Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true

Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni

If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?

With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.

[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]

Press Release:

Trident Iceni nears production

* 200mph sports car reaps 70mpg

* Technology allows use of 100% biodiesel

Trident Performance Vehicles have designed and produced a two-seater sports car that can reach over 200mph, get from 0-60mph in under 4 seconds and deliver up to 100mpg*.

Whilst city cars (MEGA City, Ze-O, G-Wiz) work brilliantly for people who live and work in a city, Trident represent those that travel on the M1, the M4, the M6 to get to work, people who live in rural locations and those situations where electric cars are not (for the time being) viable due to their comparitively short range. In the meantime, the Trident Iceni offers current technology that is available now which reduces fuel consumption and therefore reduces emissions.

It's a diesel sports car and if you're able to obtain any kind of biodiesel, this can be used without any invalidation of warranty, adjustment to the engine or affect on performance.

Their fantastic fuel economy is achieved through technology called torque multiplication and it can be applied to all diesel cars (the popularity of which is growing year on year versus petrol cars), buses, lorries and trains. It's available now, requires no further research and development and can make an immediate difference to the amount of emissions diesel vehicles produce. In short, Trident have the solution to what we're told is a huge problem.

So serious is the concern about carbon reduction, the Government affiliates itself with a number of organisations that exist to provide grants to people and/or companies that can contribute to or offer a solution.

Carbon Trust, EEDA (East of England Development Agency), Carbon Connections, HGCA (Home Grown Cereals Association), EEMS (Energy Efficiency in Motor Sport), Energy Savings Trust, Renewables East to name a few. Trident have applied to all the above mentioned agencies for grants and have received nothing – not a penny. Not only have they received no money but have struggled to get reasons for why they have failed and have been unable to find out who has received grants.

The team at Trident have invested £2.3m in the project which has enabled the completion of all the development needed to get the Iceni into production. They're now seeking funds to make this happen and satisfy their growing bank of customers.

*68.9mph at a constant 70mph was the first recorded test at Millbrook Proving Ground. The figure naturally improve at lower speeds – at 30mph, Trident's initial tests returned 108mpg. This is yet to be confirmed but they don't believe in quoting a figure for 30mph as this is unrealistic – unless you drive exclusively in a city.

The Iceni is a traditional grand tourer. With a full tank of diesel, you can expect to travel around 2000 miles without needing to fill up.

The boot has space for luggage and golf clubs – enough for a two week holiday.

The chassis is made from stainless steel and is guaranteed against corrosion for 100 years and the body is made from composite and can therefore never rust or degrade.

Trident Iceni – specification

On the road price


£75,000.00

Insurance group (est)


18

0-60mph


3.7 seconds

Top speed


200mph+

At constant 70mph


68.9mpg+

Wheelbase (mm)


2650

Front track (mm)


1650

Rear track (mm)


1690

Overall length (mm)


4200

Overall width (mm)


1950

Overall height (mm)


1220

Kerb weight (kgs)


1480

Engine


6.6 TD V8

Max power


550bhp@3800rpm

Max torque


950lb/ft@1800rpm

Specific output


83bhp per litre

Power to weight ratio


402bhp per tonne

Installation


Longitudinal, front, rear-wheel-drive, rear gearbox

Construction


Alloy heads and iron block

Valve gear


4 per cylinder

Ignition and fuel


Bosch sequential injection, fly-by-wire throttle

Gearbox type


8-speed automatic

Final drive


2.56

Suspension


Front & rear double wishbones, coil springs, anti- roll bar

Steering


Rack & pinion, power assisted, 2.7 turns lock to lock to lock

Brakes front dia (mm)


365

Brakes rear dia (mm)


320

Wheels front


20" x 9.5"

Wheels rear


20" x 11"

Tyres front


255 x 35 x 20

Tyres rear


335 x 30 x 20 .