Tom Walkinshaw Racing, also known as TWR, was a renowned British motorsport and engineering company, which achieved success in Formula 1 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Involved in the development of various road cars, TWR eventually faced financial difficulties and went under in 2002, largely due to the mounting debts associated with its acquisition of the Arrows F1 team six years prior.
However, the legacy of TWR continues to live on, as Fergus Walkinshaw, the son of the company’s founder Tom Walkinshaw, is now working on a new venture in the automotive industry. Fergus Walkinshaw has revived the TWR name and is operating under it to launch a new performance car marque. This exciting development was announced recently, accompanied by the release of a teaser image of TWR’s first project, with more details set to be revealed soon.
Based in Newbury, United Kingdom, the new TWR already boasts a considerable team of engineers. Their primary objective is to create bespoke vehicles that excel in performance engineering. The company intends to combine modern materials with an analog driving experience, possibly indicating that some of their models may feature manual transmissions, catering to car enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile connection with the vehicle.
In addition to designing their own cars from scratch, TWR will also collaborate with other established car companies on performance-related projects. This approach draws parallels with the original Tom Walkinshaw Racing, which worked on numerous successful collaborations in the past. Some notable projects include the development of the early line of HSV-tuned Holden Commodores, the Aston Martin DB7, as well as Jaguar’s XJS, XJR-15, and XJ220. By working with established car manufacturers, TWR aims to leverage their expertise and resources to create exceptional performance vehicles.
Fergus Walkinshaw expressed his enthusiasm for the new TWR venture, stating, “We have scoured the performance and motorsport engineering worlds to assemble an incredibly talented technical team, including some members who were part of the original TWR. This new generation of TWR is first and foremost an engineering company that will make cars, rather than a carmaker doing engineering.” This statement emphasizes the company’s commitment to prioritizing the engineering aspect of car manufacturing, ensuring that the TWR brand embodies technical excellence and innovation.
The revival of TWR is significant not only for automotive enthusiasts but also for the wider industry. It represents the continuation of a renowned British legacy in motorsport and engineering, with the potential to create groundbreaking vehicles that push the boundaries of performance. The combination of modern materials and analog driving experiences presents an exciting prospect for car enthusiasts who value both technological advancements and the undiluted joy of driving.
As TWR embarks on this new chapter, automotive enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly await further details on their first project. With a talented team of engineers and a commitment to delivering cutting-edge performance vehicles, TWR has the potential to make a significant impact in the automotive world. Fergus Walkinshaw’s dedication to honoring his father’s legacy by revitalizing the TWR brand demonstrates a passion for excellence and a determination to carve out a new path in the industry.
In conclusion, the revival of TWR under Fergus Walkinshaw’s guidance marks a promising new era in the automotive industry. Building on the legacy of the original Tom Walkinshaw Racing, TWR is poised to create bespoke performance vehicles that amalgamate modern materials with an analog driving experience. Collaborating with established car manufacturers further enhances their capabilities and reinforces their commitment to engineering excellence. With anticipation building, the automotive world eagerly awaits the unveiling of TWR’s first project, which promises to push the envelope of performance engineering.