British sports car manufacturer TVR has proudly announced a 3 year/36,000 mile mechanical warranty for all cars registered from 1st March 2005 (05 plate onwards). Since it's acquisition in July 2004 by Nikolai Smolenski TVR has undergone a thorough review of component quality and manufacturing processes that has, for the first time, included testing the cars abroad in harsh climates. Never before has so much effort and resource been applied to TVR development. Cars have been tested at high altitudes, at extreme temperatures, with low-grade fuel and at prolonged high speeds in Bahrain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the USA. The driveline, air conditioning and heat shielding were particular areas of focus. Despite the fact that TVR's have never undergone this kind of testing before, the cars performed exceptionally well. Changes have been small, but many, with an emphasis on component durability and manufacturing consistency. Just as important as the international test programme is the work closer to home, focusing on the quality of components and the ways in which the cars are manufactured. Of course, TVR has also benefited from motorsport testing of the Speed Six engine now fitted to every model in either 3.6 litre or 4.0 litre versions. The road-going 4.0 Speed Six is virtually identical to the Tuscan 400R engines that completed Les 24 Heures du Mans 2004 and which have also numerous class and outright wins in GT Endurance racing. Press reviews and customer feedback have already recognized the significant steps made in vehicle quality and it is a measure of TVR's confidence that it will support a longer mechanical warranty term. TVR Head of Marketing Phil James says, "We think the improvements in quality and durability will be warmly welcomed. You can't see them but you will appreciate them every day you drive a TVR." TVR's previous warranty term was one year/unlimited mileage with a two year/unlimited mileage term for the engine. The options list included a second top-up year for the car that was standard on the range-topping Tuscan S as a precursor to the longer mechanical warranty to be introduced from 1st March 2005.