With so many cars promising the world these days, British sports car->ke506 brand Trident->ke4461 is promising something completely different with the Iceni Magna, a fastback-styled sports coupe->ke506 that not only runs on a diesel->ke1917 engine, but also features torque multiplication technology, allowing to reach a top speed of 190 mph with a capability to cover 2,000 miles on a single tank.

Such a promise will definitely raise some eyebrows, but Trident is welcoming the curiosity because it believes it has a technology that could go a long way in redefining how automakers work on future powertrains. According to Trident, properly utilizing a car's torque numbers to "multiply" its effectiveness improves its car's performance and efficiency by up 20 percent. It's a technology that Trident has patented, so it certainly has enough faith in what it's created to take the time to secure the intellectual rights to it.

So that's what we're going to see on the Trident Iceni Magna. It's got an impressive look with splashes of retro inspiration and adding to that, a powertrain technology that promises loads of speed and efficiency the likes of which we haven't seen before.

Trident has said that availability for the model is limited and demand is pretty high, surprising for a brand that's not that well-known. Its demand is fairly obvious by its steep starting price of £96,000, which is about $161,500 based on current exchange rates.

Click past the jump to read more about the Iceni Magna.

2014 Trident Iceni Magna

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Trident Iceni Magna
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 395
  • Torque: 700
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

We're not quite sure yet what to make of Trident's torque multiplication technology until we see how the car performs on the road. But as far as the design of the Icenti Magna is concerned, we don't have any problems with it.

The fastback design features a stout rear end that curves into a sleek and clean front section. The high belt line of the sports coupe gives it that muscular look, while the headlights are straight out of yesteryear's car fashion. It's an eclectic mix of old-school and modern design cues, and it works for us,

Trident also indicated that the Iceni Magna will come with over 39 bespoke, designed and manufactured components. One said component is the oculight roof, which remains a mystery to us, but it sounds cool nonetheless Those are things to look out for when you're ready to spend over $160,000 for this car.

Drivetrain

The diesel power comes by way of a 6.6-liter turbo V-8 that puts down a healthy 395 horsepower and a stump-pulling 700 pound-feet of twist. Handling this power is a six-speed automatic transmission. With this combo in tow, the Iceni Magna hits 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaches 190 mph. Add to that a 2,000-mile range on a single fill-up and you have a winner.

For those who need a little more face pulling, the optional Performance Pack bumps power to 430 horsepower and 950 pound-feet of torque. If you are feeling really froggy -- and ready to fork out an extra £30,875 ($52,000) youcan opt for the Track Pack, which pushed the model to an unreal 660 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet.

Competitors

Maserati Gran Turismo

It's hard to make a comparison on a car that offers something completely different than the rest of the industry, not to mention has a price tag that's not commensurate to its performance capabilities but more so because of the said new technology it offers.

That's the conundrum in looking for a competitor for the Iceni Magna. But if you're looking at ti simply from a power and speed stand point, a supercar like the Maserati Granturismo Sport is an ideal alternative. It's not going to beat that mind-blowing 2,000 miles on a single tank of bio-diesel, but the GranTurismo does have the performance capabilities to keep pace with the base-level Iceni Magna. That's taken care of by a 4.7-liter, V-8 powerplant that pumps out 454 horsepower and 383 pound-feet, pushing the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and toward a top speed of 185 mph.

Naturally, the Maserati is expected to come with a more luxurious interior and wide range of personalization options. All that and the Granturismo "only" has a price tag of $126,500 for the coupe and $143,300 for the convertible, cheaper than what you stand to pay for the Iceni Magna.