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The TVR Speed 12 was launched at the London Motor Show in October '97 and caused a real sensation, as much as an outrageous 800bhp 7.7-litre V12 powered super car could. The Speed 12 is essentially a racing project designed to compete in the Le Mans 24 hours, but TVR claims to have at least eight firm orders for the roadgoing version which in itself is expected to have a power-to-weight ratio of around 900bhp per tonne and over 650 lb ft of torque. The Speed 12 uses a simple glass fibre bodyshell mounted over a tubular steel chassis, essentially a space frame with integral rollover and side impact protection. The engine is unique to TVR, originally conceived by Al Melling, the head of a small British company called MCD. Based on this design, John Ravenscoft (TVR's in-house engine expert) has developed it dramatically, producing 660hp for the roadgoing version and potentially over 800bhp for racing. The Speed 12's are set to be manufactured at a rate of one per month, so they'll be a long waiting list. Check out the Technical Specifications below and view some of the images to see the wild chassis design, strangely resembling the Bat-Mobile! TVR Speed 12 Specification Price  approx. $245,000 (US), £150,000 (UK) Top track speed  210mph (limited) Acceleration  0 - 60mph in 2.9 seconds Horsepower  800 bhp at 8250 revs Engine  7730cc 90 degree V12, Steel block, aluminium heads, 4 valves per cylinder, Dry Sump, 12.5:1 compression ratio Engine  7.7 litres Chassis  Space frame with integral rollover and side impact protection Torque  650 lbs/ft at 5750 rpm Brakes  Front 378mm ventilated with six pot callipers  Rear 273mm ventilated with 4 pot callipers Wheels  Front 11x18inch, 285/35 tyres  Rear 13x18inch 345/35 tyres Length  4.30m Width  1.96m Height  1.10m Wheelbase  104 inches Curb weight  1000kg Note: it would be possible to fill pages and pages with the technical details of this car, I've just chosen the ones' that really interest the racer in me, that is how fast it is and how much it costs. If you know / want any more, fill in the form below. If you can think of any ways to improve this part of my site, know any information that's worth adding or just want to make a comment on the contents of this page, please fill in the form below. All trademarks and copyrighted images / icons are acknowledged and accepted. TVR Suggestions or comments ? Just fill in the form Email  Question / Comment : Copyright © Ben Tullett, 1998 - All rights reserved. Contact me: webmaster@ben-tullett.com