The 1990 MVS Venturi: A French Mid-Engine Sports Car Ahead of Its Time
In a detailed examination, the 1990 MVS Venturi emerges as a distinctive figure in the realm of exotic sports cars, charting a course divergent from its more established Italian counterparts. This vehicle, first highlighted in May 1989, represents a unique confluence of innovative manufacturing, refined design, and an unexpected emphasis on driver and passenger comfort. Its narrative is one of a small French manufacturer daring to challenge the prevailing norms of the high-performance automobile sector, prioritizing user experience and intelligent engineering over the raw, often uncompromising, character of other supercars of its era. The article delves into the origins of MVS, its strategic operational model, and the car's reception, offering insights into what made the Venturi both an intriguing proposition and a commercial challenge.
The genesis of MVS is attributed to engineer Claude Poiraud and stylist Gérard Godfroy, who, driven by a shared ambition to create a French sports car, initiated their project in 1984. Their initial full-scale model, constructed on VW GTI mechanicals, garnered sufficient interest at the 1984 Paris Auto Show to secure foundational investment. This early success led to a pivotal alliance with French racecar builder Jean Rondeau in mid-1985 for advanced development. The collaborative effort culminated in a substantially revised prototype by late 1985, featuring a new front suspension system and an upgraded engine, which was subsequently showcased at the 1986 Paris exhibition. By the close of 1986, the Venturi had achieved French government homologation, paving the way for the construction of a manufacturing facility. The inaugural production model was completed in spring 1987, marking its availability in several European markets, with plans for expansion into Japan and the U.S. coinciding with the article's publication. This rapid progression underscores MVS's exceptional organizational efficiency and strategic vision.
A cornerstone of MVS's philosophy was its unconventional approach to automotive manufacturing. Rather than emulating industry giants by producing all components in-house, MVS opted for a streamlined model: focusing on initial design and development, then outsourcing parts and subassemblies to specialized external firms, and finally undertaking the crucial task of final assembly. This 'contractor' model, akin to practices in home construction or defense industries, contrasted sharply with the tendencies of other low-volume car manufacturers who often attempted comprehensive in-house production, a strategy the authors identify as a common misstep. This lean operational structure allowed MVS to leverage existing, proven components from other manufacturers, such as the turbocharged 2.5-liter PRV V-6 engine from Renault, its transaxle, and braking system, alongside BMW taillights. This not only optimized costs but also ensured a degree of reliability and durability that bespoke components might not have guaranteed, all while maintaining the vehicle's exotic appeal.
The Venturi's design triumphs extended beyond its mechanical composition to its ergonomic considerations, setting it apart as an exotic car that prioritized comfort. Unlike many mid-engine sports cars known for their challenging entry/exit and cramped interiors, the Venturi featured notably low sills and a high door cut, facilitating ease of access. Its driving position was remarkably normal, free from the intrusion of front wheel housings, offering generous cockpit space even for taller individuals. A significant achievement was the absence of substantial blind spots, enhancing safety and driving experience. These thoughtful design elements were integrated without compromising structural rigidity; despite its welcoming interior, the Venturi boasted a remarkably stiff chassis. The car tested, having accrued over 2000 miles, exhibited minimal rattles or creaks, testifying to its robust construction. This blend of comfort, solidness, and meticulous interior craftsmanship, utilizing leather and wood burl, marked a distinct departure from the sport-first ethos of Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Lotus, which often sacrificed creature comforts for performance. The MVS Venturi aimed to deliver an exotic driving experience that was both thrilling and remarkably hospitable.
While the MVS Venturi distinguished itself with comfort and meticulous craftsmanship, it also offered a respectable performance profile. The car achieved 0-to-60 mph in 6.7 seconds, a notable feat for its time, partly attributed to its rear weight bias and effective Michelin tires. Braking performance was solid, stopping from 70 mph in 177 feet. Its handling was characterized as predictable and forgiving, providing ample warning before reaching its limits, and the controls, particularly the clutch, were noted for their user-friendliness. The turbocharged nature of the engine was apparent, with a slight turbo lag preceding a smooth, polite surge of power, contributing to the car's refined yet capable character. However, no vehicle is without its imperfections. Criticisms included the intrusive turbo noise from the air intake, a somewhat challenging neutral engagement in the shifter, and borderline stability at higher speeds, particularly as triple-digit velocities approached. The air conditioning system was also deemed potentially inadequate for intense American summers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the consensus highlighted the Venturi as a genuinely intriguing and largely painless exotic sports car, offering a novel blend of luxury and performance. The market, however, remained a challenge; despite its compelling attributes and a price point only slightly below a Ferrari 328GTB, MVS faced the uphill battle of establishing a new brand without the legacy of its more famous competitors. North American MVS, the Miami-based importer, harbored ambitious plans to sell 300 Venturis in its inaugural year, a testament to their confidence in the car's unique appeal. The ultimate question remained whether its agreeable nature and intelligent design would be enough to carve out a significant niche in a market often swayed by brand prestige and raw, uncompromising sportiness.