LONDON: A hundred years after taking its place in history as a leading sports car brand, the Triumph Motor Company makes headlines again with a new electric TR25 concept car, created by British automotive design house, Makkina.
Unveiled here last week, the TR25 created by Makkina is a celebration of the great British roadster, paying particular homage to the record-breaking "Jabbeke" Triumph TR2, MVC575, which broke the land speed record for production cars under two litres in May 1953.
Today, it returns to the headlines under a different name and sporting a new, modern design direction as the Triumph TR25 by Makkina.
The modern Triumph has two distinctive headlights – a design also synonymous with subsequent Triumph sports cars – the sleek, aerodynamically-optimised exterior surfaces, the single-seat configuration with optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, plus the driver-focused cabin.
Using an all-electric BMW i3S as a platform, Makkina has been able to give the TR25 a near 50-50 weight distribution, allowing it to corner as a sports car.
Coupled with a low centre of gravity and compact proportions, the i3S serves as the perfect foundation for Makkina to develop the next chapter in British sports car history.
With a minimalistic interior, the TR25’s cockpit aims to place the driver in a setting where there are no unnecessary distractions.
The headlamps of the TR25 mirror those of the "Jabbeke" TR2, with a signature "25" in the centre as a nod to Makkina’s 25th anniversary.
A self-centering dial in the steering wheel displays all vital information while a central binnacle will show road speed, charge levels, and battery range.
The spoked steering wheel will be where the driver can access driving modes, data and the car’s navigation system.
Founded in London in 1998 by Michael Ani, Makkina has been offering its services to both leading and emerging automotive brands.
It has a track record of working behind the scenes with OEMs and other automotive clients to create show cars and production-validated designs for exteriors and interiors.
The BMW Group owns the rights to the Triumph name, and has allowed Makkina to introduce the TR25, which is the design house's first direct-to-public project.
The original TR2 that inspired the creation of the TR25.
