Captain Electro

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Triumph TR2 Zaps Back to Life as an Electric Whirlwind

Now then, settle in, folks. We've got a tale that'll charge your day faster than a supercapacitor. Picture this: you're a revered but long-dormant British marque, and some clever London chaps fancy you for an electric makeover. That's precisely what's just happened with the illustrious Triumph TR2, which now zaps along as the lightweight electric sports car known as the TR25. 

In the hushed corridors of the design firm Makkina, the whizzing electrons of this audacious project started circling. From the brains behind closed doors came this electrifyingly modern, beautifully simple design, borrowing the chassis and other bits from the bygone BMW i3. You know, the car that tried to make us believe that mobility could be clean and, dare I say, fashionable? It did alright.

Now, the TR25 isn't just any hodgepodge of spare parts. It's a cheeky nod to a speed demon of yesteryears – the iconic 1953 'Jabbeke' Triumph TR2, the little beast that broke speed records and looked terrific doing it. However, this reincarnation isn't just about breaking records or tugging at nostalgic heartstrings. It's a statement. 

To be clear, the TR25 isn't going to pop out of any production line soon. As Michael Ani, Makkina's head honcho, put it, the project is a "reawakening." A hat-tip to the Triumph legacy, if you will, sprinkled with a fair dose of electric dreams. But let's not mistake it for another reincarnation saga. Nope, this one is a one-of-a-kind show car, the very first public unveiling of Makkina's work.

For Ani and his design gurus, resurrecting the Triumph badge was about more than just reviving a name. It was about injecting a bit of fun and British charm into an era obsessed with battery packs and range anxiety. Apparently, all it took was a year, a spark of inspiration, and a lot of foam to model the TR25. And let's not forget the digital magic of computer-sided styling to get that just-right blend of retro and modern.

Looking at the specs, the TR25's got some serious spark. Weighing in at 1,095 kg – about 200 kg lighter than the BMW i3 S – and with a 0-62mph acceleration of 5.2 seconds, it's got a bit of a zip. And with an estimated top speed of 115 mph and a range of 190 miles, it's not just a pretty face. 

So, here we have it, folks – a blast from the past, re-energized for the future. The TR25 has brought back the spirit of the Triumph brand and made it as exciting as any sports car has ever been. Now, whether this will ignite a full-blown Triumph revival that's anybody's guess. But for now, the TR25 is a tantalizing glimpse into what could be, reminding us that even in the age of electric, cars can still be simple, beautiful, and fun. 

And isn't that what driving is really all about?

Yours truly,

Captain Electro