Biodiesel power for Brit supercar

Britain's first lean, green performance machine - the Trident Iceni - is finally here

Auto Express Car Reviews

British firm Trident has sourced a V8 diesel from an Isuzu pick-up to power its new coupé

By Mat Watson

18th April 2007

It's nearly seven years since the first prototype was unveiled, but Norfolk firm Trident has taken until now to get its biodiesel-powered supercar ready for sale.

Driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed manual gearbox, the unit can propel the Iceni from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and on to 170mph

There have been a few changes made to the original concept. The production model has a redesigned front end with new headlamps, a fresh bonnet that features aggressive air vents, and a revised front bumper.

Under the skin, the chassis has been lengthened and widened for improved handling and ride, but the most significant change is to the engine. Sourced from an Isuzu pick-up, the front-mounted 6.6-litre V8 diesel is tuned to deliver 375bhp and 383Nm of torque.

Driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed manual gearbox, the unit can propel the Iceni from 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds and on to 170mph. But what is really amazing is how little the £60,000 car should cost to own. Capable of 70mpg and with 100,000-mile service intervals, the Iceni is set to be the cheapest supercar to run, and also the most planet-friendly.

And for those after more performance, Trident will make an 'R' model, which uses an uprated V8 tuned to deliver 550bhp and 700Nm of torque. This extra power should cut the car's 0-60mph time to around three seconds and give a theoretical top speed of 230mph. The Iceni R will cost £75,000 and, as with the standard car, comes with a three-year powertrain warranty.