2001 TVR Tuscan Speed Six

Manufactured from 1999 until 2006, the TVR Tuscan Speed 6 was powered by TVR’s straight six engine in a 3.6 litre capacity and a 4.0 litre capacity in quite a few different configurations.  As with all TVR models, there are no driver aids such as traction control nor abs systems.  They don’t offer airbags either … while I would hope never again to bounce off an airbag, I would prefer my supercar to have these aids just in case things got a bit hairy.  I suspect the lack of these items and the legendary lack of build quality are the main factors that TVR are no longer in business.

2000

First deliveries of this model began in 2000.

2002

A 2+2 version was offered for sale in 2002 initally called the Tuscan R but then renamed to the T400 (offering 400bhp).

2004

This year saw a facelifted Tuscan MkII and MkII S launched alongside a new convertible version.  The facelift comprised of new light clusters to the front and rear, a new dashboard and spoilers for the ‘S’ variant.  A few minor chassis tweaks completed the update.

2006

The final year of production offered the best made versions of these cars as TVR had been bought out by Nikolai Smolenski.  But it was to no avail as the factory closed later this year.

Engine options

The 3.6 litre engine was offered in the initial version of the Tuscan Speed Six.  It produced 350bhp (261 kW) and 393 nM (290 lb-ft) of torque.

The 4.0 litre engine came in different states of tune –

• Mk1 variants produced 360 bhp (268kW) and 420 nM (310 lb-ft) of torque
• Mk1 Red Rose variants produced an additional 20 bhp over the standard Mk1
• Mk1 S versions manufactured before 2003 updated the power output to 390 bhp (291 kW) while also increasing the torque on offer to 420 nM (310 lb-ft).  After 2003, the Mk1 S produced 400 bhp (298 kW) and 427 nM (315 lb-ft) of torque
• Mk2 variants with the 4.0 litre engine initially produced 380 bhp (283 kW) and 420 nM (310 lb-ft) of torque
• Mk2 S versions punched out the same power as Mk1 S versions offered after 2003, with 400 bhp (298 kW) and 427 nM (315 lb-ft) of torque
• Mk2 basic convertible versions developed 360 bhp (268 kW) matched with 420 nM (310 lb-ft) of torque, while the Red Rose convertible versions added 20 bhp over the basic verison
• The T440R was the most potent, offering 440 bhp (328 kW) and 475 nM (350 lb-ft) of torque

TVR Tuscan Speed 6 (2001) – Vital Statistics