A Triumphant Return – TR25 by Makkina
July 19, 2023
Triumph is back, sort of. BMW might own the rights to the Triumph name, but the German giant has been very kind and let UK design house, Makkina, borrow it for a bit. Why? Because 70 years after Ken Richardson hit a record-breaking 124.889mph at Jabekke in Belgium in a TR2 prototype, the car is back. In spirit at least. We know where the real, original car is, as we were lucky enough to do a feature on it before it went off to live at Gaydon. The new car is the TR25 by Makkina, and it’s a glorious take on the car of old.
Of course, this is just an exercise, or more a demonstration of what Makkina can achieve. That said, there is a BMW i3 under there, so this one does indeed drive. It’s no static display piece. From the outset, Makkina’s desire was to showcase the characteristics that made MVC575 such an important car. 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 optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, plus the uncompromising 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 true sports car should. 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.
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 are as compelling now as ever.”
As you might expect from such a stunning car, there is an interior to die for. Completely driver-focused, the cockpit envelops you with a pleasing snugness, much like the cabin of MVC575 would have done for Ken Richardson back in ’53. 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, which pays tribute to the ‘Jabbeke’ TR2’s wheel in period, will be where the driver can access driving modes, data and the car’s navigation system.
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 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].”
We adore this. Yes, it is ostensibly a new car, but there is no denying just how well the spirit of the TR2 of old has been meshed into this modern, rolling example of the most cutting edge technology. You can tell exactly what it’s paying homage to. We’d love to see it make it to production, but that’s probably not going to happen. So instead, let’s just enjoy and celebrate the fact that this has been built at all. This is clearly a passion project, and one that Makkina should be rightly proud of.
