The Trident Iceni is proof of the Norfolk based company’s dedication, enthusiasm and belief in quality. For far too long the quest for a fuel-efficient sports car has been largely dominated by one approach, hybrid electric engines. But not nearly enough attention has been paid to the benefits of diesel power.
Long known in international racing circles, the UK’s Trident automotive manufacturer has produced award winning sport cars for many generations, so who better to put out a diesel powered four wheeled rocket? The Trident Iceni represents the culmination of Trident’s dream to produce a Grand Tourer equipped with unique features and innovations.
The first Trident Iceni, the convertible, has only been shown as the base model with three engine upgrades. The Magna, the fastback model, shows the first phase of body options, such as front and rear wing vents, side exhausts, and twin venturi’s through the hood (the twin venturi’s are only available with the ‘under development’ compound twin turbo engine option). The second phase body options will be shown on the launch of the third model in the Iceni range, the shooting brake.
The Iceni sports a 6.6-liter diesel V8 engine capable of producing 395 horsepower and delivers it to the Torque Multiplication innovation where it produces an incredible 700 pound-feet of torque, allowing a greener engine to maintain Trident’s performance-driven philosophy. To handle the power, Trident designed and manufactured its own gearbox and differential (trans-axle). The gearbox is a fluid drive to 1 mph then locks up to manual, has 6 gears as standard (a paddle-shift option is available), making the Iceni a two-pedal car.
The differential has a 10″ crown wheel and pinion, with a geared true track limited slip function. All that power and torque means the Inceni can nail 97 kph (60 mph) in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of over 190 mph, all while claiming a cruising range of around 3,218.7 kilometers (2,000 miles) on a single fill-up. Figures of 430 hp with 950 lbs/ft of torque, or 660 hp with 1,050 lbs/ft of torque are attained with performance package upgrades.
The Trident Iceni chassis is formed from special grade stainless steel (4003), that creates an extremely strong structure, with class-leading torsional rigidity and longevity (it comes with a 100 year guarantee). Incorporating a central, longitudinal spine, rollover bar and strategically-positioned folds and shapes, the chassis affords unsurpassed driver and passenger protection from front and rear impact, and the Iceni’s twin-baffled pontoon (50mm) outriggers provide impressive side impact protection.
The car incorporates over thirty-nine bespoked, designed and manufactured components including wheels, seats, air-vents, instruments, door-pulls, handles, occulight roof panels, lights, glass, grilles, gearbox and differential for a truly unique performance motoring experience. Alcon 400mm steel vented disc brakes at the front and 380mm steel vented discs at the rear, both with 6 pot Alcon calipers, gives the Iceni serious stopping power. Pro Flex fixed damper fast road shocks, with Eibach springs, give it incredibly confident ride and responsive handling.
Standard interior appointments include tilt and slide steering column, power assisted steering, air conditioning, electric windows and Konig K5000 G4 seats, trimmed in leather and alcantara. To keep you entertained, it features a CD/DAB receiver, with MP3 and Bluetooth. To keep you safe, these mean, green machines are equipped with antilock brakes, traction control and have driver and passenger airbags. Several high-end upgrade packages are available.
The Trident Iceni is proof of the Norfolk based company’s dedication, enthusiasm and belief in quality. All Iceni models start at around the $147,000 mark. To learn more, and/or purchase, visit them at tridentsportscars.com.
