Triumph badge returns on retro-inspired concept

The last Triumph car was sold almost forty years ago, but a British company recently revived the famous badge for a concept dubbed the ‘TR25’. 

The two-seat concept comes from Makkina, a London-based studio that has worked with many in the automotive industry. Established in 1998, Makkina’s work has consisted mostly of confidential commissions and behind-the-scenes design project. They’ve never publicly presented a concept of their own until now.

Anniversary Plus

The unveiling of the TR25 concept coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Triumph’s first production automobile (after years’ building bicycles and motorcycles) in 1923, the 70th Anniversary of the TR2’s public release in 1953 and Triumph’s achieving a production car class speed record in the same year using a lightly modified TR2.

That record setter, variously known as the ‘Jabbeke car’ (for the Jabbeke Highway in Belgium where the record was set) and ‘MVC575’ for its registration, was the specific inspiration for the TR25, as evidenced by the tonneau over the passenger section and deleted windscreen. On the TR2 from ’53, these and other modifications helped Triumph set a new record speed in the Under 2.0-litre class of 200.9km/h (124.889mph).

For their modern take on the Jabbeke car, Makkina describe the concept as embracing TR2 ancestry, but repositioning it for the modern day.

While Makkina designed the TR25 concept, they didn’t build it. Instead, “a leading show car builder” in Germany was entrusted with transferring Makkina’s renderings and CAD work to 3D form, with the design and fabrication taking approximately a year.

Classic made Modern

In the style of the TR2, the TR25’s headlights sit proud of the body, while the open grille has echoes of the first TR series sportscar, too. A clever touch on the headlights is a ‘2’ in the light pattern of one and a ‘5’ in the other, referencing the concept’s name. The ‘25’ also has a link to Makkina’s 25th Anniversary this year.

At the rear, pairs of blade-like lights mounted above and below the bluff tail reference the TR2’s vertical over rider bumpers.

Doors are scissor-type, which echo the shape of the TR2’s cut-down doors when opened, but the aerodynamic hump behind the driver’s seat is more reminiscent of the Jaguar D-type than anything wearing a Triumph badge. This provides rollover protection that the Jabbeke car never had and serves as the mount point for a rear-view camera.

Wheels are distinctly modern, with no obvious inspiration from classic Triumphs, but the centre caps carry a modern take on the stylised wing badge that graced countless Triumphs in the post-war period.

This badging also features on the front of the concept, with TRIUMPH identification spelled out on the rear. The ice blue paint is said to reference the Jabbeke car and highlight the concept’s “shadows and undulating form”.

BMW Base

When BMW bought the Rover Group in 1994, they also acquired the rights to the Triumph name for use on automobiles. After selling off Rover in 2000, they retained those rights, meaning that Makkina had to seek BMW’s permission to use the Triumph name for the TR25.

Not only did BMW grant permission, they also approved the use of their recently-discontinued i3 S compact EV as the base for the concept. As such, the TR25 is powered by that model’s 135kW/270Nm electric motor on the rear axle and 42.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

A 160km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds for the i3 S improves to a claimed 185km/h and 5.2 second 0-100km/h time on the TR25 due to its reduced bodywork, improved aerodynamics and weight reduction of around 200kg; the latter achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre. The aerodynamically-shaped body is also said to improve range compared to the i3 S - from 281km to 305km.

Creating a concept that was functional, not just a thing to be looked at, was as important to Makkina as paying tribute to Triumph sportscars of the past.

“Triumph’s products were always entertaining to drive, with a premium feel, enjoyed and respected by enthusiasts worldwide,” said Makkina founder and Director, Michael Ani. “With Makkina’s homage to the Jabbeke car, it was important to create a statement that suits the marque’s British identity in a context relevant to today.”

Racer Influence

Mounting the battery pack in the concept’s spine is said to almost deliver the ideal 50:50 front:rear weight distribution sought by racing vehicles. This is in spite of the rear-mounted motor. The central spine, separating the driver and passenger sections, also contributes to vehicle rigidity.

Brakes are larger than the i3 S, ride height has been reduced and overall height is a little over one metre. Custom wheels for the concept are both bigger and wider than the BMW’s, fitted with Pirelli P Zero tyres for additional grip.

Competition inspiration continues in the cabin, where the driver’s seat is fixed, but the pedals and steering column are adjustable. According to Makkina, this allows those over 6 feet tall to find the ideal driving position. Passenger accommodation is simplified to a simple jump seat that folds down when the Jabbeke-style tonneau is in place.

The leather-trimmed seats reference the Jabbeke car with their blue colour, but are shaped like something out of the latest Ferrari or Lamborghini. There is a retro touch with the woven centre section, though, while the bright blue trim extends to the doorcards and part of the dash.

Instrumentation is kept to a minimum, consisting of tumbler-style gauges for speed, charge level and range positioned directly ahead of the driver. A gauge in the steering wheel boss is self-centring, displaying the classic Triumph logo when not in use.

The steering wheel itself has a 12 O’clock marker and the spoke design is said to reference the Union Jack. Switches on the left of the dash presumably adjust the steering rake/reach and pedal position, while the pedals themselves are drilled to keep the race theme going.

One and Only

While the presentation of the TR25 has led to some enthusiastic speculation that the Triumph name may make a comeback, ideally on some form of electric sportscar, there’s no indication from either Makkina or BMW that the concept will be more than a one-off.