The automotive design house Makkina created a new fully electric concept car, the TR25, to remember the British sports car brand Triumph and its iconic TR2 record breaker.

Unveiled in London on Thursday last week, the TR25 created by Makkina is a celebration of the great British roadster, paying homage to the record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ Triumph TR2, MVC575, which broke the land speed record for production cars under two liters in May 1953 on the highway patch in Belgium, between Ostend and Bruges.

Today, 70 years after its record was secured and 100 years since the Triumph name first appeared on a production car, Makkina celebrates these birthdays with the TR 25 “to embody the record-breaking car’s attributes in a contemporary way with realistic proportions that remain true to the Triumph brand”.

Jabbeke 1953

Making its name in speed record history, the Triumph TR2 MVC575 competed famously in its speed trials in Jabekke in 1953. The original ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 was memorable, achieving an impressive and record-breaking speed of 124,889 mph (200,96 kph) with test driver Ken Richardson at the wheel.

The ‘Jabbeke’ TR2, or MVC575, was a pre-production prototype car featuring streamlined parts, including an under shield, rear-wing spats, and a metal cockpit cover. The color of the car, a pale blue-green hue, has now become synonymous with the ‘Jabbeke’ TR2. The original car currently resides at the renowned British Motor Museum in Gaydon, UK.

From the outset, Makkina desired to showcase the characteristics that made MVC575 such an iconic car. The front end has two distinctive headlights – synonymous with subsequent Triumph sports cars – sleek, aerodynamically-optimized exterior surfaces, the single-seat configuration with an optional flip-out jump seat for the passenger, and the uncompromising driver-focused cabin.

BMW i3 platform

Using an all-electric BMW i3S as a platform, Makkina has given the TR25 a nearly 50-50 weight distribution, allowing it to corner as a genuine sports car should. Coupled with a low center of gravity and compact proportions, the i3S is the perfect foundation.

Michael Ani, Director at Makkina, said: “Our aim was to update the true character of the original record-breaking ‘Jabbeke’ TR2 with our design, through interior and exterior design. The BMW i3S platform allows us to blend 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.”

No unnecessary distractions

With a minimalistic interior, the TR25’s cockpit aims to place the driver in a setting without unnecessary distractions. Minimal instruments and controls allow for the enjoyment of a pure driving experience. The single-seat layout enhances this true sports car feeling.

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, a tribute to the ‘Jabbeke’ TR2’s wheel, will be where the driver can access driving modes, data, and the car’s navigation system.

Also celebrating a significant anniversary, the former Triumph Motor Company name remains synonymous with the iconic British sports car, 100 years since the company built its first vehicle. “With the blessing of BMW Group, who own the rights to the Triumph name, Makkina is proud to bring its TR25 to life,” says the press release.

Michael Ani again: “Triumph is a 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 special place in our hearts at Makkina.”

Behind the scenes

Founded in London in 1998 by Michael Ani, Makkina has been offering its services to leading and emerging automotive brands and is recognized within the industry for its work. It has never been public-facing until now.

Makkina works with OEMs and other automotive clients to create show cars and production-validated designs for exteriors and interiors. One thing remains constant: “Makkina understands its position as curator of each brand it works with, creating a design that resonates irrespective of the brand feel to take it forward. Working in the automotive design industry for 25 years, Makkina comprises a creative design team that puts its heart and soul into any project it takes on,” the press release concludes.