The TR2 gets zapped back to life, with scissors and shades…
It’s been a while since Triumph has trended, but now the inactive British marque just got an electric makeover. The legendary Triumph TR2 model has been converted – and now zaps and slaps as the TR25 Roadster concept.
The Dr Frankenstein here, however, wasn’t Triumph. That credit goes to Makkina, an independent design company from London.
Based on the iconic 1953 ‘Jabbeke’ Triumph TR2, which broke speed records (200 km/h) and is now retired in a museum – it’s a sly nod to yesterdays speed demons.
Before Makkina made plans, they had to get BMW to sign off the rights, which they did. Autograph taken, they now had BMW i3’s electric powertrain and underlying chassis at their disposal. Once the final design was approved the TR25 was born – the ’25’ signifying Makkina’s 25th anniversary.
To improve on aerodynamics and eliminate passengers, it was converted into a single-seater by using a metal cockpit cover. While the rest of the body panels are entirely carbon fibre, the overall design is a classic/futuristic trope. Its rounded fenders and bug-eyed headlamps are nods to the TR2, while its 21 inch alloys, scissor doors, and LED tail lamps are concept car touches.
Unlike the original there is now a reversing camera, and the weather protector screen above the dash is so tiny you have to replace your sunglasses with aerial goggles. The rear-mounted electric motor makes the same 135 kW as an i3 S, but with a quicker 0-100 km/h time (5.2 seconds) thanks to the TR25’s lower weight of 1,095 kg.
All it took was an idea, a year, and a lot of foam to model the TR25. It’s a nice hat tip to the Triumph legacy, injecting British charm into an era obsessed with battery packs and food delivery.
By Bill Varetimidis
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