Performance Review: TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 - [2001]

Figures & Specs Summary:

TVR Chimaera Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2001. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2001 Lamborghini Diablo GTR 6.0L V12 and the 2002 Ferrari Enzo 6.0 V12.This particular TVR Chimaera has a 4997cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Chimaera shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Chimaera's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1060 kgs (2336 lbs) this makes the TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 in the same weight category as the 2016 Abarth 124 Spider 1.4 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The TVR Chimaera shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 4997cc 16V V8 engine produces 320 bhp (238 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 320 lb-ft (433.8 Nm) @ 4000 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the TVR Chimaera you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0 V10 Spyder (326.7 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the TVR Chimaera.

The TVR Chimaera has a Power to weight ratio of 301.8 bhp per ton and 301.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2001 Chimaera competing with the 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo 5.0 V10 Spyder (326.7 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Noble M12 GTO 3R (325.9 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the TVR Chimaera generating around 301.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2001 Noble M12 GTO 2.6 V6 Turbo (326.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 1968 Iso Grifo 7 Litre (326.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.2 secs, this made the TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 as fast as the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (4.10 secs) the 2022 BMW 2 Series M2 3.0 Twin Turbo G87 (4.10 secs) the 2022 Lotus Emira First Edition 3.5 V6 Supercharged (4.10 secs) the or the 2022 BMW XM 4.4 V8 Twin Turbo G09 (4.10 secs). This TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 is also faster than the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.20 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo G42 (4.20 secs) the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 5.2 V8 (4.20 secs) the and the 2020 Lotus Elise Sport 220 1.8 Supercharged (4.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Chimaera and the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA - Classic JDM

When talking about the performance of the TVR Chimaera on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.26 secs @ 111.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 Subaru Impreza WRX Type RA - Classic JDM (12.20 secs), the 2008 Audi A4 S4 3.0 V6 (12.21 secs), and the 2004 Mercedes SLK Class 55 AMG (12.23 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2001 version of the TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 has a maximum speed of 167mph.

Top Speed of the 2001 Chimaera equals the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4.0 V8 Turbo (178 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2001 TVR Chimaera 500 5.0L V8 then how about the 2019 Porsche Cayenne 4.0 V8 Turbo (178 mph), the 2017 Lotus Exige 380 3.5 V6 (178 mph), or the 2017 Lotus Exige 380 3.5 V6 Roadster (178 mph).

Related Links:

2001 Chimaera Rivals List.

A Brief History of TVR

Car Comparison