<b>SCOOP</b>: Trident V8!

A Renaissance for V8 powered sportscars?

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 5 November 2002 / Loading comments

Trident Sportscars, makers of the V6 engined Iceni have been conspicuously absent from the news of late. Initial rumours suggested a problem locating a supplier of windscreens but that wasn't sufficient to explain their prolonged absence.

We can now reveal what they've been up to for the last six months. After originally fitting the car with a GM V6, Trident are now working on a V8 version. Whilst the V6 was a very competent unit, if Trident want to have a crack at the US market - which they do - a V8 is essential. It's also stepping into the gap left by TVR's move to straight sixesx.

The unit being used is the GM Northstar V8. An aluminium engine with four valves per cylinder it has been in use in Cadillacs for some time but in a front wheel drive, transversely mounted configuration. For 2003, Cadillac have turned the engine through 90 degrees and are driving the rear wheels of the new Cadillac XLR.

The 2003 spec of the Nortstar V8 also benefits from other improvements including continuously variable valve timing and fly-by-wire throttle. That engine produces 315bhp in standard trim.

The Northstar has built itself on a reputation of 100,000 mile service intervals and the ability to limp home with no coolant if necessary. That reputation is serving it well and now that it can work in RWD configurations (4WD soon), it is in demand from specialist manufacturers. This could mark the beginning of an exciting new era for sportscar makers seeking proven, yet modern V8 power for their cars.

Links:: www.tridentcar.com PH Road Test