Tvr · 1996–1998
TVR Cerbera Speed 12
The TVR Cerbera Speed 12, originally known as the Project 7/12, is a sports car designed by TVR in 1997. Based on the TVR Cerbera, the vehicle was intended to be both the world's fastest road car and the basis for a GT1 class endurance racer. However, problems during its development, changing GT1 class regulations and the eventual decision that it was simply incapable of being used as a road car forced TVR executives to abandon its development. The engine, displacing 7.7 L (469.9 cu in) and having twelve cylinders, was reportedly capable of producing nearly 1,000 hp (746 kW), although an exact measurement was never made. Nonetheless, it was claimed to have a top speed greater than that of the McLaren F1.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
All Tvr Cerbera Speed 12 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
History
=== Project 7/12 concept === The vehicle, known as the TVR Project 7/12, first appeared at the 1996 Birmingham Motor Show and dominated the show once it was unveiled, attracting more crowds than any other cars in the show. The number "7" referred to the 7.7 litre (actually 7.73 L) engine, and "12" for the number of cylinders in the engine. TVR claimed that the engine would have a power output of more than 800 hp (597 kW) and be faster than the McLaren F1. The first concepts shown were based on FIA GT1 class race rules which meant that they would be restricted to 660 hp (492 kW) but the weight would be kept at roughly 1,000 kg (2,205 lb). The road car would weigh the same but without the restrictors, the power was greatly increased. Despite the claims, the actual output figure was not recorded. It had a specially built 6-speed manual transmission and clutch. The engine was essentially made from two TVR AJP6 straight-6 engines mated on a single crankshaft. Unusually for an automobile of its type, the Speed Twelve's engine block was not constructed of cast iron or aluminium alloy, but rather of steel and was designed by John Ravenscroft. Speed 12. ==== GT1 ==== By 1998, the car had been renamed the TVR Speed 12 and the racing version called the Speed 12 GTS was finalising development to compete in the GT1 class races. TVR wanted to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but that never happened. However, the Speed 12 GTS did manage to compete in a few races in the 1998 British GT Championship in the GT1 class, though sudden rule changes caused by advanced high-cost purpose built racers such as the Porsche 911 GT1, Nissan R390 and the Toyota GT-One and the subsequent demise of the class in other championships suddenly rendered the Speed 12 obsolete. In order that their work not go
Specifications
Brakes: Ventilated discs, 378 mm (14.9 in) diameter (front), 273 mm (10.7 in) (rear) Suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs over gas dampers. 0-97 km/h (60 mph): 2.9 seconds Weight: 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) Power output: 626 kW (840 hp) Top speed: 386 km/h (240 mph) Source: Note: Performance statistics are manufacturer estimates.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- TVR Cerbera Speed 12
- Manufacturer
- TVR
- aka
- TVR Project 7/12
- Production
- 1996–1998, 3 produced
- Assembly
- United Kingdom: Blackpool, England
- Class
- Sports car (S)
- Body style
- 2-door coupe
- Layout
- Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
- Engine
- 7730 cc Speed 12 V12
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Wheelbase
- 2640 mm
- Length
- 4360 mm
- Width
- 1960 mm
- Height
- 1130 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1100 kg
- Related
- TVR Cerbera
- Designer
- Chris Stallard, Darren Hobbs
- sp
- uk
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1787083CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TVR_Cerbera_Speed_12CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377759392 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cerbera_Speed_12.jpgCC BY 2.0 · Photo: Brian Snelson (flickr account) · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.