TVR Chimaera

TVR Chimaera
Overview
Manufacturer	TVR
Production	1992–2003
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car Roadster
Body style	2-door convertible
Related	TVR Griffith
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L - 5.0 L V8
Dimensions
Curb weight	1,060 kg (2,337 lb)
Chronology
Successor	TVR Tamora

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 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.

Specifications

Engine

• 90 degree aluminium V8

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 (130 mm).

Braking

The front disk brakes were 260 mm (10 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 (14 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

Additional images

• 

  Interior of Chimaera 500 1998

• 

  1998 Chimaera 500

• 

  Rear of Chimaera

Wikimedia Commons has media related to TVR Chimaera.

External links

• TVR Chimaera Pages - A guide to ownership and maintenance of the TVR Chimaera. Includes a gallery of pictures.
• TVR Chimaera review on Pistonheads
• TVR Chimaera buyer's guide
• TVR Chimaera pictures, specifications etc.
• - TVR Chimaera 500 site, Includes a gallery of pictures & video.