RE: <b>SCOOP</b>: Trident V8!
Tuesday 5th November 2002
SCOOP: Trident V8!
A Renaissance for V8 powered sportscars?
Discussion
nice. very nice.
I always thougth the Iceni was a very nice car that could really have done with a V8.
Most of the problem for small volume builders these days is simply getting a hold of a V8 engine they can use. All too often big manufactors won't let them use their engines.
And it is very significant that it steps into the gap left by TVR, when the Chimeara finally ends production then TVR won't have a "normal" V8 in its range anymore.
If someone wants an affordable front engine rearwheel drive V8 sports car then it'll have to be this.
I can't think of any others in production (in this country)
Andy
Ps I just know someone will step in and name a low volume car maker who still makes V8 cars. Morgen don't count cos their cars cost as much as houses and you have to wait for eternity to get one.
I always thougth the Iceni was a very nice car that could really have done with a V8.
Most of the problem for small volume builders these days is simply getting a hold of a V8 engine they can use. All too often big manufactors won't let them use their engines.
And it is very significant that it steps into the gap left by TVR, when the Chimeara finally ends production then TVR won't have a "normal" V8 in its range anymore.
If someone wants an affordable front engine rearwheel drive V8 sports car then it'll have to be this.
I can't think of any others in production (in this country)
Andy
Ps I just know someone will step in and name a low volume car maker who still makes V8 cars. Morgen don't count cos their cars cost as much as houses and you have to wait for eternity to get one.
A fully-qualified WOW! needed for this one. At least the styling's sorted from the prototype, which was modelled on a hiking boot. Nice to see Trident living up to their heritage as well - back in the '60s and '70s they had the Clipper and the Venturer - identical GTs except one had a V6 and the other an American Ford V8. I think this one will sell. TVR had better be worried
PetrolTed said: Apparently the Northstar can be had for about $4000 from GM. I have one source who reckons TVR did investigate the idea but rejected it.
Surely not, that wouldn't be the best way to promote their engines. From Spa we know that a Speed Six can last for 24 hours and more under true RACE CONDITIONS (and that's totally different to every day use. I saw the rev graphs
trust me 
).
PetrolTed said: Apparently the Northstar can be had for about $4000 from GM.
A 325 hp LS1 crate engine, as used in a Camaro or Firebird, costs about $5750 from a Chevrolet dealership in the US. It's a relatively simple 2 valve, pushrod V8. DOHC 4 valve V8's cost more than that. I don't see how it's possible for a Northstar to cost less. Either engine would certainly cost less if bought in volume by a car manufacturer from GM, but still, $4000?
Not surprising really, given Peter Wheeler's allegedly xenophobic attitude towards foreign engines and drivetrain.
PetrolTed said:Apparently the Northstar can be had for about $4000 from GM. I have one source who reckons TVR did investigate the idea but rejected it.
Mind you, I can in part see where he's coming from - a TVR with an American V8 in it wouldn't seem right somehow, no matter how attractive the idea sounds.
>> Edited by JonRB on Wednesday 6th November 09:47
Quote: "One thing - how come Trident haven't updated their website to mention the V8? Can't find a mention anywhere."
Probably because Trident reckon the V8 prototype won't be ready until mid-2003 so what's the point inviting enquiries from people about something they can't yet get?
That's also the reason Trident haven't attended any motor shows recently.
Pistonheads piece followed casual chat, not official announcement, but Ted figured you lot would like to know.
Naturally a Pistonheads test drive is already booked for 'sometime next year'...
Probably because Trident reckon the V8 prototype won't be ready until mid-2003 so what's the point inviting enquiries from people about something they can't yet get?
That's also the reason Trident haven't attended any motor shows recently.
Pistonheads piece followed casual chat, not official announcement, but Ted figured you lot would like to know.
Naturally a Pistonheads test drive is already booked for 'sometime next year'...
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