Triumphant Return: BMW plans to revive the TR

[Wizzo]

BMW last week announced plans for a potential revival of the Triumph brand. The company plans to expand with the addition of new brands, one of which is tipped to be a classic marque, and Triumph is more more than likely to make the grade.

These pictures, first revealed by Auto Express magazine, indicate what a 21st century TR4 could look like if BMW decides to revive the brand.



BMW has owned the iconic British marque since 1994, which makes it an obvious choice for a comeback, and ideal as a rival to Mazda's MX-5. The company is keen to up the ante by producing more top-end models, and draw customers away from manufacturers such as Mercedes and Porsche.

Producing sports cars could also be beneficial to the German giant, as it would provide the opportunity to test lightweight materials before applying them to more conventional cars.

Little is confirmed about the Triumph revival, but more information is expected before the year is out.

[Steven Roy]

I didn't realise they had held on to any of the assets of the Leyland deals.  I thought they had bought the lot, taken the Mini and flogged off everything else.  Wonder what else they kept.

[Scott]

Cadillac grill, mini lights, anda Miata from the side.

[cosworth151]

BMW kept the rights toseveral of the former BL nameplates. Besides MINI and Triumph, I think they kept Standard, Riley and several others. The ill-fated MG-Rover got MG, Austin. Morris, Wolseley, Vanden Plas, Princess and Sterling. They got the use of Rover, but Ford had first call on that name if they ever gave it up. Ford did end up buying the Rover name from BMW.

China's Nanjing Automobile Group now owns what's left of MG-Rover and has said that it will bring MG back to the US market, with a factory in Oklahoma.