A Celebration of the Great British Roadster by Design House Makkina.
Triumph Motor Company, which has been around for 100 years, is back in the spotlight thanks to an all-new electric TR25 concept car by top automotive design firm Makkina. Makkina's TR25, unveiled in London, is a commemoration of the great British roadster that specifically pays respect to the 'Jabbeke' Triumph TR2, MVC575, which in May 1953 set a new land speed record for production automobiles with a displacement of less than two litres.
With a new name and a more contemporary aesthetic, the Triumph TR25 by Makkina has returned to the spotlight 70 years after it set the record and 100 years after the Triumph moniker originally debuted on a production car. The UK-based design studio Makkina has designed the TR25 to modernise the record-breaking car's qualities while staying faithful to the Triumph brand's roots in craftsmanship and creativity via the use of realistic proportions.
The Triumph TR2 MVC575 became a legend in the annals of speed record competition after its 1953 trials at Jabekke, Northern Belgium. The first "Jabbeke" TR2 was remarkable because its driver, test pilot Ken Richardson, set a new land speed record of 124.889 miles per hour. A pre-production prototype, the 'Jabbeke' TR2 (also known as MVC575) included streamlined components such an under shield, rear-wing spats, and a metal cockpit cover. The car's colour, a hazy blue-green, has come to be identified with the 'Jabbeke' TR2 brand. The original vehicle has been donated to the British Automobile Museum in Gaydon, United Kingdom.
From the very beginning, Makkina's goal was to highlight the features that made the MVC575 stand out as a significant automobile. The front end with its two distinctive headlights—a design also synonymous with subsequent Triumph sports cars—the sleek, aerodynamically-optimised exterior surfaces, the single-seat configuration with an optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, and the uncompromising driver-focused interior.
Makkina used the all-electric BMW i3S as a base to give the TR25 a near 50/50 weight distribution, making it handle corners like a proper sports car. Makkina's next chapter in British sports car history will be built on the i3S's low centre of gravity and small dimensions.
Director at Makkina, Michael Ani, said: “Our aim was to update the true character of the original record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 with our design, through both interior and exterior design. Using the BMW i3S platform allows us to create a blend of old and new with the TR2-inspired body shape and the versatile and adaptable powertrain, creating a seamless, fully electric experience. The i3S platform proves that driving an electric car can be fun! The combination of instant torque, acceleration, agility, and silence is as compelling now as ever.”
The TR25's cockpit was designed to eliminate distractions for the driver with its spare cabin. Makkina is all about conveying a feeling, and the pared-down dashboard and controls are meant to do just that. To celebrate Makkina's 25th year in business, the TR25's headlights have a trademark '25' in the centre, similar to the TR2's 'Jabbeke' design. The new Triumph Motor Company logo is only one of the many thoughtful details that elevate the genuine sports car feel afforded by the vehicle's single-seat configuration.
All relevant data, including road speed, charge levels, and battery range, is shown on a self-centering dial on the steering wheel. Access to the vehicle's settings, data, and navigation system will all be located on a spoked steering wheel designed to evoke the original wheel of the 'Jabbeke' TR2.
Makkina, as the agency of choice for automotive design, is the ideal collaborator for bringing the TR25 to life, having earned a stellar reputation over the course of 25 years by developing designs for some of the automotive industry's most prominent players. Because of their depth of creative skill and production know-how, the close-knit team has quietly attracted some of the most prestigious names in the automotive industry.
Even though it's been a century since the first Triumph was produced, the word is still commonly used to refer to the legendary British sports automobile. Triumph has a rich history of producing high-quality automobiles, including the legendary TR sports cars, the Dolomite, and the Spitfire. Makkina is pleased to bring the TR25 to life with the approval of BMW Group, the current owners of the Triumph trademark.
Director at Makkina, Michael Ani, said: “Triumph is an incredibly significant name in the motoring industry, and we knew we carried a strong responsibility for its reawakening through the TR25. Whether through its much-loved TR sports car series or its highly-respected line of sedans, Triumph remains a cherished nameplate, holding a very special place in our hearts at Makkina.
“We’re proud of the way we have revitalised the Triumph [Motor Company] name and thank our friends at BMW Group for allowing us the honour to badge a car that not only celebrates our company’s [Makkina’s] 25th anniversary but also 70 years of the ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 record run and 100 years of this iconic marque [Triumph Motor Company].”
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