gear”The Chimaera uses unequal-length double-wishbone independent suspension at both ends, with coil-over gas dampers and anti-roll bars. Ride height is around 130 mm (5 in). The brakes are servo-assisted with a split dual circuit and a cable handbrake acting on the rear wheels; disc sizes grew with the larger-engined cars. Steering is rack and pinion, with power assistance offered as an option.
| Item | Smaller-engined cars | 500 (5.0 L) |
|---|---|---|
| Front discs | 239 mm | 260 mm ventilated |
| Rear discs | 253 mm | 273 mm |
| Steering wheel | 350 mm leather | 350 mm leather |
| Lock-to-lock (PAS) | 2.2 turns | 2.2 turns |
| Lock-to-lock (unassisted) | 2.5 turns | 2.5 turns |
| Gearbox | Rover LT77 5-speed | BorgWarner T5 5-speed |
Engine variants
Section titled “Engine variants”All Chimaeras use a development of the Rover V8. Figures below are the manufacturer’s quoted output and performance claims.
| Variant | Capacity | Power | Torque | 0–60 mph | 0–100 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 3,950 cc | 240 hp | 270 lb·ft @ 4,000 rpm | 5.1 s | 12.5 s | 152 mph |
| 4.0 HC | 3,950 cc | 275 hp | 305 lb·ft | 4.7 s | 12.1 s | 158 mph |
| 4.3 | 4,280 cc | 280 hp | 305 lb·ft @ 4,000 rpm | 4.6 s | 11.3 s | 158 mph |
| 4.5 | 4,546 cc | 285 hp | 310 lb·ft | 4.7 s | 11.2 s | 160 mph |
| 500 (5.0) | 4,988 cc | 340 hp | 320 lb·ft | 4.1 s | 10.2 s | 175 mph |
For engine internals, service parts and tuning notes see the Rover V8 engine page.
Factory options
Section titled “Factory options”Most Chimaeras left the factory well-equipped, but the following were on the options list:
- Power-assisted steering
- Air conditioning
- Rear speakers and six-CD autochanger
- Full leather trim, heated seats, wool carpets
- Wood-and-chrome steering wheel
- Gold-coloured badges
- Seven-spoke ‘Griffith 500’ wheels on the smaller-engined cars
Production history
Section titled “Production history”| Year | Change |
|---|---|
| 1992 | Chimaera launched at Earl’s Court |
| 1994 | Chimaera 500 introduced; BorgWarner T5 replaces LT77; new alternator, single vee-belt, power steering available |
| 1996 | First facelift — Cerbera-style rear bumper and boot lid, push-button doors, horizontal-bar grille in place of mesh |
| 1997 | 4.5 litre model added |
| 1998 | Revised rear lights, new number-plate mounting angle, base 4.0 dropped |
| 2001 | Second facelift — Griffith headlights, Cerbera seats |
| 2002–03 | Production ends; succeeded by the Tamora |
See also
Section titled “See also”- TVR Griffith — the Chimaera’s sister car
- Rover V8 engine
- Buyer’s guide — Griffith, Chimaera & Cerbera
- TVR servicing schedule
Compiled from publicly available model information (Wikipedia, TVR Chimaera article) — always verify performance figures and specifications against original factory documentation before relying on them.